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The Story Factor (2nd Revised Edition) (平装)
by Annette Simmons
| Category:
Running meetings & presentations, Presentation skills, Speaking skills |
| Market price: ¥ 198.00
MSL price:
¥ 178.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
An essential reading on the art of story-telling for leaders at all levels, this book shed light on how "truth well-told" can inspire, influence, and persuade. |
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AllReviews |
1 Total 1 pages 7 items |
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Library Journal (MSL quote), USA
<2007-11-04 00:00>
In this highly readable book, business communications consultant and author Simmons (Territorial Games) pitches storytelling as the modus operandi for business success. Identifying six stories one must learn how to tell "Who Am I," "Why I Am Here," "The Vision," "Teaching," "Values in Action," and "I Know What You Are Thinking" Simmons illustrates how they can be applied under any circumstance. A successor to Dale Carnegie's classic How To Win Friends and Influence People, this work follows the format of a traditional textbook, mirroring a PowerPoint presentation with minimal text and maximum graphics, bullet-pointing, etc. Potentially useful as a communications text, this is a viable selection for public libraries looking to strengthen their business communications collection. |
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Donald Mitchell (MSL quote), USA
<2007-11-04 00:00>
Having loved stories as a youngster (especially the Greek myths as related by my mother), I lost sight of the power of stories until I became a management consultant. I realized that the sales and education process both relied on simple, powerful stories rather than rational evidence. I again forgot about stories until I heard Howard Gardner talking about their primary significance for leaders. I then made a point to write all of my books by using as many complex, nuanced and persuasive stories as possible. Many people have praised me as a natural story teller, so I thought was done with the subject. Then, just last month, I heard Steve Denning talk about his experience in using stories to launch knowledge management at the World Bank. Oops! Here were new story ideas for me.
I ordered Denning's excellent book, The Leader's Guide to Storytelling . . . and decided to check out Amazon.com to see who else had written highly rated books on the subject. Annette Simmons' The Story Factor jumped out at me. When I examined both books, I realized that The Story Factor should be read first. It provides the overview that we all need on this subject as speakers and writers.
Ms. Simmons begins by describing six archetypal stories that we need to know how to tell: Who I Am; Why I Am Here; Vision; Teaching; Values-in-Action; and I Know What You're Thinking.
I was impressed to see these categories in print. As a consultant, I have been coaching leaders for over 30 years on how to fill in their repertoire of stories from categories that they usually ignore (especially, I Know What You're Thinking).
Having laid out that agenda, the rest of the chapters focus on "what" and "how to" elements:
What Is Story?
What Story Can Do that Facts Can't
How to Tell a Good Story
The Psychology of Story's Influence
Sound Bite or Epic?
Influencing the Unwilling, Unconcerned, or Unmotivated
Storylistening as a Tool of Influence
Storyteller Dos and Don'ts
The Life of a Storyteller
The book also contains a valuable bibliography that is worth the price of this volume.
Having read this book, I think I've finally gotten the point that I need to work on my stories... and not just every 15 years or so.
Give this book to those you love... and keep a copy for yourself! |
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D. B. Lipman (MSL quote), USA
<2007-11-04 00:00>
This book does what any book about applied storytelling should do: it describes how to apply storytelling without compromising storytelling's artistic heart.
Annette offers the book as a way to achieve "inspiration, influence and persuasion." By the end of the book, the reader learns that the "secret" of influence is, in fact, what has drawn so many fans to the art of storytelling: stories persuade because they lead us to the common ground of mutual respect - not by giving one party a secret weapon with which to manipulate the other. In Annette's words:
"Story doesn't grab power. Story creates power.... As a storyteller you borrow a story's power to connect people to what is important and to help them make sense of their world." (Page 29).
"The Story Factor" is my favorite "storytelling in business" book. To be sure, I had the pleasure of writing the forward to it. I did so in part because Annette has been my student in storytelling as well as my mentor in my own work with businesses. But I would never write a forward to any book in which I did not believe as deeply as I believe in my own books. I receive no payment from sales of "The Story Factor."
Here are some particular things I liked about "The Story Factor":
1. The description of the "Six Stories You Need to Know How to Tell" is worth the price of the book. People want the answers to certain questions before they'll give you a chance to persuade them of anything. These six stories achieve some of your essential interpersonal goals right away, and lay the groundwork for you to achieve the others.
2. In the chapter called "What Stories Do That Facts Can't," Annette shows how your stories can de-escalate conflict, side-step traps laid for you, avoid the "because I said so" kind of arguments, broaden a discussion by grounding it in a wider reality, etc.
3. One of Annette's chapters takes up one of my least favorite questions: "How do I tell a good story?" Why do I dread being asked that question? Because it seems to pre-suppose that there is a recipe for telling stories that works in all situations. In her characteristic Aikido-like way, however, Annette directs her readers to follow solid, easy-to-use advice that doesn't lock them into a limited formula. She briefly and convincingly outlines nine key points to keep in mind - that will nearly guarantee good telling.
4. Annette's tone hits that "sweet spot" between the hype of so many pop business books, on the one hand, and the dense, soggy prose that deadens so many academic-type books on communication, business strategies, etc., on the other. She speaks to her reader with conversational ease - but without "selling" or oversimplifying.
5. Annette's book is filled with memorable, well-told stories. Some are brief enough to throw into a conversation; others could be the keystone of a speech. The story about the red and green shoes is now part of my permanent mental landscape, as are the burning piano and the silent door-to-door salesman. With few exceptions, Annette integrates the stories into her chapters, rather than separating them into self-contained boxes. She never says why; I'll bet, though, that it's because she believes that stories persuade best when they aren't self-consciously introduced as "stories," but when they flow out of your very being, your attitude toward your listeners, and your commitment to your message.
If you care at all about using storytelling in an organization, for persuasion, or to get across a personal message, you'd be foolish to pass up this book. Beginners in the use of story will be well guided; experts will find great new stories to tell as well as a clear, systematic exposition of how story works in practice - and, underlying it all, a refreshing, inspiring perspective about how humans actually persuade each other. This book is not only about influence; it has already become highly influential. Miss it at you own risk! |
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Rolf Dobelli (MSL quote), Switzerland
<2007-11-05 00:00>
Annette Simmons is thoroughly convincing in her assertion that the best way to influence and inspire others is to tell stories. Unfortunately, she is a bit heavy-handed on the "why" of storytelling, which she explains in depth in every chapter, and a shade light regarding "how" to accomplish her lofty goals. Simmons explains that telling people an engaging story is far more persuasive than reciting facts and figures, or showing a PowerPoint presentation. To illustrate her position, Simmons uses good stories and parables as examples. She describes the six categories of stories you can use to connect with and influence people, and she offers suggestions on how to become a prolific, entertaining storyteller. This is not a typical "how-to" book with lists of things to do, but it is instructive and useful. We recommend it to anyone who is interested in the art of persuasion or who loves a good yarn. |
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Robert Karstens (MSL quote), USA
<2007-11-05 00:00>
From the moment I started reading The Story Factor I was satisfied. Finally a book that explains why stories are such effective communication tools. As a trainer and communication consultant I was looking for the deep structure behind storytelling. It's all here: how stories move and motivate people, the six kinds of stories you need to tell, the psychology of influence and how a good story trumps the facts. The author includes her own stories and draws upon those from other cultures as well. Nearly every page is complete with examples and anecdotes you can take into the classroom or boardroom.
It's a practical book. For example, chapter seven deals with convincing the "unwilling, unconcerned or unmotivated." While there are no surefire remedies for every situation, Ms. Simmons provides a common-sense overview of resistance and some skillful ways to work with it. Even if you're not telling stories regularly the psychology lesson is valuable. True, this is not a paint-by-numbers book because good story telling is too subtle for simple how-to formulae. You learn the art of storytelling by telling lots of stories.
The Story Factor provides solid structural principles and the tips and ideas to stimulate creativity. Start telling stories and use the book as a guide. The style is fast and readable with catchy phrases and subheads. My copy is thoroughly underlined and annotated so I'll never be able to resell it! If you're interested in how to craft stories that sell, motivate, inspire and persuade you'll be glad you bought this book. |
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Sherry L. Decker (MSL quote), USA
<2007-11-05 00:00>
Finally, a management book that isn't filled with trite one sentence solutions to complicated problems. The author points out that in order to succeed, in business or life, other people must trust you and your goals. The way to exert influence and gain this trust is through opening up lines of communications via stories.
Everyone has a story to tell. With books, plays and movies people find stories intriguing because they reveal truths and emotions that are universal. Tapping into this universal appeal is the key to influencing others.
I found this book, with it's plethora of stories and examples, an excellent how-to guide. Not only are the stories entertaining, but they are arranged in 6 categories which allows the reader to easily apply them to specific situations. An interesting by-product is that I now listen more intently to other's stories and file them away in my mind for future reference. I have not only become a better communicator, I have become a better listener. |
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Tim W. Hrastar (MSL quote), USA
<2007-11-05 00:00>
I coach and consult with lawyers on improving their presentation skills. In doing so I am always looking for new ways to give them insight into how best to communicate. That's the reason I read The Story Factor, by Annette Simmons. It was extremely helpful to me in putting the subject into perspective. Many lawyers have told me that the most successful trial lawyers they have encountered were successful because they told good stories. Stories that grabbed the jurors and judges attention. As the saying goes; "Facts get people to think, emotion gets them to act!" This book was very helpful in learning that. It's an art that can be learned. Obviously not everyone looks at this book the same way. But for me it was a great read, and I learned a lot! As the saying goes,you can't judge a book by its cover, just as you can't judge it's contents by one negative review! Read the Story Factor! |
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1 Total 1 pages 7 items |
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