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| The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling | 
 enlarge | Author: Annette Simmons
Publisher: Basic Books
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy Used: $1.90
You Save: $15.05 (89%)
New (9) Used (22) Collectible (2) from $1.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  64 reviews
Sales Rank: 143038
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 272
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7
ISBN: 0738206717
Dewey Decimal Number: 658.452
EAN: 9780738206714
ASIN: 0738206717
Publication Date: June 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Crisp, clean, unread paperback with light shelfwear to the covers - very nice!
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
Nearly everyone responds to a good yarn, and that's precisely the point behind The Story Factor by Annette Simmons. A "collaborative behavior" consultant to public and private organizations, Simmons argues that storytelling may just be the best management tool available to modern business leaders because it exerts influence in ways that other techniques cannot. And she doesn't suggest that stories be exclusively reserved for formal presentations, either; on the contrary, Simmons shows how they can be used effectively in small group settings and even one-on-one situations. She begins by describing six basic types that can be adapted to any circumstance (Who I Am, Why I Am Here, The Vision, Teaching, Values-In-Action, and I Know What You Are Thinking). She then offers pointers for finding them and advises that ideas be jotted down whenever they appear, built upon consistently, and practiced in private until the telling comes naturally. To that end, she includes helpful tips on presentation, noting that the words are only part of a package that includes body language, clothing, tone, and other components. Follow her lead and you'll likely never relate to any individual or group in the same way again. --Howard Rothman
Product Description
What's your story? Who are you? Where do you come from? What do you want? When you seek to influence others, you face these questions and more. Whether you're proposing a risky new venture, trying to close a deal, or leading a charge against injustice, you have a story to tell. Tell it well and you will create a shared experience with your listeners that can have profound results.In this highly accessible and groundbreaking book, Annette Simmons reminds us that the oldest tool of influence is also the most powerful. Showcasing over a hundred examples of effective storytelling drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables form around the world, Simmons illustrates how story can be used to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points, and directives can't. A great read, The Story Factor will guide and inspire you to become a more effective communicator.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 59 more reviews...
 Storytelling and so much more October 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book opened my eyes that storytelling is not only office gossip or stories told at sales presentations to entertain people. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can inspire, influence, and get your mind to open up. I thought it was well written and not like the dry reading many textbooks offer. It was entertaining and helped me to fully understand the impact storytelling has on us all.
 240 pages telling you that storytelling = influencing others... August 11, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book's sole focus and theme is to prove that stories are the best way to influence others. Subjective statements are used to prove this point...over and over again.
The sample stories in the book are too contrived or not very practical to use at work/meeting/home settings.
If you already use stories to influence people, or if you agree that the best way to influence someone is through stories, then you do not need this book.
NOT a book for people who want to know HOW to create and tell a good story. If that's what you want, pay more attention to co-workers who are good storytellers. Or find storytellers at your library/school, or go online and find professional storyteller videos.
If you want to learn the art of storytelling for the sake of the art itself (and not because you are trying to "influence" others), a good place to start is Jack McGuire's Creative Storytelling...it's centered on storytelling for children, but provides useful info on the process of creating, crafting, and telling stories.
 Necessary for any sales person May 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel
Stories are necessary in selling. Sometimes that's all that's necessary. This book lays out a great many interesting stories that are somewhat corny, but at the same time work very well under certain circumstances. I wanted to know new stories and this book does deliver on that account. It's an easy read, but a thought provoking book as well. We don't realize how often we are persuaded to do something, just because we heard of someone else doing it. I recommend it to anyone who is in the business of selling - which is all of us.
Not particularly helpful for learning how to create or tell a story March 27, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought this book based on its great reviews, but I have to say that I'm very disappointed. The book focuses on why to tell a story rather than just repeat a bunch of facts. The problem is, I was already convinced of this. Moreover, the book is largely just a continuous string of reasons to tell a story. Wouldn't it have been better to tell a story about creating a story? The stories that are listed in there are pretty good, but are lacking in number and not all that connected to the rest of the chapter.
I wanted to know how to create and tell stories. The book only spends a few pages addressing these issues. I say look for another book.
Power of telling stories explained by telling stories March 17, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
How can you highlight the importance of telling stories ? "Well ... by telling stories !" says Annette.
This book not only tells you "Why stories are important", but also tells you "How you can use them". There are enough stories in this book to sustain your interest. I bet, it will be hard for you to gobble through the material. Take time to read the material to assimilate the wealth of information.
Will this book make you an overnight story teller? NO. Will this book put you on the right path towards improving your story telling skills? YES. The author persuades you to use stories to get the attention of audience. However, storytelling is an art. You'll need lots of practice to master it.
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