The text covers the most important story types to tell in order to exercise influence over others, gain credibility, etc. It also defines a story and how it can influence in ways that bare facts cannot, provides information on the psychology of how a story influences, and the important "dos and don'ts" of a storyteller. Annette Simmons provides multiple examples throughout the text so the reader understands how to apply the principles right away.
If you are studying storytelling, how to inspire others, how to influence others, how to change corporate culture, or any other aspect of change on a personal or organizational level then your education will be lacking if it does not include the information in this book. "The Story Factor" receives the highest recommendation that I can give.
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.
The book is initially focused on two types of stories "Who I am" and "Why I am here". This segmentation is useful as we are able to see how these can be used in separate occasions to be persuasive. However, from then on, the book gets long-winded and with not enough stories.
Overall, there are interesting arguments with good stories, and it definitely convinced me to start using stories, so I guess it was successful.