Story Smart: Using the Science of Story to Persuade, Influence, Inspire, and Teach

by Kendall Haven

Storytelling has been used for centuries as a means to sway public opinion, influence behavior, and inspire change. Yet according to recent research, 98 percent of stories shared are ineffective, and one-third of all narratives are actually counterproductive to delivering the meaning intended by the teller. Author Kendall Haven contends that you can craft messages that will resonate effectively with your audience by learning and utilizing the science of story.

Based on breakthroughs in the fields of neural and cognitive sciences, this book demonstrates how stories can exert influence and persuade audiences. Through step-by-step guidance, you will learn how to construct communications for impact, meaning, and accuracy. This practical guide is organized into four sequential parts: the neuroscience of words; the set of tools provided to each user; the influence of narratives in changing beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors; and the techniques needed for building powerful, influential, and effective (PIE) stories. This book will help you master the tools and critical skills of effective story-based communication.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sally Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always excited to read books like this and Kendall Haven has good information, but always "lets me down" because he's not able to develop the information in a manner that I can use it.

[John Janezic · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a storyteller, I love that scientific research is backing his claims about what is needed for a successful story. Excellent book full of facts and stories.