The Art of the Tale: Engage Your Audience, Elevate Your Organization, and Share Your Message Through Storytelling

by Steven James, Tom Morrisey

Winner of a 2023 Storytelling World Award Unleash the power of storytelling to transform your talks, speeches, and presentations—whether your audience is a boardroom of executives, a classroom of students, or an auditorium full of eager listeners. Everyone, regardless of their background and training, can improve their storytelling abilities. But what is a story? How can you tell it in a way that delights and informs your listeners? Take a journey into the keys to great storytelling with two of the country’s top experts on story presentation and speech writing. In The Art of the Tale , expert storytellers Steven James and Tom Morrisey team up and tap into their lifetimes of experience to show you how to prepare stellar presentations, tell stories in your own unique way, adapt your material to different groups of listeners, and gain confidence in your ability as a speaker. In this book, you’ll learn You’ll also find helpful hints Learn how to tell stories more effectively, lead and teach more creatively, and prepare your message in less time by using this unique resource provided by two of the nation’s premier communicators, who tap into their experience to share a lifetime’s worth of insights and expertise.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Writing

368 pages, Paperback

Published August 30, 2022

About the author

Steven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.

His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.

James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.

If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.

Reviews

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether you want your team to act, rethink or appreciate something differently, a well-told story leads to organisational transformation.

Notes tba BT:
- many business executives don't see themselves as natural storytellers, overlooking one of the most powerful tools at their disposal.
- Storytelling isn't just a modern trend, it's one of the oldest forms of communication.
- Drew woke up. Drew went to work. Drew came home.
Drew ate spaghetti. Drew went to sleep. Technically, this is a story, but it's not a very good one. It's just a list of events lacking the elements that make stories engaging. A great story has six key elements.
- Character, Setting, Struggle, Pursuit, The Payoff - 5?
- We don't tell stories just to share information. We tell them to inspire change. Whether you want your audience to act, rethink or appreciate something differently, a well-told story leads to transformation.
- But when most people set out to craft a presentation or pitch, they start with three common questions. How can I explain this? How can I clarify this? How can I help people understand this? These questions are useful for sharing data, but not for storytelling.
- Where data leads to knowledge, curiosity leads to discovery and transformation. So how do you cultivate that burning curiosity in your audience? Start by changing your approach in three core ways. First, ask how you can help your listeners discover meaning.
Rather than explaining, use personal stories that resonate on an emotional level.
- An anecdote, while engaging, often needs clarification or a follow-up explanation. A story, on the other hand, connects on a deeper level, tapping into emotions and experiences without needing to spell out the takeaway.
- Thanks to the serial recall effect, the idea that people remember what they hear first and last, combining the two can make your message even more effective. Start with an anecdote to hook your audience, then close with a story to drive your message home. Anecdotes are natural.
- don't be predictable. Keep your audience engaged by adding an unexpected twist or surprising insight
- A kindergarten audience might not need convincing that Lego is cool, but they'll appreciate a funny observation about how stepping on a Lego feels like stepping on a landmine.

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Stevo’s Novel Ideas, I am a long-time book reviewer, member of the media, an Influencer, and a content provider. I received this book as a free review copy from either the publisher, a publicist, or the author, and have not been otherwise compensated for reviewing or recommending it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 9/18, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. Unleash the power of storytelling to transform your talks, speeches, and presentations.

Once upon a time, a small person at a big company wrote a presentation for their manager to deliver at a sales conference panel session. Unfortunately, just before the conference was to begin, the manager's wife went into labor and the small person was selected to stand behind a podium in front of 150 people. Cue microphone feedback.

Luckily, the presenter had read "The Art of the Tale," the new book by veteran speechwriters Steven James and Tom Morrisey (HarperCollins Leadership) and was ready to embrace, engage, entertain, and bring in many more customers.

As the Tom Morrisey says in the book's introduction, the best stories speak the truth about human nature and we come away from them with a better understanding of ourselves and others, as well as of the storyteller. We also want to hear more.

With sections highlighting the story, the audience, the context, and the storyteller, "The Art of the Tale" will help you find stories worth telling and give you the tools to tell them effectively.

Since I was very young and likely because I was shy and withdrawn, I've communicated with others through stories. But the stories that held the attention of my audience in the 80s now have them rolling their eyes, causing me to remember a New Yorker cartoon where a wife tells her husband that the story he just told wins a special prize: she has heard it from him 1,000 times.

So, the first take-away that resonated with me is the admonition to never tell the same story more than once, and a whole chapter is devoted to ways to tell a story a different way. There are so many!

Other gems include: understanding that your audience is rooting for you, the best story characters have a flaw they overcome, crafting a story that resonates with a desired audience reaction, creating a delivery style that is you and not someone else, and, importantly, though you want to educate and move your audience to action, the primary purpose of a story is to entertain.

No matter where you are or going in life, at some point you will be that small person telling others your adventures around the campfire. "The Art of the Tale" will help warm them up and send them to bed sharing your dreams.

Find more Business Books of the Week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more reviewed and recommended books and products by searching for me on Google.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine book on storytelling, storytelling with a focus on business presentations and speeches. That said, this is a topic for which the market is glutted. There are many books available about storytelling, and while this one doesn’t distinguish itself by being exceptionally bad, neither does it distinguish itself as exceptionally good. It’s a decent book on storytelling, and if you’re interested in stories for work presentations or speeches and haven’t read other books on the subject, you might as well try this one. However, if you’ve studied up on the subject, I wouldn’t expect to discover anything profound or novel in this book.

The book does focus on some subjects more than do others. One of my favorite parts was chapter 11, “Warts and All…,” because it addresses an issue that books tend to overlook or gloss over, and that’s how to deal with the skeletons in one’s closet (or in the company’s closet.) It offers an intriguing look at the dark side of Henry Ford.

One of the strengths of this book is that it summarizes key lessons and repeatedly revisits core concepts (e.g. the StoryCube, which is these authors’ outline for presenting the fundamental elements of a story.) The book’s greatest weakness is probably oversimplifications and banal statements, particularly given that the authors critique the simplifying statements of others. For example, they offer a criticism of the common distinction between plot- and character-driven literature that misses that there is something fundamentally different between Joyce’s “Ulysses” and “The Hunger Games” that is worth understanding, and – to the degree their criticism is true – much of this book could be similarly criticized as oversimplification or false dichotomization / categorization.

Reading this book helped me think about the subject of storytelling, particularly the non-written variety of story, but I can’t say there was anything groundbreaking or of unmatched profundity.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

The storytelling is a powerful tool for corporate leaders to connect, inspire, and drive action. By using humor, sharing honest experiences, and evoking emotion, leaders can captivate their audience and end with a clear call to action, transforming presentations into memorable and impactful experiences.

[Nici · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF@30%

I was really exited about this book before reading it but unfortunately it wasn't for me. It didn't really feal relevant for me and it was hard to connect any of the presented material to the challenges in my personal or professional life.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[anakdenesor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book tells experience from the authors itself Steven James and Tom Morrisey.

This book focus on how to take your past experiences and turn it into a story. Not everyone is born with the ability to entertain people or good with audience while telling a story but with practice everything can be archived.

In this book, you’ll learn:
* there is no right way to tell a story.
* How to gain confidence as a storyteller.
* connecting with your audience.
* understanding what makes a good story.
* drawing truth out of stories you wish to tell.
I like it when it teach how to tell stories more effectively because my biggest obstacle is to connect with audience.

l will try the technique and hopefully it will works to me too.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Art of The Tale: Use Storytelling to Engage, Inspire, and Share Your Message" by Steven James and Tom Morrisey is a comprehensive guide on how storytelling can be a powerful tool for modern leaders. The authors assert that storytelling is not only an ancient form of communication but also a critical element in leadership, enabling leaders to inspire, engage, and connect with their audience more effectively than mere facts and figures ever could.

At its core, the book emphasizes the idea that leadership is inherently tied to storytelling. Through stories, leaders can generate the kind of charisma that motivates people to follow. Yet, many business executives overlook this skill, seeing themselves as ill-equipped or lacking the natural ability to tell stories. The authors argue that anyone can become a skilled storyteller with practice and a solid understanding of narrative structure, offering storytelling as the secret ingredient that can elevate business presentations, project proposals, and even everyday meetings.

The book begins by reflecting on the timeless nature of storytelling. It draws parallels between ancient gatherings around a fire, where stories were shared to pass down wisdom and build communities, and today’s corporate world, where storytelling has the potential to bridge gaps, create empathy, and inspire action. In business, a compelling story can make the difference between a forgettable pitch and one that sticks in the minds of investors, colleagues, or customers. Storytelling, according to the authors, transcends data, engaging listeners on a deeper, more personal level and creating lasting impressions.

One of the key takeaways of the book is that everyone is already a storyteller, whether they realize it or not. Every time someone shares a funny anecdote, reminisces about a childhood memory, or dissects a recent sports game, they are engaging in storytelling. The natural human inclination to tell stories comes from a cognitive need to make sense of the world through narrative. This same power can be harnessed in business to capture attention, make brands memorable, and inspire action.

The authors outline the key components of a good story: character, setting, struggle, pursuit, pivot, and payoff. Each of these elements is essential to crafting a narrative that resonates with an audience. They demonstrate that a bland sequence of events—like "Drew woke up, went to work, came home, ate spaghetti, and went to sleep"—is technically a story, but it lacks the engagement needed to make it memorable or impactful. Instead, stories need a character that serves as an anchor, a setting that grounds the tale in time and place, a struggle or obstacle that creates tension, a pursuit that keeps the audience invested, a pivot that adds a surprising twist, and a payoff that delivers a meaningful takeaway. These elements are crucial for crafting stories that leave a lasting impression, especially in the corporate world where dry, formulaic case studies often fail to capture the audience's imagination.

To illustrate the power of storytelling, the authors provide numerous examples and anecdotes. They emphasize that stories are not just about sharing information but about driving transformation. A well-told story can inspire an audience to think differently, act in new ways, or appreciate something more deeply. To achieve this, storytellers must move beyond merely explaining facts and focus on cultivating curiosity. The authors argue that curiosity leads to discovery, and discovery leads to transformation.

They encourage business leaders to approach storytelling by asking different questions than they might typically ask when crafting a presentation. Instead of focusing on how to explain or clarify a concept, leaders should ask themselves how they can help their audience discover meaning, experience the story, and ultimately share their own stories. This approach fosters a more engaging, interactive experience, rather than a one-way transmission of information.

The distinction between anecdotes and stories is also explored in depth. While anecdotes can be great for breaking the ice or introducing a point, they often fall flat when it comes to leaving a lasting impression. In contrast, a well-crafted story taps into emotions, creates connections, and delivers a takeaway that sticks with the audience. Anecdotes can open the door, but stories drive the message home.

The book also addresses common pitfalls in storytelling, especially in a corporate setting. Authenticity is key, the authors argue, and exaggeration or distortion can undermine credibility. Preparation is critical, and great storytelling is rarely spontaneous. The authors also caution against making the storyteller the hero of the story, as audiences are more likely to engage with vulnerability and relatability than with triumphs. Other common mistakes include being too predictable or going on too long. A concise, well-timed story will always be more impactful than one that drags on without purpose or tension.

The role of humor in storytelling is another key element discussed in the book. Humor, when used appropriately, can break down barriers, create rapport, and make stories more memorable. However, it’s important to tailor humor to the audience and context. Self-deprecating humor, in particular, is a safe and effective way to engage an audience without alienating anyone.

In the final section of the book, the authors offer a practical roadmap for incorporating storytelling into presentations. They suggest starting with a hook that grabs attention, using humor to warm up the audience, and addressing potential objections early on. Once the audience is engaged, leaders can share their stories in an honest and direct manner, using emotional appeals to deepen the connection. The key to a successful story-centric presentation is authenticity, relatability, and the ability to evoke emotion.

In conclusion, "The Art of The Tale" serves as both an insightful guide and a practical manual for leaders looking to improve their communication skills through storytelling. Steven James and Tom Morrisey make a compelling case that storytelling is not just a soft skill but a critical leadership tool that can inspire action, foster connection, and ultimately drive success in business. Whether you're presenting to a boardroom, pitching a new idea, or simply trying to engage your team, the principles outlined in this book will help you craft stories that resonate, inspire, and create lasting change.

[Sue Purbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and entertaining read that’s a must-read for those who talk to audiences, whether you run meetings, do formal business presentations, teach classes, tell stories to tourists, or address large audiences as the keynote speaker.
It made me determined to try and take my storytelling and presentations to new heights. Authors Tom and Steven give great advice with clarity and humour. Their enthusiasm and passion for storytelling is contagious. The book is packed with memorable tips and formulae as well as bite-sized information.
Each chapter focuses on an aspect of story-telling, and ends with a summary, together with key points to remember. It certainly doesn’t read like a textbook, though. It’s engaging and sparkling and fun. Tom takes a “deep dive into the intricacies of giving speeches that transform audiences” while Steven focuses more on the “nuts and bolts of telling stories that truly connect with listeners.”
The book covers four major categories: the story, listeners, context and storyteller.
I learnt about the four crucial elements of stories as well as two other elements that make stories more memorable, poignant and meaningful. All this is presented in fresh ways, with an abundance of stories, both personal as well as age-old ones that have been passed on down the years. I also learnt a whole lot about oxytocin, which I found fascinating!
The overall message: “Strive for connection [with your audience] rather than perfection.”

[GE Maddison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a thoughtful, well-reasoned approach to why stories are effective, and breaking down what elements comprise an effective tale. As the two writers mention, the obvious audience for this book are leaders in a corporate setting, but in truth can be applied to a lot of different careers. In my work at non-profits, storytelling is a key skill needed to help connect with potential donors, and I found this book incredibly helpful. It clarified for me why certain approaches work better than others, and how I can approach building an effective delivery every time I know there's a story that I want to share.

The book alternates between it's two authors, and I did find it disconcerting when Steven James inserted boxed asides in the middle of Tom Morrisey's examples. It's almost as if they didn't trust the effectiveness of what Morrisey said alone, which is both not true- Morrisey, if anything, is more naturally engaging writer- and tended to abruptly pull me 'out' of the story that he was building. But this isn't enough to stop me from recommending this book to anyone who relies on connecting with an audience at some point.

[Cristina Elena | LaaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those 5-star reads that gets you hooked on a topic, makes you invest much more time on developing a skill than you initially intended, so that at the end of the day you can stand proud and say “I feel that I mastered this skill!” This is the feeling that I got after finishing Steven James & Tom Morrisey’s book on storytelling entitled “The Art of the Tale”.

Through its 368, readers will discover that the authors went the extra mile to put together this great work which combines examples of his personal experience as a writer with advice on crafting stories. Another aspect that I personally like is that the authors emphasize the idea that we, as human beings, are storytellers by nature:

“You may not get paid to write novels, perform plays, or direct movies - and you may have never thought about it this way before - but as a member of the human race you are already a storyteller.”

I look forward to putting into practice some of the new techniques I learned by reading this book!

Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Leadership, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC, and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!

#LifeLongLearning #TheArtoftheTale #NetGalley

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

With THE ART OF THE TALE, Steven James and Tom Morrisey combine years of experience and vast expertise in storytelling and speechmaking in a highly engaging, memorable, and powerful book. I enjoyed every minute of it and will never forget the examples and clear instruction on how to tell stories that engage and entertain while educating, motivating, and inspiring listeners to act. Throughout this thoroughly delightful book, the authors take turns telling stories from the road, what's worked and what bombed so that the rest of us don't have to muddle through the same swamps or devise makeshift strategies and processes to deliver the best we have to give. Having been the fortunate audience member for several of Steven James' talks, I can avow to how generously and well this talented person walks his talk. A must read for anyone who tells stories in any format: speeches, written communications, anywhere and everywhere a story is told. I received an advance copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Winnie Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a product designer, I sought out a book to enhance my storytelling skills. Although the book primarily focuses on public speaking, I found that some of the concepts can also be applied to product design with a bit of common sense.

The book has been helpful in enabling me to present my ideas more effectively in my work and presentations, utilizing the objects that the book suggests to convince my audience. It offers insights on how to become a skilled storyteller through real-life examples and stories, covering various aspects relevant to organizations, public speaking, TED talks, and business presentations.

Overall, the book has provided me with a solid foundation that I can apply to my daily life, as well as some aspects of my work. Each chapter offers key takeaways that can be practiced and implemented. While some of these takeaways are relevant to me, others may not be as applicable.

[Glo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am recalling how lost I felt in my first public presentations like three or four hundred years ago. It's good to know that if I were preparing those same speeches today with the help of this book, I am sure that my performance would be much more enjoyable and memorable.

Steven James and Tom Morrisey provide not only the tools to structure and shape the message, but also hints of the staging. It’s an enlightening, and practical book where the theory about storytelling and public speaking is supported by inspiring stories and technical clues to connect with your audience (check for the oxytocin). The two voices are delivering complementary perspective, so they enrich the experience even though some repetitive information could look redundant.

With thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Leadership and the authors for a free copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has good information—3 stars means it is worth reading. If you’re starting out in public speaking, you’ll gain practical knowledge in choosing stories, telling them well, avoiding traps, considering your venue and audience. But it also skims through a lot of topics that are important, such as speaking to diverse audiences. There simply isn’t enough there to help a new speaker really understand what to do—and the book is long enough already! The examples are great. So, examine the table of contents. Check what you most need to learn. Concentrate on those chapters, realize that you can fast-forward through some of the chapters that aren’t very meaty, and start trying out your stories with anyone that will humor you as you use the book’s advice to become a good storyteller.

Thanks, NetGalley, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book mainly to help me with branding my own business and telling a story. While this is geared more towards speakers, this still makes a great read for anybody wanting to learn why speakers like Brene Brown or other TED talkers are so compelling to listen to.

The Art of the Tale has lots of personal stories from the author as well as a plethora of tips, explanations and information. This is great for if you wanted to tell better stories at parties or events or it could help if you have a business or an important work event. At each chapter end there is a key points to remember part, which nicely summarizes important information.

I can recommend this to anybody that would like a compact book about how to tell a story. It's not dry at all, promise.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandon Westlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives good insight into the craft of developing a story worth paying attention to. I've read several of these, some border more on the theoretical, some give nothing but anecdotes. This one straddles both worlds. I don't think that it should be taken as the final say on how to put together an effective tale, but it does a great job in its perspective. It's success lies in having readers be more introspective about the stories they tell and how to structure them, not just about the typical lines of appealing to the audience or inflection points. I was eager to read this to see how it would stack up against some of the other tomes on storytelling, and found it to be some great advice. It can be adapted to presenters, corporate meetings, and classrooms alike,

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book, with two expert communicators who riff off each others, by writing alternate chapters, as well as adding pop-up comments and drop quotes. Steven James is a professional storyteller, as well as a professor and novelist. Tom Morrisey is a speechwriter and a business communicator, as well as a novelist too. Where the book shines is in the beginning half, and their combined focus on practical advice. You should also read Appendix A, B and C. However, there is some repetition, and by the end you become weighed down with anecdotes. as you sail into the final quarter of the book at 325+pages. Also look at the Tale stubtitle... the "Elevate Your Organization" part does not really get the full treatment. (3.9-4.3 stars/5.0 stars high score.)

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the art and performance of storytelling! If you plan to do any public speaking at all, this is your book. The authors cover every single possible aspect of public speaking, including posture, how to deal with microphones, how to speak during online meetings, lighting, you name it. I learned a lot and will refer back to this book.

As a writer, I also learned a lot about storytelling. Even as a published fiction writer, there was much for me to chew on. The authors present their tips in a succinct, highly readable format. Highly recommended for writers who spend most of their time in front of the computer but know they will need to speak in public eventually.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing for sure, there’s nothing like a good story to make you perk up your ears. Master storytellers in the form of Steven James and Tom Morrisey use their skills to write an extremely readable and even enjoyable tome to show you how to capture and make an impact on your audience. They’ve also given very useful quick outlines at the end of every chapter.

Of particular interest for these times is a chapter on diversity and inclusion.

A keeper for anyone who wants to bring life to any format of presentation. Lots of practical tips and techniques and essential do’s and don’ts.

A hearty 5 stars from me.

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book about weaving relevant and engaging stories into your speaking. I came away from this book with a lot of great insights for the public speaking I do from time to time. And this is certainly a book I will be referencing and coming back to later.

(As a note for other fans of Steven James' storycraft advice...this book is not about novel-writing as other books of his are. This is a book about weaving great anecdotes into your speeches.)

Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).

[Michael Delaware · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is loaded with a lot of great advice. I listened to the audio book during a time when I have been doing a lot of public speaking. I cannot begin to tell you how useful this was in making me aware of aspects of presenting that I was not considering. They also mention a lot of facts about things that I have learned along the way, but this is a reference any speaker should study over and over.

[Mark Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books now on the topic of storytelling and they have all been good in thier own way.

That being said 'The Art Of The Tale' by Steven James and Tom Morrisey is by far the most thorough and easiest to comprehend.

For that reason, If I were to read or recommend only one book on the topic of storytelling it would be 'The Art Of The Tale.'
-MW-

[Michelle Levigne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly geared toward using story in public speaking, but still very useful for structuring story, figuring out what works and where and why, in the written word. Lots of great examples. One of those books you need to re-read on a regular basis, and will probably learn something new and applicable every time.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, practical info and advice here. Since we're wired for stories, and some of us are not natural story tellers, this offers some great tips. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Received a copy for review.**
A solid book for anyone interested in writing. Well written and would be a great addition to any writers toolbox.

[Alejandro G. Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing stuff! ... This book has all the knowledge you need to start crafting better communication throughout all its different instances.

[ᏒᎦᏔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for work. This had some good information on public speaking that I'll be incorporating.

[Carter Lybbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best written non-fiction books I’ve ever read. Engaging and entertaining from the start and full of life-changing advice for those who speak publicly regularly.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book if you are looking to refine your speaking skills! Using the idea that a story is much more powerful than telling people what to do, the authors walk you through several tips and tricks to figure out how and when to tell a story (real or fiction, anecdote or actual "Story")

Pick this up and practice (except when they tell you it's better NOT to practice!) and I do believe it will help you reach your audiences a lot better.