Tell to Win: Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story by Peter Guber
Read this book if you want to make the team strong. The first time I read this book I didn't like it that much. It seemed a bit dry and not so memorable. After finishing it I didn't even remember anything about it except the main premise: Telling stories can help you be successful. I would have given it 2 or 3 stars. I found it very insightful not just on the basic idea that storytelling is important, but also on HOW to tell a story in different situations, pitfalls to look out for and spe The first time I read this book I didn't like it that much.
I found it very insightful not just on the basic idea that storytelling is important, but also on HOW to tell a story in different situations, pitfalls to look out for and specific ways you can look to exploit the power of story telling in your personal and professional life.
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I ended up giving it 4 stars. I think the difference is the mindset. The second time around I was already very aware that dry, logical, analytical, just the facts, left-brain communication is not the best way to influence people and so I was looking for specific tips and intuitions to improve how I communicate and because of that I absorbed the techniques presented more readily.
So I was a bit surprised when I came here and saw a lot of 2 and 3 star reviews. But then I remembered I would have written the same things the first time I read it. If you're reading this book purely as entertainment or just for general inspiration you probably won't enjoy it that much. It might seem a bit dry and not very insightful. But if you're reading it in a very purposeful way to try to get practical tips you can apply to similar situations especially in business , I think you'll enjoy it more. Apr 09, Nick rated it it was amazing. Peter Guber tells you everything except how to construct a story in this insightful, chatty, and ultimately fascinating work.
Well, he says stories start with a complication, then raise the tension, then resolve it -- a beginning, middle, and end. But almost every other book on storytelling says the same thing, so that's hardly groundbreaking. What Guber is good on is setting up the atmospherics to tell a persuasive story. So, for example, he tells one on himself. When he went to lure Larry King Peter Guber tells you everything except how to construct a story in this insightful, chatty, and ultimately fascinating work.
That's what Guber is good at -- doing his homework, setting up the atmospherics, being persuasive because you craft the right pitch to the right person at the right time. The book is packed with stories of how this all works in Hollywood, where Guber has spent much of his professional life. Jan 31, Manu rated it did not like it. Not very impressed with the overall content of the book. I found it very disconnected and lacking an overall theme. To sum it up - though this book is about telling story, it does not present itself as a story.
I found this book going in all kinds of directions and not following a consistent theme. Though Peter has shared numerous stories in the book to reinforce the fact that "telling stories" can be of a great value whether in business, school or personal life but there are no take aways for a Not very impressed with the overall content of the book.
Though Peter has shared numerous stories in the book to reinforce the fact that "telling stories" can be of a great value whether in business, school or personal life but there are no take aways for a reader to leverage these stories. I felt like reading a novel in which I was reading about various mini stories majority of which had absolutely no relevance for me.
If someone is willing to read something about "story telling" - there are numerous other books. I will not recommend this book unless you want to just pass time reading about irrelevant stories. Oct 05, Nic Brisbourne rated it it was amazing. It has transformed the way I think about presentations and pitches , or stories as I now think of them. I started using Peters ideas to good effect before I'd finished his book. Empty spaces and ambiguity can be your friend. Mar 04, Rolando Gill rated it it was ok.
I tried to avoid the reviews because the book was highly recommended by someone I respect. It turns out the reviews were right. The author name drops so much that I got really bored listening to it. Some of the stories are good but they are long and they don't really reinforce the points he is trying to make. Long book that focuses mainly on reinforcing the coolness factor of Peter Guber.
Yeah, yeah yeah you are cool and you met a lot of people and some of those stories are cool. But, that doesn't help me much. One example, the A-ha from the last chapter - Technology is great but instead of State of the Art make sure to use State of the Heart. Feb 04, Rachel Blom rated it it was ok Shelves: Let's summarize this book in one sentence: That's really the core of this book and everything else is a lot of fluff, stories, and above all name dropping.
It seems the author knows everyone and their brother and it gets really tiresome really fast. He has good stories obviously, but the point of each story gets kinda fuzzy after a while. Nevertheless, it's a quick read and it reinforces the i Let's summarize this book in one sentence: Nevertheless, it's a quick read and it reinforces the importance of stories.
Dec 08, Rhonda Sue rated it liked it. There's good info in this book about storytelling, how to do it, and to be effective at it. If you can get past the arrogance of the author you might be able to grasp the nuts and bolts of his message. Some of his examples were good, however, using people that are ex-cons and adulterers doesn't work for me.
Humility would be nice, but you don't see it much There's good info in this book about storytelling, how to do it, and to be effective at it. Humility would be nice, but you don't see it much here. Despite all the above, here's the takeaway. Use stories that get to the heart and move emotions. This is effective of course. Basic rules of the road for being successful. May 02, Mark Bunch rated it liked it Shelves: A good read on the subject of story- a 10, year trait built into DNA and practiced for over years by man.
Oral tradition of passing down history is well-known. This text is all about the Art of the Tell Guber who has risen and fallen many times use many examples of famous friends to illustrate the power of story to move people. The author feels all big sales should occur face to face. Non-verbal cues are the most important. I think this book should be required reading for students of soc A good read on the subject of story- a 10, year trait built into DNA and practiced for over years by man. I think this book should be required reading for students of social media and marketing to under stand how the skills social media and direct sell work together.
Jun 23, Sai rated it really liked it Shelves: Semi-autobiographical book by Peter Guber, with an underlying through-line of making persuasive pitches and arguments, using stories, to successfully get across to people. Lots of enjoyable personal anecdotal stories. Peter has lived an interesting life, and this book is his way of trying to figure out what he did right, consistently through his life. I think the book has depth, that might not be apparent from the title of the book. It's a good analysis of how to build narratives that connect wit Semi-autobiographical book by Peter Guber, with an underlying through-line of making persuasive pitches and arguments, using stories, to successfully get across to people.
It's a good analysis of how to build narratives that connect with all kinds of people, whether you are conveying technical information, or making an emotional plea. Breezy read, would recommend. Sep 03, Derek rated it really liked it Shelves: I really enjoyed this book. There were some interesting stories, apropos given the topic, and some very helpful tips for those trying to make an impact in the business world. I think this would be a valuable read for most people in a professional context no matter your level because at some point or another everyone needs to "sell" something, an idea, themselves, their team, their budget, etc.
The ex I really enjoyed this book. The examples were engaging without being vacuous stories and the follow-up was functional and educational without being dry. Although the book is filled with a lot of stories from Hollywood and celebrities regarding this topic and how they have used the power of storytelling to create positive change and persuade people, however, the book still fails to be considered a great book on the subject.
It is unable to keep the reader engaged as it is supposed to. Maybe it is just me, but I think there might be better books on the market on the subject than this one. Sep 25, Carlos J. Masterfully using the art and science of storytelling, and openly sharing his learnings and experiences, Guber gives us a whole and powerful set of tools for using storytelling to win in business and in life. Apr 08, Vasilis d1af Apostolou rated it it was amazing. Very good book on how to tell persuasive stories in business settings.
Covers almost every aspect. Useful for copywriters and marketers. Jul 10, Sarah rated it really liked it. I really enjoyed all the experience stories that are shared within. Absolutely engrossing, I am glad I finally finished this audiobook. Contar historias para comunicarnos mejor Excelente libro de la mano de un gigante de la industria del entretenimiento. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Feb 09, Leah Lambart rated it it was amazing. Great thoughts on how to tell your story and connect with others.
Jun 06, Ashley rated it really liked it Shelves: Oct 06, Cody rated it liked it. There are some good and interesting stories in this book, but it is essentially a fragmented business autobiography masquerading as a business development book. Sep 06, Bob Adolfson rated it liked it. I just didn't get into but his story is most definitely inspiring. Jul 19, David H Deans rated it really liked it Shelves: Anyone who has an interest in how storytelling can be used for more effective communication in business as well as personal situations should read this book.
It makes an incredibly compelling and clear case for the use of story and highlights a range of potential applications and benefits from using a story-based approach. As I made my way through the book I was hoping for some more 'how to' information. The new chapter in the paperback edition, 'Story Thinking as a Skill', was certainly the c Anyone who has an interest in how storytelling can be used for more effective communication in business as well as personal situations should read this book.
The new chapter in the paperback edition, 'Story Thinking as a Skill', was certainly the chapter I found most useful. While this chapter stops short of providing a step-by-step guide on how to elicit, structure and present stories, I realised, after making my way through the book, that this would be impossible. There is no one-size-fits-all formula or approach to storytelling, and as the author writes in the last paragraph of the book - 'Agility improves with practice and coaching.
This new chapter is my best shot at the coaching part. Now it's time for you to go practice'. Notes from the book are at Webby Clare. What did I learn from this book? What do I want to remember? Story of 3 men - 1 laying bricks, 1 building a wall, 1 building a cahtedral. Jewish Teaching Story — naked truth is rejected at every door. Clothe the truth in parable and it is What did I learn from this book? Clothe the truth in parable and it is warmly received. Stories house truths that can resonate. I think of David McCullough's quote from Undaunted - about how we can have all the facts and miss the Truth in history whereas we can have limited facts or incorrect facts and reach a larger Truth.
To make it stand up, first you have to put in it all the reasons and feelings that caused it in the first place. Dec 07, Jim Peterson rated it liked it. I read this book for work. I would recommend The Story Factor to anyone interested in learning how to convert what they've learned from reading, writing and telling stories into a potential success factor in the world of work. Simmons explains how to use storytelling as a way to influence others.
It sounds tricky, and it is, but it's essential for people working in sales, marketing or, like me, copywriting. The author does, however, emphasise that it is important to use this skill for worthy cause I read this book for work. The author does, however, emphasise that it is important to use this skill for worthy causes that you believe in, and not for manipulative purposes.
The book was a bit repetitive and occasionally preachy, but I'd say overall it did inspire me to become a better storyteller.
Tell to Win: Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story
Can that be bad? Jul 04, Laura rated it it was ok. I did not find this book useful. Annette Simmons focuses on why story is important and its effectiveness as a tool of influence and persuasion, but not so much on how to construct and use story effectively. At one point she argues that one can't really tell another how to tell a story - it's too instinctive and individual a process. So not much help there.
She also continually intertwines "telling stories' with "living our story. May 27, Ed rated it liked it Shelves: This book ran hot and cold for me. Some chapters I found boring and others inspiring. I think if it had some exercises or challenged me to think more about relating my personal experiences to the stories in the book it would have engaged me more. It did enlighten me to the power of storytelling and for that it was worth the read. This is not a 'read it and master it' type of book. It is a starting point and a good introduction. Feb 16, Brett rated it it was amazing Shelves: A must read for salespeople, business owners, politicians, and anyone who needs to learn how to influence others which is basically everyone on the planet.
This is an incredibly good book, explaining very clearly how to use the power of stories to help people see things your way. Business Leaders and Storytellers. A great tool to have in your library if you are part of leading a company or organization. Simmons does a marvelous job gathering stories that really truly get the point across. I use this book in my storytelling class and the students love it. Aug 11, Linda Sands added it. The power of stories.
Sep 13, Blake rated it did not like it Shelves: This one missed the mark. Oct 15, Linda rated it really liked it Shelves: I got this book from a training class that highlighted storytelling as an effective communication tool. This book is a good further reminder of the power of stories.
The first and last chapter were the weakest, but I found the rest very readable and useful.
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May 26, Onno Bruins rated it really liked it. A very nice book about the art of storytelling. Not the trendy corporate marketing interpretation, but a story about human interaction, really listening and transferring knowledge and insights through story. If you're interested in storytelling, this is a good place to start. Nov 08, Faith Wood rated it it was amazing Shelves: I thought the author did a fabulous job of sharing case studies and examples about how to leverage story in your business marketing.
As someone who speaks on influence and persuasion for government staff, this book will become a valuable resource for me in my future teachings. Annette Simmons is impressive. She reminded me why I love storytelling and being a storyteller. I think I somehow had forgotten. I'll be reading parts of this book over and again, I can assure you.
Jul 14, Kelly rated it it was amazing. I believe this book documents a very important principle of life, that we all know intuitively, but haven't articulated. Its a great book for leaders and parents alike. Jun 11, Dennis Gillingham rated it really liked it. Very intriguing information presented in palatable form.
Jul 28, Rich Angus rated it it was ok. Didn't really leave an impression to me to be honest. Less about the mechanics of a story, and more about a series of story I don't feel really resonates. Jul 31, Christina rated it liked it. Really good stories, but tiring at the end. Not the best read in storytelling.
Mar 18, John rated it really liked it. Provided good tools to impliment story telling into my speeches and employee interactions. Mar 14, Mike Barretta rated it liked it Shelves: More than I was expecting. Apr 02, Mahipal Lunia rated it liked it. Finished a refresher on this book as I prepare to go through Slideology again.
The psychologists call it self-disclosure. One theory about why this works is that if I trust you enough to show you my flaws, you can trust me enough to show me yours. Why I Am Here Stories - Your reasons for wanting to influence may combine selfish ish desires for power, wealth, or fame with selfless desires to benefit the organization, society, or a particular group of people. If you choose to tell a story that focuses on your selfless reasons, at least acknowledge the existence of your personal goals lest you lose credibility as a truth-teller.
People want to believe you-help them out. The Vision Story - You have to take the time to find a story of your vision in a way that connects-a story that people can see. The secret of a moving story is to tell it from a place of complete plete authenticity. A real vision story connects with people in a way that shrinks today's frustrations in light of the promise of tomorrow. Teaching Stories - Teaching stories help us make sense of new skills in meaningful ways. You never teach a skill that doesn't have a reason "why. I Know What You Are Thinking Stories - Living a life of influence means that we are more often evangelizing to the heathens and less often preaching to the choir.
Think of stories as Holograms of Power and they hold the potential to create power. The story helps you build an interpretation around the facts, making absorbtion easier. Psychology of Story telling - gives a brief overview of what and how to tell an epic, as opposed to delivering a soundbite. The chapter at best is an overview of how to influence with stories 3 Star rating. It is a good companion to Slideology and Resonance. I will cover them in the coming month as I get back to re-reading them. Oct 29, John Kaufmann rated it really liked it Shelves: I didn't know what to expect, but this book kind of grabbed me.
It was full of wise advice, a lot of it in pithy form. The book is about the importance of stories, including how to tell stories that influence. And, of course, it uses a lot of little stories and vignettes to make its points. Facts appeal to the rational brain and often don't convince us. Stories appeal more to our emotions. Facts are one-dimensional, stories multi-dimensional.
The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling
Where facts are direct, stories are more subtle and ind I didn't know what to expect, but this book kind of grabbed me. Where facts are direct, stories are more subtle and indirect - i. Stories help one figure out the meaning of facts. Story can hold complexity and even contradiction and paradox in a way that facts can't. Stories help people remember in a way that facts and statistics often don't. In all these senses, stories can be more true than facts.
The first criterion of a good story is, Can they trust you? You must connect before you convince. Before they listen to you, people want to know what's in it for you, who you are, and why you're there. Stories also need to appeal to the listener's emotional needs - their sense of belonging, of hope, of being good people, etc. All in all, a surprisingly illuminating and enjoyable read. Nov 27, Cary Griffith rated it liked it.
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Here's a funny story about how I came to read this book. It was one of several the chief marketing officer of the company I worked for, for the last 10 years, listed as a book we could choose. There were several groups of 10 reviewers, and each group was supposed to pick one of the listed books to read and review. I chose "The Story Factor" and enjoyed it. I was almost finished with the book when, three days before the all-hands conference during which we were - among other activities - going to Here's a funny story about how I came to read this book.
I was almost finished with the book when, three days before the all-hands conference during which we were - among other activities - going to review and discuss our books, I was 'workforce reduced' corporate speak for being laid off. I think the rest of the explanation was something like 'due to market forces,' etc. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, in spite of the fact I canceled my flight to the all-hands conference and did not attend was actually told I should not attend.
I guess that illustrates how much I liked the book. That said, it was too long with too many words and she could have used an editor. There are no discussion topics on this book yet.