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Unleash the Power of Storytelling

summary ofUnleash the Power of StorytellingBook by Rob Biesenbach

16 min
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You’ll learn

  • How stories shape our life and consciousness
  • Balancing emotions for storytelling impact
  • Key elements for compelling narratives
  • Crafting unique stories with creativity

first KEY POINT

We tell stories every day, but only a few make history

Some stories shape our lives. We may not notice them, but they are waiting for us to find and share them. We grow up with films, cartoons, fairy tales, and books. As we develop, tales become part of our consciousness. We want stories to accompany our lives. Therefore, when someone says they will tell us a story, we have certain expectations; we wait for the beginning, climax, and resolution. If these expectations don't come true, we get disappointed.Some people are afraid to show the power of their words. They feel frustrated when listeners do not burst into applause after each punch, although stories don't always have to make a TED Talks effect. At the same time, others are overly confident about their tales. But true storytelling is about balancing emotions, confidence, and mindfulness. True stories contain fundamental, timeless elements that give them strength. The power of storytelling can influence people, convince, inspire, and prevent them from doing unnecessary things.

All your stories are worthy, but they reveal their true power when they influence someone's worldview.

Writer Rob Biesenbach lived a double life; he was doing business in the daytime while developing his acting career, rehearsing and auditioning in the evening. He realized that communication is a performance and that he could become a more effective negotiator by combining his two lives and applying his acting skills to business.Biesenbach believes that everyone can tell a good story. This summary will make the storytelling process more transparent for those who underestimate or overestimate their abilities by offering practical advice for writing quality texts. Also:
• You will discover what makes a strong story and see that storytelling is an exact science. You will make your stories work.
• You will become familiar with the universal structure of stories and free them from unnecessary details.
• The summary will show examples of different stories and teach you how to find worthy tales.
• You will learn to use your storytelling skills in various situations, from job interviews to wedding speeches.

second KEY POINT

Don't be unfounded — provide compelling examples for your story

Stories uniquely affect our brains. Researcher Paul Zak discovered that stories make the brain release oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy. Other studies have shown that while listening to a story, the brain triggers the same areas as when experiencing an actual event. A good story virtually blurs the lines between storytelling and actual experiences. We subconsciously associate ourselves with the protagonist of the story and place ourselves at its epicenter; our palms sweat, and our heart rate increases — this is our body's feedback.Biesenbach identified six keys to a strong story:
• Emotions. A compelling story evokes an emotional response.
• The story should have a face. People do not remember percentages and statistics, but they will feel a kinship with the character that personifies the issue.
• The stories should connect your listeners with each other and with your brand.
• Stories make us more human. They should remind people of who they are.
• Stories should reiterate the importance of values ​​such as love and care. They should temporarily distract people from their routine existence.
• Show; don't tell. Back up your words with a reliable example.Biesenbach called the violation of the sixth principle “match.com syndrome.” People use similar phrases on dating websites — I am adventurous, or I am smart. But they are ineffective. Instead, share a photo of your white-water rafting trip or share your impressions of the last book you read. The story should indeed reveal the person, not provide another label. Remember the beginning of the movie The Godfather and the way Don Corleone sat calmly and majestically at the head of a large table? It said more than if the film had opened with him stating he was the powerful head of a criminal empire. Therefore, do not say that you are responsible during a job interview. Instead, tell that story where you worked all night to meet a deadline.

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first KEY POINT

Create heroes and empower them — inspire your audience to overcome obstacles

second KEY POINT

Behind every story, there are ideas and honesty

third KEY POINT

Stories that worked: examples and explanation

fourth KEY POINT

How to find stories and make them creative

fifth KEY POINT

Storytelling in business: how to support your brand and make a brilliant presentation

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Rob Biesenbach, a Second City-trained actor and acclaimed speaker, specializes in persuasive communication. His clients include AARP, Coca-Cola, and Lockheed Martin.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results about?

Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results details how storytelling can effectively engage audiences and drive emotional connections. The author, Rob Biesenbach, emphasizes practical techniques for using narratives to influence and persuade in various contexts.

What are the key takeaways from Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results?

Key takeaways from Unleash the Power of Storytelling include the importance of framing your message through relatable stories, understanding your audience's emotions, and mastering the art of delivery. These strategies help to create impactful communications that resonate and lead to action.

Is Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results worth reading?

Yes, Unleash the Power of Storytelling is worth reading for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and connect better with their audience. The practical insights and engaging examples make it a valuable resource for professionals in various fields, especially marketing and leadership.

How many pages is Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results and when was it published?

Unleash the Power of Storytelling spans 224 pages and was published on June 28, 2019. This concise yet impactful book provides a wealth of information on storytelling techniques.

How can storytelling change minds according to Unleash the Power of Storytelling?

According to Unleash the Power of Storytelling, storytelling can change minds by tapping into emotional triggers that resonate with listeners. By crafting relatable narratives, speakers can shift perspectives and inspire action, making stories a powerful tool for persuasion.