Tag Archives: stories

This Is Your Brain On Stories

Posted on August 21, 2012 by

I consider certain truths to be self evident. Like the power of stories to move and persuade people. So I’m surprised when I have to justify this principle to someone. A while back I was interviewed by a grad student … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Storytelling | Tagged , | 2 Comments

A Smart Lesson from a Dead Company

Posted on May 30, 2012 by

They say dead men tell no tales. But dead companies do. And not all those tales are cautionary. At first glance, you might not think much of the old Montgomery Ward headquarters building in Chicago. But its design holds a … Continue reading →

Posted in Show, Don't Tell, Storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

To Tell a Good Story, You Have to Lie

Posted on May 17, 2012 by

The reason most peoples’ stories are hard to listen to is that they have trouble divorcing themselves from the facts of their everyday lives. They’re slavishly devoted to chronology and detail. Sometimes, to tell a good story, you have to … Continue reading →

Posted in Presentations/Speeches, Storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Five Reasons Your Stories Put People to Sleep

Posted on January 26, 2012 by

Most of us know what goes into a compelling story. Relatable characters, dramatic conflict, high stakes. But sometimes the difference between a well-told story and one that puts listeners into a coma is not so much what you put into … Continue reading →

Posted in Audience, Presentations/Speeches, Storytelling | Tagged | 8 Comments