Storytelling has been around since the dawn of time and is a fundamental skill for those who are looking to become great communicators.
With so many books on the art of storytelling, it can be daunting trying to decide which ones to read.
To make your decision easier, here is a list of some books that have been praised by experts as some of the best resources for learning and improving your storytelling skills.
Contagious by Jonah Berger
Contagious by Jonah Berger is a book that helps readers understand the science behind why certain products, ideas, and behaviors spread like wildfire.
Berger looks at the psychology of sharing, word-of-mouth, and social influence to show how any business can create contagious content.
He also provides insight into how to make content more effective in order to increase its chances of spreading through word-of-mouth or other types of transmission.
Berger explains that some things are more likely to catch on than others due to six key steps: Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories.
He uses real-life examples from companies such as Nike, Google+, and Apple in order to illustrate different ways of making content “go viral”—from using humor and emotion for engagement online to creating stories with an inspiring message that people want to share with their friends.
How to Tell a Story by Daniel Nayeri
For those looking for an inspiring and engaging read, How to Tell a Story by Daniel Nayeri is a perfect choice.
This book provides readers with valuable tips on how to craft stories that command attention. Through a mixture of practical advice and thought-provoking essays, Nayeri helps writers discover their narrative voices, develop meaningful characters, and create captivating plots.
He also encourages all storytellers to think beyond the traditional notion of writing, encouraging them to explore other media such as comics, film, theater, and digital storytelling.
The essays in this collection are filled with wisdom from some of today’s most renowned storytellers such as Neil Gaiman, Guillermo del Toro, and Harlan Ellison.
Each essay offers unique perspectives on the art of storytelling along with personal anecdotes from each contributor’s experience in the field.
How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson
Creating a powerful scene in your novel can be tricky, but with the help of Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method, you can write dynamite scenes that will captivate your readers.
In his book, Randy Ingermanson provides step-by-step guidance on how to craft an unforgettable scene in your story.
With his method, you’ll learn how to break down the components of a scene and create a vivid world for your characters to inhabit.
You’ll also gain insights into developing ideas and planning out each piece of the puzzle for a well-crafted story arc.
Additionally, readers will learn about storytelling techniques such as using dialogue and descriptive language to bring the scene alive.
After learning from Randy’s methods and advice, you’ll have all the tools necessary to produce stunning stories that leave readers longing for more.
Lead with a Story by Paul Smith
Paul Smith’s book, Lead with a Story, is an inspiring and practical guide to using stories to improve communication and leadership.
Drawing on his decades of experience as a business consultant, Smith provides powerful examples of how storytelling can be used to create more effective messaging and engagement in the workplace.
By utilizing anecdotes combined with contemporary case studies and data-driven analysis, Smith demonstrates that storytelling is an invaluable tool for leaders seeking to communicate their vision and motivate teams toward success.
Smith guides readers through several story frameworks designed to help them develop meaningful narratives that resonate with stakeholders.
He emphasizes the importance of connecting stories with values, strategic objectives, and desired outcomes so they have the greatest impact on people’s behavior.
Through this comprehensive approach, readers learn how to craft stories that make complex topics easier to understand while also galvanizing individuals around a shared mission or goal.
Let the Story Do the Work by Esther K. Choy
In recent years, the power of story has been more and more recognized as a powerful tool for creating a positive impact on customers and increasing business success.
Esther K. Choy’s book, “Let the Story Do the Work” helps entrepreneurs discover how to take advantage of storytelling techniques to increase their sales.
Through her deep understanding of marketing and communications strategies, Choy shows readers how to harness the power of storytelling in order to build relationships with potential customers and develop persuasive campaigns that drive real results.
Long Story Short by Margot Leitman
In Long Story Short, author Margot Leitman gives readers a comprehensive guide on the art of storytelling.
With a focus on modern storytelling techniques, she also touches upon the fundamentals of crafting an honest and engaging story to captivate any audience.
Leitman’s book is filled with creative exercises, tips, and tricks to help anyone become more confident in their coming up with stories that resonate with listeners.
She emphasizes how important it is to practice your craft, offering various exercises designed to help you hone your skills in both written and spoken word stories.
With easy-to-follow instructions and simple worksheets for readers to follow along, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling abilities.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath is a book that explores the concept of making ideas stick in our culture.
It attempts to answer why some stories, products, messages, and organizations are remembered while others are not.
The authors explore the six principles behind creating an idea or message that will last. They explain how these principles can be used to create “sticky” ideas that will stay with people long after they have been exposed to them.
It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to know how to make their own ideas stickier – from marketers and advertisers looking for better ways to get their message across, to teachers trying new ways of teaching their students.
Master Lists for Writers by Bryn Donovan
Writing can be challenging for even the most experienced authors. Bryn Donovan’s book, “Master Lists for Writers” can help writers at all levels of experience to overcome common roadblocks.
Instead of struggling with writer’s block or lack of inspiration, readers will find the perfect words to craft vivid settings and compelling stories.
With this resourceful book, writers can quickly brainstorm ideas without wasting time racking their brains or searching online for hours.
From names and places to emotions and plot points – Master Lists for Writers has something for everyone who wants to write their best work!
PresentationZen by Garr Reynolds
PresentationZen by Garr Reynolds is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their presentation design and delivery.
Written in an easy-to-understand, conversational style, this book gives the reader a wealth of information on how to create stunning presentations that captivate their audience.
In the book, author Garr Reynolds provides valuable advice and tips from his extensive experience with presenting at world-renowned conferences as well as teaching presentation skills courses around the world.
With inspiring stories and intriguing visuals, he encourages readers to move away from mundane slideshows into engaging visual stories that captivate and engage viewers.
He also focuses on creating powerful messages delivered with clarity and simplicity so that audiences can easily grasp complex ideas quickly.
Putting Stories to Work by Shawn Callahan
Shawn Callahan’s book “Putting Stories to Work” is an essential guide for business professionals who are looking to hone their storytelling skills.
This book provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to be successful storytellers in the workplace.
It explores how stories create meaningful experiences, builds relationships, and ultimately drive success for businesses of all sizes.
The book begins by helping readers understand why stories matter in business. It then delves into techniques that can be used to craft impactful stories and how storytelling leads to improved communication among different stakeholders.
Finally, Shawn offers practical advice on how to incorporate storytelling into everyday work practices so you can create a lasting impact on your audience.
Resonate by Nancy Duarte
Nancy Duarte’s book, “Resonate”, provides readers with a comprehensive guide to presenting compelling narratives.
Duarte, who is an acclaimed communication designer and TED speaker, encourages her readers to become storytellers of the highest order by using visual elements to captivate their audiences.
In this book, she dissects the influence of storytelling in business presentations and shows how resonance can be achieved through its implementation.
Duarte explores principles such as narrative arc for connecting stories to ideas and how visuals that represent information graphically can engage viewers more effectively than mere words on a page.
She also discusses the concept of emotionally engaging an audience with one’s story by being authentic in your presentation style and using common language that everyone will understand.
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder (Book) is a must-read for any aspiring screenwriter. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions to successfully craft a screenplay that captivates audiences and impresses potential producers.
The book covers all aspects of screenwriting, including structure, characters, dialogue, story arcs, and themes.
Using his own experiences as a successful screenwriter, Snyder offers invaluable advice on how to create an engaging and compelling narrative.
This book also helps readers develop their own unique style of writing through its examples of different genres and types of stories.
Each chapter includes exercises to help reinforce the concepts presented in the text and solidify them in one’s writing process.
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby (Book) is a comprehensive and highly detailed guide for aspiring storytellers.
It outlines the essential elements necessary for the creation of powerful stories with detailed instructions on how to effectively incorporate each one.
Covering topics such as proper character development, plot structure, and theme, this book provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the artistry and craftsmanship of storytelling.
With over two decades of experience writing screenplays, former Hollywood story analyst John Truby has crafted a step-by-step program that has been used by thousands of filmmakers worldwide.
This book provides readers with invaluable advice on how to create engaging stories that will captivate their audience while teaching them the vital skills needed to become successful storytellers.
The Art of Storytelling by John D. Walsh
In John D. Walsh’s book “The Art of Storytelling”, readers are introduced to the timeless art of telling stories in a unique and captivating way.
This book takes the mystery out of storytelling, presenting easy steps for creating stories that will be remembered long after they are told.
With a combination of humor, creativity, and passion, Walsh provides invaluable tips and tools to help readers become more confident storytellers – no matter their experience or skill level.
With his decades-long career as a professional storyteller and educator, Walsh’s credibility is evident in this book as he guides readers through essential elements such as character development, plot structure, and delivery techniques.
Readers can also learn how to use their voice correctly so that it enhances the audience’s understanding of their stories.
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons is a must-read for all those interested in communication, leadership, and storytelling.
Simmons provides an in-depth look at how stories can be used to persuade, inspire and influence others. She looks at the myths that have been built around storytelling, as well as its effectiveness when engaging audiences.
Her book delves into the power of stories to move people and shape their ideas about the world around them.
Through examples from business leaders, politicians, and everyday people who have used storytelling to great success, Simmons outlines how anyone can use this powerful tool to get their message across.
The Storyteller’s Secret by Carmine Gallo
Carmine Gallo’s book, “The Storyteller’s Secret” takes readers on a journey of discovering the power of storytelling.
Through interviews with some of the world’s most influential business leaders and speakers, Gallo reveals the secrets behind why certain ideas are more successful than others.
He also shows how storytellers can use storytelling to influence their audiences and spread an idea more quickly and effectively.
With his groundbreaking research and insights, Gallo helps readers understand the science behind why stories are so powerful in influencing human behavior.
Gallo presents a step-by-step approach to crafting an effective story that will resonate with audiences.
The Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall
Jonathan Gottschall’s book, The Storytelling Animal, is an insightful look into the way humans use storytelling to make sense of the world around them.
Through a combination of scientific studies, historical accounts, and personal anecdotes, Gottschall explores how people use stories to explain their own lives and experiences as well as connect with one another on a deeper level.
He argues that storytelling is essential for our survival; it allows us to make sense of abstract concepts and teaches us valuable lessons while also allowing us to pass down information from one generation to the next.
Gottschall examines how storytelling has been used throughout history and how its influence can still be felt in modern-day literature, film, and television.
He looks at both classic works such as The Odyssey and Shakespeare’s plays as well as more contemporary sources such as comic books and video games.
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron is a must-have book for any aspiring writer who wants to learn how to craft compelling stories that engage their audience.
In this book, Cron draws on her vast experience as a story consultant and lecturer in neuroscience to provide writers with an understanding of the science behind storytelling.
She explains how readers’ brains are wired for stories and reveals the power of narrative structure and character development in creating successful narratives.
Through practical advice and real-world examples, Wired for Story will help writers create stories that grab readers’ attention from the very first sentence.
The book dives into key topics such as understanding why a story works, finding your unique voice, developing believable characters, creating suspenseful plots, establishing powerful settings, and more.
Writing for Story by Jon Franklin
Writing for Story by Jon Franklin is a must-read for aspiring writers who want to take their storytelling prowess to the next level.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author offers invaluable insights and advice on how to craft stories that will captivate readers.
With simple, easy-to-follow guidelines, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their writing skill set.
Franklin outlines techniques on how to create irresistibly compelling stories in his book. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience as well as effectively using language in order to connect with readers emotionally.
His teachings are not only applicable when crafting nonfiction stories but also when writing fiction pieces as well.
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