Story$Sells [Paperback]

Elizabeth Gibson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A very good tool for organizing one's thoughts in a selling scenario." "It is great!" -- Jillene & Jim Barr, A Advantage Partners, Inc. Insurance

"Elizabeth Gibson hits the target. She reveals the secrets of storytelling in an organized and easily understood manner. Those of us who do presentations can have incredible impact with our audiences by sharing in her knowledge of Story$Sells." -- Paula S. Meier, Tidewater Consulting

"Is storytelling really a requirement for leadership in today's cold, hard, and competitive business environment? A resounding YES! Anyone who is responsible for a highly charged, results-oriented team knoew the benefits of a common vision and common goals. Stories are an excellent way to lend focus to your leadership efforts. Our employee, customers, and investors all benefit. Elizabeth Gibson is right on." -- Ed Street, Project Director, AirTouch Cellular

"The concepts are fundamental and they flow like water from a pitcher, basic to life yet smooth and refreshing. I am ready to use it in my marketing organization immediately." -- Allen Thomas, Marketing Manager, S.G.I.

"Valuable and useful advice that will build speaking and persuasion skills. Story$Sells is the handbook for anyone who wants to make an impact." -- Kevin Cordi, Storyteller and Communications Specialist

Product Details

• Paperback: 101 pages
• Publisher: E J R Gibson (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965111652
• ISBN-13: 978-0965111652
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,535,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Words & Language > Public Speaking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Tool for Boardroom or Classroom, October 4, 2008

By 

Penelope "libri lector" (Dublin, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Story$Sells (Paperback)

Imagine you're a top executive. Imagine that it's the night before what may be the most important day of your professional career. You are staring at the blank white screen of your laptop with a single black bar blinking on-and-off for what seems like an eternity. You need to create a presentation that will determine the success or failure of your company. Not only are you at a loss for words but you are at a loss period. If you were a lost shepherd, a booming voice from the sky would show you the right path. If you were on a TV commercial you'd push a button and presto problems solved. But you are neither. What do you do? If only you'd bought a copy of Elizabeth Gibson's book Story$Sells you would have a quick guide to lead you out of your predicament. What's the secret? The art of storytelling - not the kind of story that begins "Once upon a time, a long time ago, in a far away land..." but one that is carefully planned and executed.

Gibson conveys her message regarding the importance of storytelling in combating challenges of daily life through her own fictional story. The premise is not unlike the beginning of this review; the exec in peril is Dan Dealer. Gibson masterfully weaves a story that unfolds page by page to reveal the steps to a winning presentation / speech/ story. To illustrate the steps, Gibson uses Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and two fictional (and very humorous) accounts of the speech.

Gibson's is a simple message yet its simplicity is one that many have yet to discover.

"Storytelling is being labeled as an entertainment for small children, but stories and storytelling are a key part of the human experience in all points of our life.
Good storytellers are the movers and shakers, the inspiring business managers, the entrancing public speakers, the great religious figures of history,and the charismatic leaders of the world."

While Gibson's intended audience is the "board room," it is easy to see how this simple guidebook can be used as a tool in any middle, high, or even college level writing course. The final three pages of the last section, "In the Light of Day," summarize the essential components of successful storytelling; these can be easily adjusted for students as mini-lessons that teach them to incorporate these components into their writing. Students can also use these components to analyze both fiction and nonfiction texts and refer to Gibson's analysis of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. It's possible to apply this not only in the LA classrooms but in any content area where students are required to decipher various concepts, internalize them, and ultimately produce their own presentations for assessment. It's a tool that merits a place beside their dictionary and thesaurus.