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"Being of a slightly contrarian frame of mind, however, I think it’s important that we remind ourselves that stories do have limits, and excessive reliance on them can weaken our persuasive efforts, especially when our listeners start probing a little deeper to find the real truth behind them."
I like how the author Jack Malcolm starts out his blog. Yes, stories can be deceptive just like any other form of communication.
And I agree with his first point: they may be untrue or exaggerated.
After that however, I put my cranky pants on.
The next point advocates is that stories are ALWAYS incomplete; that nuance and complexity get in the way of a good story.
Balderdash I say!! What about the creation of rich media, layered meanings, and multiple interpretations?
The next point is equally problematic: stories may be true, but insufficient; that the more vivid and compelling a story, the more it can mislead because the listener focuses in on the details instead of the larger picture.
Aaaarrrgghh! All that says to me is that when that happens, the teller is not that skilled in storytelling and the crafting of co-created meanings which speak to a larger picture.
Bottom line for all of us? Keep learning the craft of storytelling. Know how to layer multiple meanings into your biz stories when needed. Keep drawing out the bigger picture in your stories when needed. And be authentic.
This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it
Marty Note
Great thoughts from Karen. I especially love her end call to action. Keep learning the craft of storytelling! If you missed Karen's the Best Stories Win for @SmallRivers' Paper.li blog read it now as it is a MUST READ on how to tell a story:
http://community.paper.li/2012/10/01/whoever-tells-the-best-stories-wins/
