The presenter at last week’s seminar strongly recommended Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
When I got home I looked up the book and found this review from a Heidi Dolamore of the San Mateo County Library in California:
While at first glance this volume might resemble the latest in a series of trendy business advice books, ultimately it is about storytelling, and it is a how-to for crafting a compelling narrative.
Employing a lighthearted tone, the Heaths apply those selfsame techniques to create an enjoyable read. They analyze such narratives as urban legends and advertisements to discover what makes them memorable.
The authors provide a simple mnemonic to remember their stickiness formula, and the basic principles may be applied in any situation where persuasiveness is an asset. The book is a fast read peppered with exercises to test the techniques proposed.
I had never heard of the book before, but based on what I’ve seen I’m leaning toward buying it.
If you are familiar with the book, let me know if you found it worth the read.
I’m #3 on the on-hold list at the library. Will let you know what I think once I read it.
I finished the book Friday on a flight back from New York. The stories were interesting and I enjoyed reading them. The points addressed by the authors seemed to be common sense. If you think about what makes you remember an idea, you will know what’s in the book. I don’t think the book will help me present my ideas in ways that are more memorable - I can’t even remember what SUCCESs (the mnemonic the authors used to help you remember how to make an idea stick) stands for. The authors point out that stories are effective ways to help people remember ideas. I agree and would like to use stories more when presenting ideas.
I think it is worth a quick read.
Thanks for the update Elton.
A book on sticky ideas is suspect unless it finds a way to make you remember the mnemonic.
It’s like being asked to say the prayer after a sunday school lesson on saying prayers. You better get it right.
Sounds like it’s worth a read but it got bumped down a few places in the queue.