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“We all love hearing a great story, but surprisingly few of us know how to tell one. Karen Eber is one of those few, and in this book, she shares her secrets. Come for the engrossing content, and stay for the lessons that might just change how you talk, write, and lead.”
—Adam Grant
“Karen Eber has combined theory and practice to provide us the ultimate toolbox for narrative excellence. If you’re trying to communicate with greater intention and effectiveness, this book is for you.”
—Daniel H. Pink
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“We all love hearing a great story, but surprisingly few of us know how to tell one. Karen Eber is one of those few, and in this book, she shares her secrets. Come for the engrossing content, and stay for the lessons that might just change how you talk, write, and lead.”
— Adam Grant
“Karen Eber has combined theory and practice to provide us the ultimate toolbox for narrative excellence. If you’re trying to communicate with greater intention and effectiveness, this book is for you.”
- Daniel H. Pink
The Perfect Story
How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire
Don’t wait for the perfect story.
Take your stories and make them perfect.
Published October 3, 2023 (HarperCollins)
If you’ve ever thought...
...this book is for you.
What makes a story perfect?
How do you tell the perfect story for any occasion?
Learn more about The Perfect Story in the book trailer below.
About the Book
The Perfect Story evolves the conversation on storytelling. It explains how to leverage the science of storytelling to create an engaging story. Without relying on complicated models or one-size-fits-all prescriptions, Karen Eber makes storytelling accessible with practical and impactful steps for anyone to tell the perfect story for any occasion.
Take the assessment to
Define Your Storytelling Approach
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Learn How To
Leverage the Five Factory Settings of the Brain to hack the art of storytelling.
Build a toolkit of endless story ideas.
Craft and deliver stories tailored to your audience without complicated models or one-size-fits-all prescriptions.
Navigate when to tell a personal story.
Engage senses and emotions.
Tell stories with data.
Share stories in job interviews, toasts, and eulogies.
Avoid common storytelling mistakes.
Use your body to tell dynamic stories.
Ensure your story doesn’t manipulate.
Navigate and embrace the vulnerability of storytelling.
Whether you are leading a team, giving a presentation, hosting a podcast, selling a product or service, interviewing for a job, or giving a toast at a wedding,
The Perfect Story will help you take your stories and make them perfect.
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Interview Vignettes
Interview vignettes are included at the end of chapters to share the experiences of people who tell stories in vastly different settings. These interviews include what each person might share if you sat next to them at a dinner party.
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Michelle Satter
Sundance Institute Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs
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Sarah Austin Jenness
Executive Producer at The Moth, Bestselling Author
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Manoush Zomorodi
Host of TED Radio Hour Podcast, NPR
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Will Csaklos
Screenwriter and Story Consultant
Former Senior Creative Executive & Story Consultant, Pixar Animation Studios
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Gary Ware
Improv Comedian, Author, and Workshop Facilitator
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Stephanie Stuckey
CEO of Stuckey’s Corporation
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Paul Zak, Ph.D.
Neuroscientist, Founder of Immersion Neuroscience, and Professor at Claremont Graduate University
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Drew Dudley
Keynote and TED Speaker: “Everyday Leadership” Bestselling Author
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Dr. Anthony Williams
Physician, Assistant Director of Center for the Art of Medicine, University of Minnesota
Associate Program Director, Med-Peds Residency Program, Health Partners Med-Peds Hospitalist
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Peggy Fogelman
Norma Jean Calderwood Director, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
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Bofta Yimam
Emmy & Edward R. Murrow Award-Winning Television Correspondent, International Speaker and Entrepreneur
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Colby Webb
Executive Global Business Leader, former Chief Marketing Officer
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Evan Skolnick
Video Game Writer and Narrative Designer
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Serena Huang, Ph.D.
Global Head of People Analytics, former Head of People Analytics at PayPal, Kraft Heinz, GE Aviation
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John Cushing
Anything but Footy Audio and Podcast Presenter and Producer, Former Head of News Operations for Global
Praise for The Perfect Story
The Perfect Story is a Next Big Idea Book Club “Must-Read” selection.
The Perfect Story is a Porchlight Books Bestseller.
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“Karen Eber has combined theory and practice to provide us the ultimate toolbox for narrative excellence. If you’re trying to communicate with greater intention and effectiveness, this book is for you.”
— Daniel H. Pink
#1 New York Times bestselling author of THE POWER OF REGRET, A WHOLE NEW MIND, and DRIVE
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“We all love hearing a great story, but surprisingly few of us know how to tell one. Karen Eber is one of those few, and in this book, she shares her secrets. Come for the engrossing content, and stay for the lessons that might just change how you talk, write, and lead.”
-Adam Grant
#1 New York Times bestselling author of THINK AGAIN and HIDDEN POTENTIAL, and host of the TED podcast Re:Thinking
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“Whether CEO of a company, leader of a team, creator of promotional materials, or simply someone who enjoys hanging out with friends, anyone can benefit from becoming a better storyteller. This delightful book masterfully explains how. Supported by research and packed with engaging stories (of course!), ‘THE PERFECT STORY’ should be at the top of your reading list this year.”
— Amy C. Edmondson, Ph.D.
Professor of Leadership & Management, Harvard Business School; Author, Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well (Atria, 2023).
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“The heart of great stories and communications is purpose and precision. ‘THE PERFECT STORY’ demonstrates how to develop engaging stories for each audience. Karen masterfully weaves in stories that draw you in while offering readers practical steps and tools. If you are looking to be a more memorable and effective communicator, ‘THE PERFECT STORY’ is for you.”
— Dorie Clark
Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty —Duke University Fuqua School of Business
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“Through real-world examples and practical steps, ‘THE PERFECT STORY’ shows you how to develop a compelling story, tailor it to your audience and deliver it with authenticity and impact. Whether you are looking to inspire your team, expand thinking, or build empathy and trust, this book will guide you through telling great stories.”
— Frances Frei, Ph. D.
Professor: Harvard Business School; Author of Unleashed
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“‘THE PERFECT STORY’ is an indispensable resource for professionals in leadership and business seeking to master the art of storytelling. The book's comprehensive approach provides readers with the tools to create inspiring visions and missions for their companies, deliver captivating speeches, and build beloved brands. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to master the art of storytelling and take their leadership and business skills to the next level.”
— Marshall Goldsmith
Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach, New York Times best-selling author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
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“‘THE PERFECT STORY’ is the perfect book for both novice and seasoned storytellers who need to improve the impact of their creations. Using the latest science, concrete examples, and checklists, ‘THE PERFECT STORY’ will immediately improve what we all do to influence others--tell stories.”
— Paul J. Zak, Ph.D.
Author of Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness
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“Storytelling is at the heart of every company, project, and meaningful connection. Great stories unite, inspire, and even challenge thinking. Karen Eber shares the steps for building the perfect story for each audience. ‘THE PERFECT STORY’ will change the way you think about stories and will become a trusted resource you reach for frequently.”
— Randi Zuckerberg
New York Times bestselling author of Dot Complicated and Pick Three, CEO of Hug and Zuckerberg Media
About the Author
Karen Eber is an author, international leadership consultant, professional storyteller and keynote speaker. Her talk on TED.com: How your brain responds to stories – and why they’re crucial for leaders, continues to inspire millions. As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps companies build leaders, teams, and culture, one story at a time.
Karen works with Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Microsoft, Kraft Heinz, Facebook, Kate Spade, and Big 4 Consulting Companies. She guest lectures in universities including London School of Business, Stanford, and MIT, and is a frequent contributor and is featured in publications like Fast Company, Quartz, Business Insider, Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur and The NY Post.
With 20 years of experience, Karen has previously been a Head of Culture, Chief Learning Officer, and head of Leadership Development at General Electric and Deloitte. She is a four-time American Training and Development winner and lives in Atlanta, GA.
Download the Media Guide and One-Page Overview for
The Perfect Story.
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