The Perfect Story

How to Tell Stories That Inform, Influence, and Inspire

By: Karen Eber

Narrated by: Karen Eber

Read by the author.

"Come for the engrossing content, and stay for the lessons that might just change how you talk, write, and lead.”—Adam Grant

Learn how to take any story and make it perfect—from storytelling expert Karen Eber, whose popular TED Talk on the subject continues to be a source of inspiration for millions.

What makes a story perfect? How do you tell the perfect story for any occasion?

We live in a story world. Stories are a memorable and engaging way to differentiate yourself, build connection and trust, create new thinking, bring meaning to data, and even influence decision-making. But how do you turn a good story into a great story that informs, influences, and inspires?

In The Perfect Story, Karen Eber—leadership consultant, professional keynote storyteller, and TED speaker—shares the science of storytelling to teach you to:

• Leverage the Five Factory Settings of the Brain to hack the art of storytelling
• Build a toolkit of endless story ideas
• Define the audience for your story
• Apply a memorable story structure
• Engage senses and emotions
• Tell stories with data
• Avoid common storytelling mistakes
• Use your body to tell dynamic stories
• Ensure your story doesn't manipulate
• Navigate and embrace the vulnerability of storytelling

Without relying on complicated models or one-size-fits-all prescriptions, this book makes storytelling accessible with practical and impactful steps for anyone to tell the perfect story for any occasion.

Through interview vignettes, The Perfect Story also shares approaches from different storytellers, including the Sundance Institute cofounder, an executive producer of The Moth, the former creative director at Pixar, the TED Radio Hour podcast host, and many more.

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.

Images and checklists are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Karen Eber (P)2023 Harper Horizon

The Title says it all; it's perfect.

Karen Eber is the best kind of teacher: She shows, she demonstrates, and she explains. There are many great examples of storytelling as well as specific instructions and advice about what to consider when crafting a story to tell in a professional setting.

The book is well narrated and includes a PDF with all the illustrations mentioned in the book.

Once you've listened to it once, and then a second time (it's that good!), you can subscribe to Karen Eber's newsletter "Brain Food" (kareneber.com/blog) and get more great storytelling advice!

A Masterpiece in Storytelling Mastery!

I have just experienced the audiobook version of "The Perfect Story" by Karen Eber, and I must say, the narration is nothing short of exceptional. It breathed life into the already brilliant content, making it a listening experience I won't forget.

The narrator's voice was not only engaging but also perfectly aligned with the book's theme. Their tone, pacing, and intonation brought out the depth of Karen Eber's insights, making the journey through the world of storytelling truly immersive.

Eber's book, "The Perfect Story," is a masterpiece in storytelling, and the narrator did an outstanding job of conveying its wisdom and practicality through their narration. It felt like I was being guided by a seasoned storyteller, which added a layer of authenticity to the audiobook.

What I appreciate most about this audiobook is its ability to captivate the listener. The narrator's voice kept me hooked from start to finish, and I found myself eagerly absorbing each chapter's knowledge and advice. It's a testament to both Eber's writing and the narrator's skill.

"The Perfect Story" not only teaches the art and science of storytelling but also provides actionable steps that anyone can apply. The narrator's clear and articulate delivery ensured that these steps were easy to understand and implement. Whether you're a novice or an experienced storyteller, this audiobook is a valuable resource.

In addition to the content itself, the audiobook includes interviews with accomplished storytellers, which further enrich the listening experience. Hearing their voices and insights added a personal touch that enhanced the book's overall impact.

In conclusion, "The Perfect Story" in audiobook format is a gem. If you're looking to elevate your storytelling skills, I highly recommend giving it a listen. The combination of Karen Eber's expertise and the superb narration makes it an audiobook that not only informs but also entertains. It's a journey through the art of storytelling that you won't want to miss.

One of the best books on storytelling by far

I consider myself a pretty good storyteller and have read several books on the topic, even taken courses.

This is a super engaging listen where Karen draws you in with real life examples. She inspired me to approach my storytelling differently and try new things.

The parts that I know a lot about I just skip to the end of the chapter where you will hear from other master storytellers.

I will use this book and the included PDF in my
Job as a content advisor- and creator, as well as personal work.

Listen to this book and start telling your stories in new and engaging ways!

Widely Applicable

Karen Eber was able to masterfully describe how to create a perfect story. Her framework and pearls of wisdom are applicable to job interviews, lectures, presentations, a sales pitch, cocktail parties, and anything in between. I highly recommend to anyone with a message they want to convey!

Making storytelling accessible for everyone!

Storytelling is often underrated and so many of us consider it an art that only a few of us possess. We tend to have a limited view of its value, as entertainment that the best dinner guests have. The truth is that good storytelling is an art and a skill, and it’s what the best leaders, teachers, coaches, mentors, and parents use to communicate effectively. The good news is that Karen makes storytelling accessible for all of us, no matter your role or experience. Whether you’re giving a presentation, teaching a class, giving a speech or toast, anyone can learn how to craft their stories perfectly.

It's transformational 😍 riveting 🛑 a MUST-READ ❗

I just finished the book in one sitting. The author Karen Eber becomes a master at storytelling due to her medical condition and teaches us her mastery. Ger her book #ThePerfectStory right now. I started using her tips the next day at work and with the family with delightful results, smiles and leaning in to your words, amazing...

Insightful and thought provoking

The narrator and content were an easy listen. The content was fantastic and thought provoking. Highly recommend!

Poor narrator

Perhaps in book form this is great… but the lady they had read the book is painful to listen to. Would be great for reading young children’s books perhaps but not business content.