The Art of the Tale

“An essential skill for every leader is story: how to use it to connect, to show empathy, to touch hearts and minds. In The Art of the Tale, Steven James and Tom Morrisey provide that skill—beautifully.”

– Meg Crofton, President (Retired), Disney Parks Operations, USA & France

“In the crowded field of books on storytelling in the workplace, Tom and Steven bring a fresh voice and a new approach in using stories to teach and lead.”

– Paul Smith, author of Lead with a Story, Sell with a Story, and The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell

“Steven and Tom are world-class crafters of stories and experts at communicating them. The principles they unpack in The Art of the Tale will enhance any company or individual’s communication strategy and overall effectiveness.”

– Tony Marr, award-winning storyteller and business consultant

“I have walked many paths; coach, consultant, speaker, entertainer, writer, mother. This book applies to each of them. I don't care what title you carry beside your name, The Art of the Tale will be a solid tool in your box. An enjoyable read with many stop, think, underline it, moments.”

– Kim Weitkamp, storyteller, author, and creator of ProfitableStory.com

“Steven and Tom have created an easy to understand reference book with great visuals and useful tips. More importantly, they deeply understand that we are all storytellers, and work best when we are also active listeners. The Art of the Tale is a powerful collaboration between arts, literature and communication.”

– Margot Leitman, award-winning storyteller and author of Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide You’ll Ever Need

“Communication. Connection. Culture. None of these work without storytelling. In this important book, Steven James and Tom Morrisey teach us how to tell superior stories in superior ways by mastering The Art of the Tale!”

– Rowan Gibson, Bestselling Author and award-winning Keynote Speaker

“Every speaker recognizes the power of a well-told story, but most have questions about how to tell a story well. The Art of the Tale is the book that answers all of those questions.”

– Chuck Snearly, Director of Executive Communications (Retired), Ford Motor Company

“The well-told story is often the turning point of the well-delivered speech, but it is also the element that mystifies many speakers. [The Art of the Tale] rectifies that deficit; it is like a master class in the oral storytelling tradition.”

– Brian Jenner, Founder, U.K. Speechwriters’ Guild

“The Art of the Tale is a powerful guide. This co-written and friendly text examines the practical and purposeful route to using storytelling in the board room and beyond.”

– Kevin D. Cordi, Ph.D., author, podcaster, and national storytelling consultant

“As a storyteller who has performed onstage for more than a decade and the author of my own book on storytelling, I've read every book on the subject. Most are philosophical, esoteric, and leave the reader with some interesting thoughts and theories but no actual tools for telling great stories. The Art of the Tale is not one of these books. Chock full of specific strategies and lots of practical examples, it is a book that can objectively make you a better storyteller page by page.”

– Matthew Dicks, author of Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling 

“The Art of the Tale combines the power of storytelling with traditional public speaking in a way that current generations can relate to. Communication is not simply the transfer of information. It is influence. The Art of the Tale recognizes that. I have been teaching speech at the university level for over 30 years. This is the most practical and exciting book on speaking and storytelling that I have seen.”

– K. Bruce Montgomery, Ph.D., Professor of Communications, Business Consultant, and Storytelling Instructor

“Every single one of us has stories to tell. When we tap into those stories, we engage our audience and create a powerful connection. This book shows you how.”

– Allison Shapiro, Founder and CEO, Global Public Speaking and author, Speak with Impact: How to Command the Room and Influence Others