Art of Political Storytelling: Why Stories Win Votes in Post-truth Politics

The Art of Political Storytelling explores how stories are created, shared, and contested, and how they shape our understanding of the political world. It argues that tapping into people's emotions has been more effective than rational argument and that a gripping narrative is the most powerful tool for manipulating emotions. The book provides a blueprint for victory at the ballot box by mastering the tools and tricks of narrative and evaluating the language and rhetorical strategies used to craft and enact them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this revised and updated paperback edition, The Art of Political Storytelling delves into the complex and ever-changing world of politics, offering a fresh perspective on the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of contemporary politics. Written by political analyst and author Sergeant, this book provides an original and compelling way of navigating the chaotic world of today's politics, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, global protests, racial justice debates, and the US presidential election.

In our post-truth era, where emotions play a significant role in shaping public opinion, tapping into people's emotions has proven more effective than rational argument. As Sergeant argues, the most powerful tool for manipulating emotions is a gripping narrative. From Trump's America to Brexit Britain, weaving a good story, featuring fearless protagonists, challenging quests against seemingly insurmountable odds, and memorable dialogue has been at the heart of political success.

So, does an understanding of the art of storytelling help explain today's successful political movements? Can it translate into a blueprint for victory at the ballot box? The Art of Political Storytelling explores these questions by examining how stories are created, shared, and contested, illuminating the pivotal role that persuasive storytelling plays in shaping our understanding of the political world we live in.

By mastering the tools and tricks of narrative and evaluating the language and rhetorical strategies used to craft and enact them, Sergeant explains how and why today's combination of new media, populism, and partisanship makes storytelling an ever more important part of the persuasive and political process.

In the first chapter, Sergeant delves into the origins of storytelling and its role in human communication. He explores how storytelling has evolved over time, from oral traditions to written literature, and how it has been used to convey messages, shape cultures, and influence political outcomes. The chapter also highlights the power of storytelling to evoke emotions and create a sense of shared identity, which can be particularly important in political contexts.

In the second chapter, Sergeant examines the role of storytelling in shaping public opinion. He explores how narratives can influence our perceptions of political figures, policies, and events, and how they can shape our attitudes and behaviors. The chapter also discusses the challenges of crafting effective narratives, such as avoiding bias, maintaining credibility, and appealing to a diverse audience.

In the third chapter, Sergeant explores the use of storytelling in political campaigns and advocacy. He examines how political candidates and advocacy groups use storytelling to connect with voters, build support, and promote their causes. The chapter also discusses the importance of visual storytelling, such as images and videos, in capturing the attention of voters and promoting social change.

In the fourth chapter, Sergeant examines the role of storytelling in shaping international relations. He explores how narratives can influence perceptions of foreign countries, cultures, and policies, and how they can shape the course of international conflicts. The chapter also discusses the challenges of crafting effective narratives in international contexts, such as balancing competing narratives, avoiding stereotypes, and promoting empathy and understanding.

In the fifth chapter, Sergeant examines the role of storytelling in the media and popular culture. He explores how media outlets use storytelling to shape public opinion, promote their brands, and sell products. The chapter also discusses the challenges of media bias and the need for media literacy and critical thinking in navigating the information landscape.

In the final chapter, Sergeant offers insights into the future of storytelling in politics. He explores how storytelling will continue to evolve in the age of new media, populism, and partisanship, and how it can be used to promote social justice, address political inequality, and build a more inclusive and democratic society.

In conclusion, The Art of Political Storytelling is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the power of storytelling in shaping contemporary politics. Written by a skilled storyteller and political analyst, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the political world we live in. By mastering the tools and tricks of narrative and evaluating the language and rhetorical strategies used to craft and enact them, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the political landscape.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 216 x 139 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350266148