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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Ratgeber
- Sprache: Englisch
Combine the best of AI efficiency with human creativity
In a world where AI-generated content floods every platform, authentic human connection has never been more valuable. Story Intelligence shows you how to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and powerful human stories. In this book, award-winning communications strategist Gabrielle Dolan shares a practical framework for leveraging AI while building real trust and genuine relationships. You'll discover how to use AI as a creative partner to enhance your storytelling, without compromising your credibility or losing your unique voice.
Bust the myth that generative AI is ‘cheating’. Through sample prompts and inspirational real-world examples, you'll discover strategies for crafting memorable stories that cut through the noise and forge genuine connections. Turn speeches, meetings and presentations into unforgettable moments that inform and persuade.
- Boost your ‘story intelligence’: hone your storytelling as a skill that lets you connect with, engage and lead others, even when trust is scarce.
- Enlist tools like ChatGPT and Claude as creative sidekicks to enhance your productivity, while preserving your personal voice and perspective.
- Follow step-by-step advice for crafting compelling presentations and pitches that resonate.
- Build confidence in using AI in your communications, from keynote speeches to team meetings.
- Turn everyday business communications into powerful narratives that create lasting impact and drive real results.
Whether you're preparing for a crucial presentation, crafting a pitch, or leading your team, Story Intelligence is your essential guide for communicating with authenticity in an increasingly artificial world.
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Seitenzahl: 274
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
About the author
Introduction
PART I: Understanding story intelligence
1 What is storytelling and why is it so powerful?
The power of stories
Our emotions drive decisions
Why stories stick
Lessons from Aristotle
2 Why stories are so crucial today
Technology is not the enemy
3 Putting AI to the test … the pros and cons
The storytelling contest
The results
4 Embracing AI as your creative partner
Is using AI cheating?
A brilliant brainstorming tool
PART II: Increasing your story intelligence
5 The storytelling framework
The basics of a story
Applying the storytelling framework
Putting the framework into practice
Hold the mayo
Common storytelling mistakes
6 The four types of stories
Personal stories
Professional stories
Public stories
Parables
So which type of story should you use?
7 How to find your own stories
This is your life
Flick through your camera roll
Check physical photo albums
Ask people who know you well
Consider specific questions
Collect stories while you travel
8 Putting AI to work, smarter
and
harder
Putting AI to work on personal and professional stories
Putting AI to work on parables and public stories
Putting AI to work to refine your story
Other things to consider when using AI
PART III: Sharing your stories
9 Stories for presentations
The bucket has moved
How much for your lollies?
1 in 2.3 million
My first car
10 Stories for sales
Minnesota Starvation Experiment
Treating the whole person
Look who's crying now
Folding napkins and Swatch watches
11 Stories for social media and podcasts
How do you know if you haven't tried?
Luck in disguise
Hot chocolate and workstations
Off tramping
12 Stories around values
Swim between the flags
Right and fair
Don't blame the bunny
Get married and have kids
13 Stories for influence, change and inspiration
FBI special switchboard agent
Jiggle the lock
Kissing frogs
14 Stories for coaching or life advice
The power of authentically showing up
You can cross now
Trust your intuition
15 Stories for speeches and eulogies
Release Russell
Should have gone for it
My dad's eulogy
16 Stories in the written format
Wise words from Mum
My greatest inspiration
Traumatic life experiences
Conclusion
Connect with me
Acknowledgements
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 3
Table 3.1 the storytelling ratings
Table 3.2 ratings from the three featured stories
Table 3.3 ratings from the 18 tested stories
List of Illustrations
Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 four types of stories
Guide
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
About the author
Introduction
Table of Contents
Begin Reading
Conclusion
Connect with me
Acknowledgements
End User License Agreement
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In an era where trust is increasingly fragile and AI-generated content is ever-present; this is a must-read for business leaders. Gabrielle is a masterful storyteller and in her new book she explains why authentic human stories are not just important, but essential for cutting through the noise and building genuine connection. This book smartly reframes AI not as a threat, but as an incredibly powerful creative partner, showing how we can use it to amplify and strengthen any story that needs to be heard.
—Michelle Hutton, Chief Client Officer, Burson
In a world increasingly dominated by ‘thinking machines’, Gabrielle Dolan brilliantly reminds us that humans are ‘feeling machines that think’. The very title, Story Intelligence, signals a vital evolution beyond traditional narrative craft for the age of AI. She guides us not to replace our humanity with technology, but to use it to amplify our uniquely human gift for storytelling. This book is a crucial lesson that logic and data alone will never be enough to truly move people. Dolan's assertion that ‘experience is the best teacher, a compelling story is a close second’ is a profound truth for any leader looking to inspire action. I recommend this book as essential reading for anyone looking to retain authenticity and connection while mastering modern AI tools.
—Dr Sue Keay, Director, University NSW AI Institute
To story is human, but to story for influence requires guidance. Story Intelligence shows readers exactly how to craft narratives for maximum impact. If you need this superpower, you need this wonderful book!
—Paul J. Zak, PhD, author of The Little Book of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Living Better
Professional storytelling is widely acknowledged as a powerful tool. But is it under threat from AI? Story Intelligence convincingly argues that AI is not a threat but a highly effective partner in enhancing storytelling skills. By understanding the core principles of storytelling (succinctly summarised in the book), AI can be harnessed to unlock our creativity. This book is an uplifting and exciting read, especially for those tentative about integrating AI into their creative processes.
—Maia Gould, Associate Professor, The Australian National University
As deep tech continues to reshape our everyday and the communication landscape, through synthetic media, and AI-generated misinformation, the need for authentic human storytelling has never been greater. Gabrielle Dolan's Story Intelligence is a timely and essential guide for anyone seeking to build trust in a world of manipulated narratives and eroded truth. With Dolan's typical warmth, wit and practical wisdom, she reminds us that while AI can generate words, only humans can tell stories that truly resonate.
—Prerana Mehta, CEO, Australian Council of Learned Academies
In a world where executives are told to ‘tell their story’ but given little guidance on how to do it powerfully, especially when trust in leadership is at an all-time low, this book is the missing piece. Gabrielle's blend of authenticity, storytelling smarts and practical AI strategy is a game changer. Essential reading for those of us helping leaders show up, speak up and shape culture with their voice.
—Amanda Blesing, Executive Coach and 3x author for Leading Women
In a world where trust is eroding and attention is fleeting, this book is a timely and powerful reminder of why storytelling matters more than ever. It introduces a compelling new dimension of human capability: Story Intelligence (SQ) — the ability to authentically and purposefully use narrative to connect, engage, and inspire.
Going beyond cognitive intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and cultural intelligence (CQ), the book makes a bold and original case for SQ as a core human skill — one that not only drives meaningful communication but also fosters deeper connection in an age shaped by technology and cultural fragmentation.
Gabriel skilfully explores how AI can serve as a creative partner in this journey, not by replacing our stories but by helping us uncover and share them more authentically.
This book is insightful, timely, and filled with soul. If you care about meaningful connection in the digital age, this is an absolute must-read. You'll walk away not just thinking differently, but feeling differently — about stories, technology, and about yourself.
—Dr. Frederique Covington Corbett, author of Leadership on a Blockchain and Chief Global Brand & Marketing, PFP
Story Intelligence is a timely, practical read. If you need to connect with others and build trust (and who doesn't?), this is the book for you. Gabrielle Dolan walks the talk, with real stories, useful tools and a solid case for why authenticity is almost always the answer.
—Alicia McKay, author of You Don't Need An MBA
Story Intelligence shows us that stories don't just inform, they connect. Gabrielle Dolan reveals how stories cut through logic, tapping into something deeper to build trust, shift thinking and move people. A smart book on the superpower we all carry.
—Matt Church, Founder, Thought Leaders Business School and author of Future Proof Humans
Gabrielle's best book yet! At last a sensible use of AI to mine human experience and help us connect better with others. The stories shared left me uplifted and motivated, eager to shift my communication in a meaningful way. Pithy and practical, this book will help you double down on authenticity and level up your impact.
—Zoë Routh, Leadership futurist and award-winning author
Gabrielle Dolan has done it again — taking something as timeless as storytelling and giving it a fresh, urgent relevance for the world we live in now. In an age where AI content floods our feeds and trust is harder to earn, Story Intelligence is the reminder we all need — that our authentic stories are the heartbeat of connection. What I love most is how Gabrielle doesn't frame AI as the villain but as a tool — a creative partner — when used with intention and heart. This book is smart, real and a must-read for anyone who wants to stand out with their true voice, not just more noise.
—Janine Garner, author of Be Brilliant and It's Who You Know
Story Intelligence is a game changer for any leader who wants to deepen connection, influence with authenticity, and leave a lasting impact. Gabrielle Dolan beautifully unpacks the power of storytelling as a strategic tool — not just for communication, but for genuine leadership. If you're ready to elevate your message and engage on a whole new level, this book is your roadmap.”
—Jane Anderson, Business Growth and Communication Expert
Story Intelligence is a smart, practical guide to elevating your storytelling with AI. Packed with sharp insights and practical takeaways, it's a GPS for modern communicators navigating the new rules of storytelling. A must-read for anyone ready to turn AI into a powerful creative partner.
—Tennille Burt, Chief Marketing Officer
This is the story of how to tell stories in an age of algorithms. It's smart, brave, and brimming with integrity.
—Prof. Catherine Ball, Scientific Futurist
First published 2026 by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2026
All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial intelligence technologies or similar technologies. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review) no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
The right of Gabrielle Dolan to be identified as the author of Story Intelligence has been asserted in accordance with law.
ISBN: 978-1-394-36087-1
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About the author
Gabrielle Dolan, affectionately known as ‘Ral’ to those who've met her, is a globally recognised expert in strategic storytelling and real communication. It was while working in senior leadership roles at National Australia Bank that she discovered how stories could enhance communication and leadership effectiveness.
Since that realisation, Gabrielle has dedicated her career to helping people humanise their communications. She travels the world undertaking storytelling workshops and delivering keynote speeches at conferences, where she is known as an ‘edutainer’; that is, someone who educates and entertains.
An accomplished author, Gabrielle has penned seven influential books, including the bestseller Magnetic Stories: Connect with customers and engage employees with brand storytelling, which debuted at number two on Australia's best-selling business books list.
She co-hosts a podcast with Jac Phillips called Keeping it Real with Jac and Ral, which ranked in the top 5 per cent of video-produced podcasts on Spotify. Gabrielle met Jac over 20 years ago and the relationship went from client, to friend to podcast co-host. Jac is an amazing, no-nonsense leadership coach.
Gabrielle holds a Master's degree in Management and Leadership, an Associate Diploma in Education and Training and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education. Her academic achievements underscore her commitment to continuous learning and leadership development … or, to potentially making up for not passing English in her final year of high school!
Gabrielle's dedication to clear and genuine business dialogue led her to initiate the global movement Jargon Free Fridays, encouraging professionals to ditch corporate jargon and unnecessary acronyms in favour of straightforward communication. Her efforts were recognised in 2020 when she was named Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators Asia–Pacific region.
Gabrielle spends her time between Melbourne and Bermagui on the southern New South Wales coast of Australia. She is married to Steve and they have two adult daughters, Alex and Jess. She is committed to improving her game … specifically on the golf course and pickleball court.
Introduction
On the eve of Halloween in 1938, ‘The War of the Worlds’ hit the airwaves on CBS Radio. An adaptation of HG Wells’ novel of the same name, which was published 40 years prior, it was directed and narrated by Orsen Welles (no relative of the original author).
Instead of being set in 19th-century England, the episode was changed to the current day in the United States. The hour-long program was a simulation of a normal evening radio broadcast with weather updates and music, but after a few minutes, the music was interrupted by supposedly real news, detailing the beginning of a devastating alien invasion and the United States military's futile efforts to stop it.
One of the so-called ‘reports’ was from a rooftop in Manhattan, where a news reporter describes the invasion on New York City saying, ‘Five great machines wading through the Hudson River like men wading through a brook. There is black smoke drifting over the city and people are diving into the East River like rats, and others in Times Square are falling like flies’. The actor playing this journalist then coughs and collapses. After seconds of silence, a radio operator is heard calling, ‘New York. Isn't there anyone on the air? Isn't there anyone on the air? Isn't there … anyone?’
Thousands of listeners missed the start of this broadcast, which actually explained it was fictionalised, and mistakenly took it for genuine news. They believed it to be true and shared the false reports with others, spreading it like wildfire. Chaos ensued as people took to the streets in confusion.
Imagine waking up to that news; what would you think? Fast forward to today, imagine waking up to a video of a world leader heavily criticising another world leader and threatening war, only to find out hours later that it was entirely fabricated. Or seeing a heartfelt testimonial about a product, only to discover that the person speaking doesn't exist.
Sadly, this is no longer just the plot of a dystopian novel acted out for entertainment. It is our reality … right here, right now.
It's impossible not to notice the influx of fake videos on your social media feed … of lions swallowing whole snakes or tornadoes ripping through cities … mostly generated by AI. At the moment, the quality is such that if you look closely enough, or perhaps are more sceptical, you will pick up details that prove them manufactured. Yet, read the comments on these videos and you'll see many people, alarmingly, believe them to be real. The real concern is that as technology improves and is so accessible, spotting the fakes is becoming harder … even for the very discerning.
AI can generate fake but realistic videos of people saying things they never said, and of politicians or celebrities saying something damaging. Or worse, people in powerful positions can dismiss real videos as deep fakes, and fake news, as their public relations strategy. How can we trust what anyone says or does these days?
As a result, we are becoming more sceptical of what we hear and what we see. It is getting harder to discern what and who we can trust.
Trust is at an all-time low because it's challenging to distinguish what is real and what is fabricated.
For the past 20 years, I have been teaching business owners, leaders and sales professionals how to share stories to create genuine, authentic connection, and I truly believe that with the increase of AI-generated content and the overall decline in trust in society, the craft of authentic storytelling is needed now more than ever.
Storytelling has been an effective means of communication for tens of thousands of years. You need only look at how Indigenous Australians (the oldest living culture) use stories to pass their knowledge and wisdom through the generations.
Interestingly, though, I don't think that AI is the devil. I know people who are so put off by the rise of AI-generated content that they refuse to use it, engage with it or even acknowledge its existence! But to ignore AI so outright would be a terrible and costly mistake. Not just because it's here to stay, and here to advance, but because AI is an incredible tool that offers so many opportunities in all sorts of personal and professional contexts.
When we learn to use AI wisely (for good, not evil, so to speak) and understand its advantages and limitations, we can use it to craft genuine stories faster and smarter.
That's what I want to show you in this book.
‘Story intelligence’ refers to your ability to use the skills of storytelling in an authentic way that connects, engages and inspires others, especially when mistrust is at an all-time high. There is no dictionary definition for story intelligence, so I created one:
Story intelligence (noun)
The ability to purposefully and skilfully use authentic storytelling to communicate with clarity and to connect, engage, and inspire.
If we use AI-generated stories that are not authentic, we run a serious risk to our reputation and a potential damage to our brand. So the trick is to not rely wholly on AI, but to use it as a creative partner to help uncover stories we can share to engage and inspire others; and to refine those stories and supercharge our productivity, creativity, communication skills and impact.
Think of storytelling as your Batman, and AI as your Robin, your reliable and eager sidekick.
Together, in this book, we will:
analyse the power of storytelling and why it is needed now more than ever in a world of declining trust
bust the myth that AI is cheating or unethical (not true if used correctly)
deconstruct what makes a great story and how to spot a fake
explain the limitations and advantages when it comes to AI and storytelling
follow a framework to find stories, both with and without AI's help
share AI tips and techniques that will improve and refine your storytelling capability
increase your confidence to share stories in different situations, from business presentations to personal speeches
demonstrate how others have used stories in their personal and professional lives.
To do this, part I of the book (‘Understanding story intelligence’) unpacks what storytelling is and what makes it so powerful. We'll look at the latest research, which shows the decline of trust across the globe, and why authentic storytelling is needed now more than ever. We'll also put AI to the test when it comes to generating and creating stories so that you can understand its limitations and its benefits and spot a fake a mile off.
In part II (‘Increasing your story intelligence’), we will delve into a comprehensive storytelling framework and explore the four types of stories you can share in certain situations. We'll also look at how you can find stories … both with and without AI. Then we will put AI to work harder and smarter, using it as your creative partner, to help enhance your stories while maintaining your authentic voice.
Finally, in part III (‘Sharing your stories’), we'll look at a variety of stories that people have shared in specific contexts: from presentations, to sales, coaching moments and delivering speeches; the results and feedback from the stories; and an analysis of why they worked. I hope these stories provide you with the inspiration to share your own stories and create the right impact and trust with others.
Now, before we get into things, it's important to note that the term ‘AI’ (artificial intelligence) is very broad and refers to the concept of machines or software mimicking human-like behaviour. Generative AI (Gen AI) is a subset of AI that focuses specifically on creating new content such as generating text, images, music and more … and that is what I mostly refer to and use in this book. (If you are interacting with a chat function on a website it is most likely Gen AI.)
The two AI platforms I use and refer to in this book are ChatGPT and Claude. In some instances, I have included direct copy from these platforms to show you how they work and what they produce. When the copy is unaltered, I have used a different font to highlight this.
Note, this book will not, however, explain how ChatGPT works (there are so many great books already written on this including The ChatGPT Revolution: How to simplify your work and life admin with AI by Donna McGeorge). But rather, it will show you how to use AI as your creative partner to help increase your story intelligence.
So let's get ready to craft some authentic stories, made smarter with the help of AI.
PART IUnderstanding story intelligence
Story intelligence is very similar to emotional intelligence in that it refers to your ability … in this case, to tell a great story (as opposed to how emotionally intelligent you are).
Just as some people are naturally better at tennis, singing or physical coordination, some may have more emotional intelligence, and others more story intelligence. In either case, the skills are always learnable and you can become better at them.
So, in this part we will explore what storytelling actually is and why stories are so powerful. We will also discover why authentic stories are needed now more than ever in a world of rising distrust. Plus, we'll begin to look at using AI as a creative partner, which means understanding the advantages and limitations of AI-generated stories.
1What is storytelling and why is it so powerful?
When our daughter Alex was two years old and I was pregnant with our second child, Jess, we decided to put a swimming pool in our backyard.
I had always had a pool growing up and it had brought so much enjoyment. We would spend hours in that pool with all our friends, family and neighbours and I thought it would be amazing to provide the same experience to our girls.
Of course, we taught Alex and Jess how to swim as early as possible, and as they got older they would have friends over to swim. But the pool wasn't very big so when there were lots of people over for a swim, we had a strict ‘no jumping in the pool’ policy.
As opposed to just stating this rule to Alex and Jess, I reinforced the importance of it by sharing a story from when I was a little girl.
The story was about when their Aunty Ali (my younger sister) jumped into the pool on top of me and her knee collided with my front tooth and broke it in half (my tooth, not her knee). Aunty Ali got into a load of trouble from Nana for jumping into the pool.
Alex and Jess loved that story so much. I cannot tell you how many times they asked me to retell it. I think they liked the idea of their big, grown-up aunty getting in trouble from her mum (their nana).
Years later, when Alex was about 10 and her friends came over for a swim, I overheard her telling everyone that they were not allowed to jump into the pool. She then went on to relay the story about her Aunty Ali to explain why.
By this stage, I had been running my business storytelling workshops for years and I knew how powerful stories could be to connect with people and to get your message across more effectively in a way that was understood and remembered. So when I heard Alex retelling that story, it totally reinforced in me the true power of stories.
Messages are clearly articulated and understood through stories. Stories are remembered and, crucially, stories can be retold without losing the message.
This is the power of telling a great story. This is story intelligence in action.
So let's look at the science behind why stories are so powerful, specifically what happens in our brains when we hear good stories.
The power of stories
Our brains are complex, with different parts serving unique functions. The left hemisphere organises thoughts and handles logic, while the right hemisphere processes emotions and personal memories. Then, there's the ‘reptile brain’ driving instinctive actions and the ‘mammal brain’, which fosters social connections. Layered atop these is the neocortex, which is linked to the intricate limbic system. This network governs emotional bonds such as the connection between a mother and child.
Daniel Goleman, in his best-selling book Emotional Intelligence, explains the immense power of the emotions rooted in our evolved neocortex as:
… the root from which the newer brain grew, the emotional areas are intertwined via myriad connecting circuits to all parts of the neocortex. This gives the emotional centres immense power to influence the functioning of the rest of the brain.
When we tell stories, all areas of the brain (logical, emotional and sensory) are activated, working together to create vivid imagery and deep emotional resonance. A well-told story doesn't just convey information; it makes us feel something, be it excitement, empathy, pride or even sadness. These emotions form bonds between the storyteller and the audience, fostering a connection akin to the bonds formed by our limbic system.
In a 2014 Harvard Business Review article, neuro-economist Paul Zak highlights how storytelling stimulates oxytocin, often called the ‘trust hormone’. Released during moments of trust or intimacy (such as hugging or even a handshake), oxytocin signals safety and builds trust. Remarkably, storytelling can trigger the same release, building a bond between the audience and the storyteller.
My workshops culminate in participants sharing a personal story related to a work message such as company values or purpose in small groups. Afterwards, I ask a simple question: ‘What did you like about that?’ Without fail, people comment that they feel a greater connection with each other.
Stories build a bond between the storyteller and their audience, which can fast track forming new relationships, or strengthen already existing relationships.
Paul Zak's research goes further, showing that storytelling doesn't just evoke oxytocin; it also releases cortisol during moments of tension, heightening focus. In one study, participants who watched an emotional story about a father and son produced both cortisol and oxytocin. Those with higher oxytocin levels were more likely to help a stranger afterwards. This demonstrates that stories with emotional highs and lows not only capture attention but also inspire empathy and action.
A good story allows listeners to feel secure, making them more likely to trust and believe the storyteller. Neuroscientist Uri Hasson explains this phenomenon as ‘neural entrainment’: when the brains of a storyteller and their listeners align.
In one study, listeners’ brain activity mirrored the storyteller's, whether the story was in English or Russian. Essentially, hearing a story is like reliving it yourself, creating shared understanding and common ground. That's why when someone shares a story, it's very common, and surprising for some, when someone else gets emotional.
This supports the notion that experience is the best teacher, but a compelling story is a close second.
