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May 15, 2004
I stand corrected: A better story wins
Jessica Hammer phoned me yesterday. A colleague introduced us via email because Jessica is interested in computer-based stories. I explained why my Stanford lab has been researching narrative: For thousands of years people have told stories--folktales, legends, parables and more--in order to change attitudes and behaviors. So now we are investigating how computers can tell stories that persuade people.At one point in the conversation I said, "Narrative is the one persuasion strategy for which there is no defense. A good story always has an impact at some level." Jessica's response was a smart one: "The only defense," she said, "is a better story." She's right. (In the fall Jessica Hammer will begin her Ph.D. work at Columbia.)
Posted by at May 15, 2004 10:11 AM
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