You raise an interesting question: Why tell a story when a simple, direct message will convey the same information?

The answer is that adults learn in a variety of different ways. Some learn better from case studies. Some learn better from fun or interesting stories. Some learn better from a clear, direct message. Some learn better through statistics. By the way, this is the case with all adults, not just Americans. You’ll notice that my blog site honors these differences in preferred learning styles by presenting information in a variety of ways.

Conveying information through a story is a terrific way to engage individuals. First, many folks will be more likely to actually read an article containing a story. That might not be your preferred learning style. However, those of us who blog, need to be sensitive to how others prefer to engage. Second, by telling a story, we allow readers to more easily use their own imagination to reflect on their own experiences and to further learn from those memories. Third, when using a story as a device, readers are more likely to actually remember the information.

As for turning my story into a Hollywood movie, I’m flattered that you think it is worthy (though you were probably being sarcastic). For the record, I’d like George Clooney to play me.