In a world saturated with advice on storytelling—where buzzwords often drown out substance—a new book is cutting through the noise with refreshing clarity and precision. Titled Story Rules, this sharp, technique-driven guide comes from an unlikely but powerful source: Ravishankar Iyer, a Chartered Accountant and IIM Ahmedabad gold medalist who’s rewriting the rulebook on business communication.

Iyer doesn’t hail from the usual backgrounds of branding, media, or marketing. Instead, his roots lie in numbers, logic, and rigorous thinking. “I wasn’t born with a story-spoon in my mouth,” Iyer admits with candor. “In fact, for the longest time, I studied accounting!” But that analytical grounding is exactly what sets Story Rules apart.

Built around 31 practical techniques, the book strips storytelling down to its essence—clarity, purpose, and impact. It is filled with over 300 real-world examples and skips the fluff to answer the real question professionals ask: “Yes, but how do I actually do it?”

Whether it’s a pitch, presentation, or team review, Iyer shows how storytelling is less about talent and more about structure, intent, and simplicity. He introduces frameworks like BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front), and uses memorable case studies—such as the eight-page document that catalyzed India’s 1991 economic reforms—to show how well-crafted stories can move decisions and shape outcomes.

The book has already earned accolades from leaders and thinkers across industries.

“In a world where attention is short and trust is earned, Story Rules offers a brilliant, practical guide to help leaders communicate with clarity, purpose, and empathy,” says Govind Iyer, Chair of Social Venture Partners India and Board Director at Infosys.

Ravi Venkatesan, former Microsoft India Chairman, adds, “Story Rules offers practical techniques to cut through the noise and communicate with impact. Highly recommended.”

Stanford lecturer and communication expert Matt Abrahams calls it “a how-to manual that transforms even the most technical content into compelling narratives.”

What makes Story Rules particularly valuable is its accessibility. It doesn’t assume you’re a natural communicator. It’s for the engineer preparing a pitch, the analyst explaining numbers, or the manager looking to motivate a team. It’s not about sounding more “inspirational”—it’s about ensuring your ideas don’t get lost in the crowd.

Story Rules is not just a read. It’s a reference—especially for anyone who has ever struggled to make their point in a crowded meeting or crowded inbox.

In today’s attention economy, it’s not the loudest voice that wins. It’s the clearest one. And Iyer’s Story Rules ensures that yours will be.