Although this text is non-fiction, much of it is told
like a story. What is the author's most likely purpose
for writing the text in this way?

The texts can be told like a story to give them more credence and not to be too confessional.

Explanation:

Often life narratives are written likes stories because of how much stories and their format effect how we understand the content.

While in the autobiographic narration people do care more about the facts that are being told, in a story format people understand the larger idea behind the text without being told it.

As such they also retain that larger idea for a longer time and are able to contend with it for much longer.

This one can see is a good reason for such usage.

each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.’s great “i have a dream” speech. it’s electrifying every single time.

the content of dr. king’s speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic “i have a dream” speech the defining moment of the american civil rights movement. but there are several other reasons why this speech, delivered over 50 years ago, remains an example of one of the best speeches in american history.

since part of my job is to people become better presenters, i’ve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.

it’s anchored in a powerful related location

in most cases, you can’t handpick the spot to give a presentation, as mlk did for supreme symbolic effect when he stood on the steps of the lincoln memorial and echoed the opening words of the gettysburg address (“five score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.

“asleep in his bed” is personified.