How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less - book review

How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds in Less by Milo O. Frank

I first read this book decades ago and have referred to it many times. My copy is marked with pen, highlighter and post it notes.

This book is short – only 120 pages. It will take you more than 30 seconds to read.

If you only read one book on communication skills this is the book to read.

I’ve suffered through many conversations and presentations from people who really needed to read this book. Perhaps you have suffered as well. Buy this book for anyone who loves to make noise without communicating.

What are the best ideas from this book?

You really can deliver an effective message in 30 seconds or less. The author offers several real examples.

You must first be clear about your objective before you can deliver a clear concise message.

The second step is to fully understand the motivation of your listener.

Knowing the first two steps, design your approach because your result is at the end of a process.

The hook is the emotional grabber that tips the argument in your favor. You must have a compelling hook. This is missed by most speakers.

Ask for action. An effective message must ask for action. Don’t hint. Ask! And be clear.

The best 30-second messages take lots of preparation and practice. Don’t wing it.

If you want to be a better communicator you must read this book.

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Secrets of Power Presentations Book Review

Secrets of Power Presentations by Peter Urs Bender

This book first published in 1991 and I first read it around that time. Of all the books on presentation skills this book has contributed the most to shaping my public speaking skills.

I read this book when I was first exploring the world of public speaking. Many years later I met the author, Peter Urs Bender. He became my mentor as I entered the professional speaking business. We later co-authored a bestselling book together – Secrets of Power Marketing.

My original copy of this book is marked with Post-it notes and highlighter.

What are the best ideas from this book?

Your presentation is not only about the words you speak. It’s about the package that includes your words, delivery, body language, Audio Visual aids, and the environment.

When you’re green you grow. When you’re ripe you rot. This expression emphasizes the importance to be open to improvement; because you will never be the perfect presenter.

You can project more confidence than you feel. It’s only important how the audience sees you.

A good presentation should inform, entertain, touch emotions, and move to action.

Use shorter words and phrases to connect with your audience.

Summarize your speech notes on note cards. That way you will not read your speech but have the safety net of keyword notes.

Your speech is like a flight. The opening and close are like the take off and landing and hence critical to your success.

Details matter. As a presenter you are responsible for all the details – even if you think someone else should look after that. The audience will blame you for the things that go wrong.

What’s interesting about this book?

I enjoyed the simple and practical tips and lists.

The chapter on Environment is something that I have not seen in any other book on presentation skills. Chairs, windows and doors – oh my. I’ve found that these logistical tips about setting up the room made an incredible difference on the impact of my presentations.

The book is informative and surprisingly entertaining and inspiring - which was Bender's presentation style. It is sprinkled with motivational quotations plus Bender's own pithy insights.

There are so many helpful do’s and don’t's in this book that I imagine you will want to mark it up and even tear pages out so you have these gems readily accessible when you speak.

Check out Secrets of Power Presentations on Amazon.

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