Get to the Point! ─ Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter

Get to the Point!
Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter

Every time you communicate, you're doing it for a reason. You want someone to understand something, do something, or change something. You're trying to make a point. But the only way to make a point is to have a point. And the surprising truth is, very few communicators know their point or even understand what a point is, rendering them pointless.

In this concise and practical book, Joel Schwartzberg draws on his decades of experience as both a strategic communication professional with organizations like the ASPCA and PBS and as a professional public presentation coach to train you how to identify your point, elevate it, stick to it, and sell it. His point-making insight applies to communications of all kinds, including speeches, emails, PowerPoint presentations, staff meetings, conference panels, and performance reviews.

So what is a point? Schwartzberg says too many people confuse it with a title, a topic, an idea, a theme, or even something much less. A point is something more. It's a contention you can propose, argue, illustrate, and prove. A real point creates a position of value. Consider the evolution of the point behind this very book:

“This book is about effective communicating.” Okay, but what will it do for me?
“This book will help you become a better communicator.” Fine, but why do I want to be a “better communicator”?
“This book will help you champion your most important ideas." Yes, I need to do that! Tell me how!

Schwartzberg's fresh approach also conquers common communication challenges like rambling, irrelevance, uptalk, slow starts, and a debilitating fear of presenting in public. He shows you how to go from simply sharing a thought to making a difference. Which would you rather do?

Joel Schwartzberg has over a decade of experience as a strategic communication executive with major organizations and as a corporate communication trainer. He is the senior director of strategic and executive communications for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.