Key Takeaways
1. Identify Your Point: The Foundation of Effective Communication
You have to have a point to make a point.
The core of communication. Having a clear, well-defined point is the foundation of all effective communication. Many speakers and writers fail because they confuse a point with a topic, theme, or title. A true point is a contention you can propose, argue, defend, illustrate, and prove. It makes clear its value and purpose.
Characteristics of a strong point:
- Can be proposed and defended
- Demonstrates clear value and purpose
- Is specific and actionable
- Addresses the "So what?" question
Examples of weak vs. strong points:
- Weak: "The American Revolution"
- Strong: "The American Revolution gave our country an enduring democratic identity"
- Weak: "Income inequality"
- Strong: "Income inequality is America's biggest domestic challenge"
2. Craft a Compelling Point: Pass the "I Believe That" and "So What" Tests
A point is a contention you can propose, argue, defend, illustrate, and prove.
The "I Believe That" Test. A strong point should fit seamlessly into the phrase "I believe that..." forming a complete sentence. This simple test helps distinguish between true points and mere topics or themes.
The "So What" Test. After passing the "I Believe That" test, ask yourself, "So what?" This ensures your point is substantive and not just a truism. A good point should have a reasonable counterpoint and be defendable for more than a minute.
Enhancing your point:
- Avoid split ends (multiple points in one)
- Add a value proposition (the greatest impact your idea will effect)
- Use specific, meaningful adjectives instead of generic ones (e.g., "profitable" instead of "great")
The "Why" Test: Ask yourself "Why?" to eliminate meaningless adjectives and connect your point directly to its impact or importance.
3. Sell Your Point: Don't Just Share Information, Make an Impact
Good ideas, in the form of points, deserve to be sold, not just shared.
Beyond information sharing. Many speakers deliver "book reports" – simply describing who, what, where, and sometimes how and why. This approach fails to convey the speaker's stake in the subject, its relevance to the audience, or its potential impact.
Selling language. Use these point-forcing power phrases to ensure you're selling, not just sharing:
- "I propose..."
- "I recommend..."
- "I suggest..."
These phrases force the creation of a true point and typically include a value proposition. People who use these power phrases are often seen as leaders and eventually become them.
Impact vs. information: Compare these approaches:
- Sharing: "This book represents our mission perfectly—it tells detailed stories of these brave women..."
- Selling: "This book will expose our mission to key audiences and donors, helping us raise funds that will assist more families in peril."
4. Tailor Your Point: Understand and Address Your Audience's Needs
Consider the same precautions with your point's impact on your audience.
Know your audience's wants. Different settings and situations call for different approaches. Audience wants may include:
- Information
- Insight
- News or updates
- Inspiration
- Appreciation
- Empathy
- Explanation
- Comfort
Align your tone. Match your communication style to your audience's expectations. Don't be the strategist when you need to be the inspirer, or the finger-pointer when you need to be the appreciator.
Pre-presentation reflection. Before every event, ask yourself: "What does this particular audience want and need from me?" Ensure your point addresses these needs, or you risk seeming out of touch, no matter how strong your point is.
5. Stay on Point: Use Transitions and Resist Distractions
If you suddenly find yourself lost in space, you can immediately get back to your point using transitions like these: "My point is this..."
Course corrections. There's no limit to how many times you can bring up your point or use it to get back on track. Use transitions to refocus:
- "Here's the thing..."
- "Here's the idea to remember..."
- "My point is this..."
Resist distractions. When faced with pressure to address someone else's point, use these transitional lines:
- "I hear what you're saying, but my point is..."
- "I know that's a popular perception, but the truth is..."
- "This is indeed a gray area, but I believe that..."
Stick to your purpose. Remember that your job is to convey your points, not to defend yourself against personal attacks or get sidetracked by irrelevant discussions.
6. Strengthen Your Point: Leverage Volume, Pauses, and Power Periods
Speaking loudly not only boosts your points, it can also boost your career.
Power of volume. Increasing volume corrects many public speaking errors:
- Mumbling
- Speaking too quickly
- Ending sentences with question marks instead of periods
- Talking too quietly
Strategic pausing. Pauses are not your enemy; they are your ally. Benefits of pausing:
- Allows audience to process information
- Creates dramatic suspense
- Gives a spontaneous feel to your presentation
- Replaces filler words like "um" and "ah"
- Provides time to construct precise statements
Power periods. End your sentences with periods, not question marks (avoid "uptalk"). This conveys confidence and authority. Practice by listening for uptalk in others and yourself, then consciously use power periods, especially when delivering your main points.
7. Deliver Your Point: Master Various Communication Scenarios
Knowing you have a single, specific job can relieve a lot of anxiety, especially if you're worried about things like your appearance, how nervous you seem, or even a foreign accent you may have.
Focus on point delivery. Your primary job in any communication scenario is to move your point from your head to your audience's heads. Success is measured by whether your point was received, not by applause, laughter, or other engagement metrics.
Scenario-specific strategies:
- Speeches: Unveil your point in the first 30 seconds, use smart notes, practice out loud
- PowerPoint: Ensure each slide contributes to your overall point, remove complete sentences, follow the five-and-five rule
- Emails: Put your point in the subject line, use bullets, end with a suggestion or recommendation
- Staff meetings: Prepare points in advance, be loud, use pauses for precision
- Executive communications: Don't bury your point, keep it tight, end with aspiration
- Performance reviews: Start with a general overview, offer examples and recommendations
- Conference panels: Prepare points in advance, know everyone's names, be ready to jump in
8. Overcome Obstacles: Conquer Anxiety and Avoid Common Pitfalls
Remember: You don't want to be your point's cheerleader; you want to be its champion.
Conquer anxiety. To overcome public speaking anxiety:
- Know your point
- Focus on delivering your point, not on yourself
- Practice out loud
Avoid common pitfalls:
- Overuse of "and" (dilutes your point)
- Nonsense words ("um," "ah," "so")
- Apologizing or expressing nervousness
- Speaking too quickly
- Self-doubt and negative self-talk
Recognize and ignore the internal critic. The voice of insecurity in your head is a liar. Don't trust it. Focus on your job: delivering your point.
9. Train Others: Empower Your Team to Make Effective Points
No matter where they sit in a company hierarchy, everyone can benefit from conveying real points.
Encourage point-making. Train your staff to identify and strongly convey their own points:
- Ask for recommendations and suggestions in meetings
- Practice expressing points as "I believe" statements in group exercises
- Challenge employees to be louder and embrace pauses
- Suggest speaking roles at internal meetings and conferences
- Recommend joining public speaking groups like Toastmasters International
Lead by example. Consistently use point-forcing power phrases and demonstrate effective point-making in your own communications. This sets the standard for your team and creates a culture of clear, impactful communication.
Provide resources. Share books, articles, and training materials on effective point-making. Consider bringing in communication experts for workshops or seminars.
Last updated:
FAQ
What's "Get to the Point!" about?
- Purpose of the Book: "Get to the Point!" by Joel Schwartzberg is a guide to improving communication by focusing on making clear, concise, and impactful points.
- Target Audience: It is aimed at anyone who wants to enhance their public speaking, writing, or general communication skills, from business leaders to students.
- Core Message: The book emphasizes the importance of having a clear point in any form of communication and provides strategies to identify, sharpen, and convey that point effectively.
- Structure: The book is structured around practical advice and exercises, making it a hands-on guide for readers to apply immediately.
Why should I read "Get to the Point!"?
- Improve Communication Skills: The book offers actionable strategies to make your communication more effective, whether in speeches, emails, or meetings.
- Professional Development: It is particularly useful for professionals who need to convey ideas clearly and persuasively in their work environment.
- Practical Tools: Joel Schwartzberg provides tools and exercises that can be applied in real-world scenarios, making it a practical resource.
- Broad Applicability: The techniques discussed are applicable across various contexts, from personal interactions to professional presentations.
What are the key takeaways of "Get to the Point!"?
- Importance of a Point: Always have a clear point in your communication; without it, your message is ineffective.
- Three-Step Test: Use the "I Believe That," "So What," and "Why" tests to ensure your point is strong and relevant.
- Sell, Don't Share: Focus on selling your point rather than just sharing information; this involves using persuasive language and techniques.
- Stay on Point: Learn to maintain focus on your point throughout your communication, avoiding distractions and tangents.
How does Joel Schwartzberg define a "point" in communication?
- Not a Topic: A point is not just a topic or theme; it is a specific contention you can propose, argue, and defend.
- Value and Purpose: A point should make clear its value and purpose, showing why it matters to the audience.
- Propositional: It should be something you can propose, argue, and illustrate with evidence or examples.
- Testable: A true point can be tested with the "I Believe That" test, ensuring it is a complete and substantive statement.
What is the "I Believe That" test in "Get to the Point!"?
- Purpose: This test helps determine if you have a real point by fitting your statement into the phrase "I believe that..."
- Complete Sentence: If your statement forms a complete sentence, it likely qualifies as a point.
- Avoid Fragments: The test helps avoid fragments or incomplete ideas that don't convey a clear message.
- Example: "I believe that investing in infrastructure is the best way to prepare for our future" is a valid point.
What strategies does "Get to the Point!" suggest for selling your point?
- Use Power Phrases: Incorporate phrases like "I propose," "I recommend," and "I suggest" to assert your point.
- Avoid Book Reports: Don't just share information; focus on persuading your audience with a clear point.
- Engage the Audience: Use stories and examples that illustrate your point and make it relatable.
- Reinforce with Data: Support your point with relevant data and case studies to strengthen your argument.
How can I tailor my point to my audience according to "Get to the Point!"?
- Understand Audience Needs: Know what your audience wants from you, whether it's information, inspiration, or empathy.
- Adjust Tone: Match your tone to the audience's expectations, whether you need to be informative, appreciative, or explanatory.
- Relevance: Ensure your point addresses the audience's specific interests or concerns.
- Feedback Loop: Be prepared to adjust your point based on audience reactions and feedback.
What are some common enemies of your point as discussed in "Get to the Point!"?
- Nonsense Words: Avoid filler words like "umm" and "ah" that detract from your message.
- Speed: Speaking too quickly can prevent your audience from processing your point effectively.
- Apologies: Avoid unnecessary apologies that undermine your credibility and focus.
- Split Ends: Don't dilute your point by trying to make multiple points at once; focus on one strong point.
What are the best quotes from "Get to the Point!" and what do they mean?
- "You have to have a point to make a point." This emphasizes the necessity of having a clear, defined point in any communication.
- "If the point is received, the presenter succeeds." Success in communication is measured by whether the audience understands and retains your point.
- "Without a point, everything you say is pointless." This underscores the futility of communication without a clear, impactful message.
- "Sell, don't share." Encourages communicators to actively persuade their audience rather than passively provide information.
How does "Get to the Point!" suggest handling public speaking anxiety?
- Focus on the Point: Concentrate on delivering your point rather than worrying about personal impressions.
- Practice Out Loud: Rehearse your speech or presentation out loud to build confidence and familiarity.
- Ignore Internal Criticism: Recognize and dismiss the negative internal voice that undermines your confidence.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Knowing your material well can alleviate anxiety and help you stay focused.
How can I apply the lessons from "Get to the Point!" in email communication?
- Subject Line: Use the subject line to hint at your main point, making it clear and concise.
- Bulleted Lists: Break down complex points into bullet points for clarity and emphasis.
- End with Action: Conclude with a clear recommendation or proposal to guide the reader's next steps.
- Check for Errors: Ensure your email is free of grammatical errors to maintain credibility.
How does "Get to the Point!" recommend using PowerPoint effectively?
- Support Your Point: Each slide should directly support your main point; irrelevant slides should be cut.
- Minimal Text: Avoid complete sentences; use bullet points to keep slides concise and focused.
- Readability: Ensure all text and graphics are legible from the back of the room.
- Relevance: Explicitly explain how each slide relates to your point to maintain audience engagement.
Review Summary
"Get to the Point!" receives high praise from readers for its concise, practical advice on effective communication. Many reviewers appreciate the book's short length and clear, actionable tips. Readers found the content helpful for improving their presentation skills, writing, and overall communication. Some highlight the book's impact on their professional lives, noting improved responses from mentors and colleagues. A few reviewers mention the author's ability to demonstrate his own advice through the book's structure. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a small minority found the content too basic or blog-like.
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