Customer Reviews

MAKE YOUR POINT!: SPEAK CLEARLY AND CONCISELY ANYPLACE, ANYTIME

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

99% of the reviews that I write is to help readers find books and items that I think that would or would not enjoy. I am recommending "Make Your Point" for a more selfish goal. I have sat through way too many terrible presentations that would have greatly benefited from "Make Your Point". If everyone read "Make your Point" I would no longer be exposed to those long winded, rambling, and boring talks that seem to be the norm.

"Make Your Point" is both an excellent reference and teaching guide. I think that college students would appreciate the concise approach to public speaking. Business profession will benefit with a refreshing course and the introduction of "The Diamond". "The Diamond" is an approach to clearly and concisely present your ideas wile being confident that your audience is hearing your main points and internalizes the message that you are trying to sned.

Final Verdict - I have read many books on effective communication and I can say that "Make Your Point' is at the top of the list. It concisely blends an effective approach with readability to make it a great reference.

5 Stars

----Please note that I reviewed a free promotional copy provided by the author/publisher---------

Just like "Wheel of Fortune's" before and after, Make Your Point is filled with "common sense of humor." But there is nothing common about it. A quick, easy read, these real tales about real people help clarify the Diamond technique introduced in the book. I always considered myself a good communicator, I know I am now a better one for having read the book. I loved the book the first time I read it, and the next 6 times I referenced it for help. In fact, I'm putting it on my gift list to give to my clients.

If you are trying to figure out how to generically structure your communications with others I think this book does a good job. I think it is especially useful for presentations.

Essentially, the book advocates 1. catching the readers attention, telling them what you're going to tell them, tell it to them, and then tell them what you told them - which is a good structure. The book also is quite succinct on how to execute on this structure. The problem I have is that this book doesn't deal with how to develop the content that will be integrated into this structure. I did expect the book to talk about how to select the points to discuss, how to structure each of those point for maximum effectiveness, etc. since I believe they are pretty important to speak clearly and concisely.

Overall this is a book that will help you get your point across...whether it will help the clarity and conciseness is another issue.

All of us need to sell our talents at some point in life. Maybe we're riding in an elevator with a boss and need to make a good impression. Maybe we have a home business and need more sales. Make Your Point! is all about communicating in a clear, effective manner - even in voice mail and email.

The key is to be simple. YOU are the brand manager for yourself. Make sure you consider your audience and what THEY need. Don't focus on your own needs. Think about what they want to learn.

There are great examples in the book to help you get a sense of what they're talking about. Know your purpose. Keep it logical. Go through a series - get their attention, tell them the purpose, preview your content, provide the content, summarize it, and give an action step for them. Try to keep your topics down to 3 main ones. This is what the human brain focuses on best.

Think up a 15 second promo for your main goals. If you were stuck in an elevator with your boss for 15 seconds, could you present yourself in a way that gave the best impression?

Don't data dump. Focus on the important items.

People react to your emotions. Be upbeat, friendly positive, enthusiastic. Most first impressions are made in only 2 minutes! there is advice in here on how to project a positive image well. It can really make or break you. Use natural hand gestures. Vary your tone of voice, and have a moderate volume. Use pauses. Speak clearly. Avoid jargon. Practice, practice, practice!

Well recommended for anyone who interacts with other humans! :)

What I found most valuable about this book: the techniques for answering questions from the audience. No matter how polished the speech, poor handling of questions can make you seem like an amateur.

A great collection of advice and experience on public speaking and presentation. A lot of common sense, but well organised in a logical framework.

This review is for YOU (the casual Amazon browser), for YOU (the business person), and especially for YOU (the fun and fascinating person)!!!

This book belongs in EVERY high school, EVERY college, and EVERY business reference library! This book belongs in the home! This book belongs in *ANY* type of communications course (including performing arts, personal growth, creative writing or thinking) to introduce and/or sharpen both verbal and written skills for readers at every level.

PLEASE - do not let the formal-looking, business-oriented jacket and client comments on the back cover lead you to think this book is another one of those ho-hum "oh-that's-nice-perhaps-there-is-something-in-here-I-can-use" business reference manuals ... Au contraire, mon frere ... Business folks can open the book to any page while having their morning coffee, read one of the one- or two-page chapters, and add something to enhance their 9 am meeting (whether as moderator or participant). Moderators and presenters can streamline their presentations while adding excitement. Participants can impress others by speaking up clearly, concisely, and with enthusiasm. If you are a group or department leader who wants your team to STAND OUT, I'd suggest you get each of them a copy of this book and use the principles the next time you're sharing a presentation - you will blow the room away with your unified front, your efficiency and your sizzle!

You COLLEGE folks can use this book as your stepping stone between writing extensive research and thesis papers to the brief and effective communications mandated by modern business. It will serve you well as you transition from the role of the regurgitating student/audience to your new role of creative, independent project leader who will be expected to learn quickly and inspire your coworkers and subordinates.

You HIGH SCHOOL students can refer to this book as you are beginning to work on your own papers and presentations and begin building some of the most important, meaningful, and fun relationships you will ever have. A few of the tips in this book will help you gain confidence in many of the situations you might find yourself in, when you may need a little help with self-expression. People will have a better understanding of your feelings, thoughts, and ideas and it WILL make a difference. This book is slim and won't take up much space in your locker or bookbag. You will find more uses for this book as time goes on and your life changes.

As for the REST of you - everyone needs to communicate - with the family (including that one person who never seems to listen or respond), with friends, with bankers, with car dealers, with doctors, with butchers, with bakers, with candlestick makers! Perhaps you are someone who performs on stage - a singer/songwriter, a poet, a comic, or someone who wants to offer a memorable toast or speech ... you will also find this book useful.

If you have read my comments thus far, then you've already ingested more words than most of the chapters contain. You can read the whole thing in an hour or two but you will refer to it for a long time to come. Then I wouldn't be surprised if you tell someone else about it or give it as a gift. By the way, it's a GREAT book to take to the airport. Or how about on the train, on the bus, to jury duty, to study hall ... well, you get the idea.

You will HAVE FUN reading it, you will ENJOY applying the principles in the book, and you will LOVE the results.

Well done, Mr. Elliott and Mr. Carroll - I can't wait to see what you guys have in mind for your next book!

The book is a product of it's title. Clear and to the point. I recommend it to anyone who speaks or makes presentations.

My company recently had Kevin Carroll come in and train all the managers. I had the honor of taking his class. This book is the basis of our life. The world is our stage and we are actors in it! I can not urge you enough to pick up this book and read it! How we communicate to our kids, our boss, our friends is an everyday occurance. This book shows you how to make your point. Communication is key!! You have to be believed to be heard! I just had to deliver bad news to my employee. How do I do it? will he understand? This book is a tool great tool for managers! i'm not one for reviews but this is well worth it!! PICK THIS BOOK UP!!!!!!

Excellent book. Authors give a different and very interesting approach and great concepts. Has been quite useful and I highly recommend it.[...]