You've Got 8 Seconds

Communication Secrets for a Distracted World

By: Paul Hellman

Narrated by: Paul Hellman

Every day at work, people do three things: talk, listen, and pretend to listen. That's not surprising when you consider that the average attention span has dropped to 8 seconds. To break through, says high-stakes communications expert Paul Hellman, you need to focus on your audience, be slightly different, and deliver with finesse.

Through fast, fun, actionable tips, You've Got 8 Seconds explains what works and what doesn't, what's forgettable and what sticks. With stories, scripts, and examples of good and bad messages, the book reveals three main strategies:

• Focus: Design a strong message - then say it in seconds
• Variety: Make routine information come alive
• Presence: Convey confidence and command attention

You'll discover practical techniques, including the fast-focus method™ that the author uses with leadership teams; how to stand out in the first seconds of a presentation; and 10 actions that spell executive presence.

Whether pitching a project, giving a speech, selling a product, or just writing an email, with You've Got 8 Seconds you'll get heard, get remembered, and get results.

©2017 Paul Hellman (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Published by arrangement with AMACOM, a division of American Management Association International, New York

Solid advice here

This audiobook felt slow at times but overall has some very good advice that can be helpful when presenting and leading meetings.

Audio book perfection!

Not only was the information very useful and immediately applicable, the author/narrator was hilarious. Gained a wealth of knowledge and ended up laughing each chapter.

started strong but had weak finish

purchased based on my following and enjoying Dan Pink's work. performance wise both sound and deliver similarly. This book has some solid insights which is why it got four stars vs less. it could have been a five star book and performance but the last quarter of the book fell off with nothing really insightful to add. that said first half was solid and worth the price.

Basic Communication/Presentation Advice

The title sets a high expectation, which leaves the reader constantly disappointed as chapter after chapter covers basic communication/presentation techniques. The premise is that a presentation should cover these 3 things:
1. Why is the content important to the audience?
2. What is the content (agenda)?
3. How can the audience put the information into action?

For example, explaining to a group of salespeople that leadership training is valuable because it will help them develop and lead a team is the "why." The leadership skills is the "what." Giving specific actions for the audience to do is the "how".

Good Advice

Practical, easy to follow guidance on communication. Real life examples that demonstrate the ideas presented.