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How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less Paperback – April 15, 1990
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Milo Frank, America’s foremost business communications consultant, shows you how to focus your objectives, utilize the “hook” technique, use the secrets of TV and advertising writers, tell terrific anecdotes that make your point, shine in meetings and question-and-answer sessions, and more!
These proven techniques give you the edge that successful people share—the art of communicating quickly, precisely, and powerfully!
- Print length120 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateApril 15, 1990
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.4 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100671727524
- ISBN-13978-0671727529
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Charlton Heston Communicating may be the most important skill the human animal possesses. Milo Frank's book tells how to do it well and succinctly...which means well.
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Why 30 Seconds?
"If only he'd get to the point!"
"All right, she's got five minutes and out."
"I can't see him today. I haven't got time."
"Don't answer the phone. It might be Ellen. She talks forever."
"This is my first presentation to top management. I'd better be good and fast."
"What kind of memo is this? I haven't got time to read five pages."
"God, he talked for an hour, and I don't know what he said."
"If I get one chance to speak in the meeting, and I have to be brief, can I deliver my whole message?"
"How can I get my point across in a fifteen-minute interview?"
"They're tough businessmen. They won't listen long."
"He wants two or three minutes and that means fifteen or twenty, and it'll be a waste of time anyway."
In this hurry-hurry world, does all this sound familiar?
There are two clear and compelling reasons why 30 seconds is the ideal length of time in which to get your point across.
TIME CONSTRAINT
The first is time constraint -- not only on yourself, but also on those you're trying to convince.
Through my film and TV work, I've seen time and tastes change; fast food, fast cars, and fast deals are commonplace today. Time waits for no man; you have to move faster just to stay even. And to move faster, you must be concise.
Do you ever think about how people judge you and about how you judge others? Your deals, jobs, money, and success can all hang on first impressions. Isn't it true that with just a few words, an image is formed in your mind and in theirs, and you and they act accordingly? Often there's only time for a few words, so they had better be the right ones. The hour of years ago is the 30 seconds of today. To survive and move ahead in business or in any other relationship, you must be able to get your point across swiftly and succinctly in 30 seconds or less.
ATTENTION SPAN
The second and more important reason why 30 seconds is the ideal length of time to get your point across is that even when a person has time to listen to you, his mind can accept only so much information in one steady flow.
How long can you or anyone pay attention to what someone is saying without letting your mind wander off to sex, money, or the other good things in life? When I ask this question, I get answers of anywhere from four hours to four seconds. One businessman in a particularly sour mood from his most recent sales meeting said zero was the attention span of his associates. That happened to be true, but only because he always talked so long and boringly that his audience turned him off before he even opened his mouth. The attention span of the average individual is 30 seconds.
Let me give you an example. Look around the room and concentrate on a lamp. You'll find your mind goes to something else within 30 seconds. If the lamp could move or talk, or go on and off by itself, it would recapture your attention for another 30 seconds. But without motion or change, it cannot hold you.
Think of soneone's attention span as a quarter slot machine. This machine must take in the first twenty-five cents before you can put in the second twenty-five cents. If you put in fifty cents or a dollar all at once, you'll have wasted your money and maybe even jammed the machine. It can take in only twenty-five cents at a time. Your listener can take in only 30 seconds at a time.
So if you want your listener to give up thoughts of sex and money and pay attention to you, you've got just 30 seconds. That is the attention span of the human race.
TELEVISION, RADIO, AND THE ATTENTION SPAN
Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the field of radio and television commercials. Media research has determined 30 seconds to be the attention span of the average viewer. That's why you and I live with the 30-second attention span theory every day of our listening and viewing lives. Almost all commercials on television and radio are 30 seconds long. If those commercials didn't sell the product, whether it's a refrigerator or a politician seeking votes, the whole concept of radio and television advertising would change.
When I discuss the 30-second message with people in my communications workshops, I hear the same thing over and over again: "I can't possibly make my point in such a short time."
My answer is that television and radio do it all the time. Commercials not only grab your attention but also tell you all about the product and where and when to buy it. Here's an example of a 30-second television commercial for Galpin Ford:
"Galpin purposely bought a lot of motor homes. But all the rain kept many of our customers away. We've got too many motor homes. Buy them during our three-day sale. Save up to eighteen thousand dollars off our regular list price. The savings can pay for your vacations for years. You can take up to twelve years to pay; many have an 11.9 percent finance plan. Prices start at $16,996. See Friday's L.A. Times sports section. Don't wait forever. It's the things you don't do that you regret."
The result was the most successful sale of motor homes in the history of Galpin Ford, one of the largest dealers in the country. The commercial told the potential buyer what he needed to know, and all within his attention span. The important point is that a lot can be said and ratained in 30 seconds. And if radio and television can do it, so can you.
THE SOUND BITE
Radio and television news also make use of the 30-second attention span. It's called the "sound bite." I asked a television news anchorwoman-reporter friend of mine, Terry Mayo, to explain to some business people just what a sound bite is, and she said:
"Because of attention span, the average time of all television news stories is one and a half minutes. The reporter needs 30 seconds to set up the story, another 30 seconds is reserved for the actuality, which means an interview or tape of what's happening, then another 30 seconds for the reporter to summarize and end the story. If I go out to interview someone about a story, I want that person to make his point in 30 seconds or less so I can pull it out and use it. That 30-second portion of the entire interview that I edit at the studio is called a 'sound bite.' If the subject doesn't make his statement in 30 seconds or less, I can't use it and it doesn't make the air."
Terry had something else to say about the 30-second rule on TV news:
"We've discovered that if you can't say it in 30 seconds, you probably can't say it at all. If you know how, you can make any point very well in 30 seconds."
An example is a moving message delivered in this dramatic and emotional television news story:
An old man had gone into the water fully clothed to save two seven-year-old children. He was still soaking wet when the television reporter interviewed him. He said, "Sure, I'm sixty-five. So what? Anybody who could swim would have gone in to save those kids, but maybe I did something else important. Maybe people should realize that when you're over sixty, you're not dead. You're productive, and retirement shouldn't be a mandatory thing."
There's a powerful message in less than 30 seconds, and the point certainly gets across. It was made by an average person under stress. It proves conclusively that you or anyone can do the same thing if you know how.
The 30-second message is always applicable, anytime and anywhere. It's a basic tool. When you master it, it'll become second nature to you. It'll create a whole new mind-set. It'll transform the way you think and deal with others every day. You'll find yourself instinctively prepared and using it all the time.
Anybody can master the art of the 30-second message by mastering a few basic principles -- and these are what you are about to learn.
Copyright © 1986 by Milo Frank
Product details
- Publisher : Gallery Books; Original ed. edition (April 15, 1990)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 120 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0671727524
- ISBN-13 : 978-0671727529
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.4 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #84,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #75 in Running Meetings & Presentations (Books)
- #325 in Communication Skills
- #1,709 in Success Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find the book informative and useful for learning effective, concise presentation skills. They find it easy to read and practical for improving communication. Many consider it a great value and a classic read for anyone in sales or persuasion occupations like teaching, ad writing. The techniques provided really work and deliver what the book claims. Customers appreciate the book's short length and authenticity, which inspires confidence and understanding.
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Customers find the book informative and useful for learning communication skills. They say it helps them with their approach and provides helpful hints on how to make a presentation. The book is a good resource for being concise and teaching good communication skills.
"...Written in a breezy, interesting style, the author gives great suggestions on how to make a presentation effectively...." Read more
"...That's good, because you’ll find this book very useful, not just in how to make short, strong sales pitches, but in mastering your thoughts, in..." Read more
"...Regardless of your job or career path, this timeless classic should be required reading for all...." Read more
"...The CD is about 50 minutes, and covers the topic well - if fact, I think it is probably more effective on the CD..." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for learning better communication. They say it's concise, practical, and a quick read. The book provides good pointers on delivering a message clearly and impactfully. It's structured and customizable, with a template for concept positioning.
"...Written in a breezy, interesting style, the author gives great suggestions on how to make a presentation effectively...." Read more
"...not just in how to make short, strong sales pitches, but in mastering your thoughts, in being a better listener, a better writer, and ultimately a..." Read more
"...very good, and the message - as could be expected by the title - is concise and clear...." Read more
"...A MUST READ FOR EVERY EXECUTIVE, POLITICIAN OR THOSE THAT HOPE TO BE...." Read more
Customers find the book a good value for money. They say it's a classic read for anyone in sales or persuasion occupations like teaching, ad writing. The book is worth reading, with about 110 pages you can finish in one sitting. It's fun to read how easily someone can manipulate a situation.
"...Body Language: stand, don't sit. Voice: animation, enthusiasm, variety, informality, sincerity, color & variety, modulate your volume...." Read more
"...’ll find this book very useful, not just in how to make short, strong sales pitches, but in mastering your thoughts, in being a better listener, a..." Read more
"...AN AMAZING MAN AND AN AMAZING BOOK." Read more
"...Great read and I definitely would recommend it." Read more
Customers find the book effective and practical. They mention it delivers what it claims, is well-written, and a quick read. The techniques are described as working well.
"...and covers the topic well - if fact, I think it is probably more effective on the CD (where the author demonstrates over and over the techniques)..." Read more
"This book was fine, probably more helpful for people with very little public speaking or paper writing experience...." Read more
"...This book works. See? Seriously, a nice read to self improve, or to help others. Nice outline for personal development." Read more
"...Well written and easy to read. The techniques given really work!!" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's short and concise length. They find the advice easy to follow and the CD covers the topic well. The book helps remind them of the importance of time management and keeps them focused on achieving their goals.
"...It is a short book, by design. My only regret about this book is that I was unaware of its existence until a month ago...." Read more
"How to get attention—that’s what this book is about. The advice is short, easy to follow, and to the point, like the directions in a how-to-cook..." Read more
"This is a review of the Audio CD version of the book. The CD is about 50 minutes, and covers the topic well - if fact, I think it is probably more..." Read more
"This book really helps to remind you of the importance of time management. Great read and I definitely would recommend it." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They mention variety, informality, sincerity, spontaneity, and modulation of facial expressions. The smile inspires confidence and understanding, making a good first impression. The book is concise, convincing, and practical. It establishes intimacy with your audience by making them feel that you're talking directly to them. Eye contact establishes sincerity. Humility is key to become an effective speaker, and the author provides solid examples and anecdotes.
"...SMILE! Inspires confidence and understanding, and makes a good first impression. Eye contact establishes sincerity. Every little movement matters...." Read more
"...point of this book—it takes humility to become an effective speaker; humility, self-awareness, and a well-ordered mind...." Read more
"...For each, he provides solid examples, anecdotes and remains an engaging speaker...." Read more
"...library, and this one proved good for both my business life, and my personal life. If only more people could be concise in 30 seconds or less!!" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2006This book should be read by everyone! Whether you are a salesperson, a public speaker, or anyone that wants to communicate more effectively, this book will help you do it. Written in a breezy, interesting style, the author gives great suggestions on how to make a presentation effectively. It is a short book, by design. My only regret about this book is that I was unaware of its existence until a month ago.
Executive summary. TV commercials are 30 seconds long for a reason. If you learn to keep your message short, to the point, and interesting, people will listen to you. Milo Frank lays out the steps in this wonderful gem of a book.
Outline:
1. Keep it to 30 seconds. People have a short attention span. It works for TV commercials. Three Basic Principles: Knowing what you want, who can give it to you and how to get it.
2. The Objective. Your objective is your goal, purpose or destination. You can have only one objective. In every form of communication, your thoughts and words should introduce, reinforce, or help you achieve your adjective. You do not have to state your objective except to yourself.
3. The Audience. Go to the right person, the person who can give you what you want. Know as many facts about the person's) you'll be talking to. Identify with your listener. What does he want from you, and what one thing more than any other will get a favorable reaction from him?
4. The Right Approach. The single thought or sentence that will best lead to your objective. The right approach will also take into consideration the needs and interest of your listener. It will give you focus and keep you on track toward achieving your objective.
5. The Hook. A statement or an object used specifically to get attention. Use your hook as the first statement in your 30 second message. It should relate to your objective, your listener, and your approach. A statement, dramatic or humorous. If it's a question, it must be answered. Anecdotes or personal experiences are excellent hooks. Your entire message can be a hook. Keep a hook book.
6. Your Subject. Catch them, Keep Them, Convince Them. What, who, where, when, why and how. Know your subject and present it as concisely and forcefully as possible.
7. Ask for the order. Action close calls for specific action within a specific time frame. The reaction, reverse-psychology close is the strategy o use when your best chance is to ask indirectly. Decide your close in advance.
8. Paint a picture. Imagery, colorful pictures. Clarity: don't use technical terms just to sound knowledgeable. Personalize it with a story. Use emotional appeal - touch the heart.
9. Spotlight on you. How you say it matters as much as what you say. First impressions: pen vs. pen in a box with a ribbon tied around it. SMILE! Inspires confidence and understanding, and makes a good first impression. Eye contact establishes sincerity. Every little movement matters. Posture reveals what you think of yourself and of your listener. Self-awareness. What you wear sends powerful signals, and shows you care. Facial expression: goal is spontaneity and sincerity. Be prepared and care about what you're saying. (Passion) Body Language: stand, don't sit. Voice: animation, enthusiasm, variety, informality, sincerity, color & variety, modulate your volume. Use pauses.
10. One or a Thousand: Great communication. Establish intimacy with your audience by making them feel that you're talking directly to them. Master, not memorize. Outline your talk: objective, approach, subject, hook, 5Ws. Start and finish without 3x5 cards. Stop talking if you look at notes. Even before you start, make eye contact with audience. Variety. Write an introduction for your introducer. Always leave them wanting more.
11. Any time, any place. The question turnabout: "you're absolutely right, and one other point is.." Know your objective, listener and approach before making any business phone call. The rules of the 30 second message also apply to memos, Thank You letters, and toasts.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2015How to get attention—that’s what this book is about. The advice is short, easy to follow, and to the point, like the directions in a how-to-cook book. That’s fine and well, except even baking a cake requires a fair amount of humility. And that’s the point of this book—it takes humility to become an effective speaker; humility, self-awareness, and a well-ordered mind. The author, Milo Frank, was a talent agent, and a director of talent and casting for CBS television, in Hollywood, a town not known for humility. In Tinsel Town, attention spans are short. Indeed, heads of corporations, and very likely your boss, have short attention spans. If you have something to say, you’d better say it quickly and well, or forget about whatever it is you're after. In order to survive, Milo Frank spent a great deal of time preparing for very short presentations, because most people stop listening after 30 seconds. He also took the time to find out everything he could about the person to whom he was going to make his pitch. He took stock of himself, of what worked for him, and what didn’t. First impressions are lasting impressions. He learned to dress well, to maintain a positive attitude, and to prepare carefully before every presentation, to get his message across in however little time he was given. In short, he took nothing for granted, and learned not to waste other people’s time. These very qualities require humility, self-awareness, and a well-ordered mind. The fact that you're considering this book means you possess these qualities already, and are prepared to do what is necessary to become a more effective speaker. That's good, because you’ll find this book very useful, not just in how to make short, strong sales pitches, but in mastering your thoughts, in being a better listener, a better writer, and ultimately a better person. Humility brings out the best in us all.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024Learn to get your point across in 30 seconds or less. Regardless of your job or career path, this timeless classic should be required reading for all. I've gifted many of these to friends over the years...
- Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2013This is a review of the Audio CD version of the book. The CD is about 50 minutes, and covers the topic well - if fact, I think it is probably more effective on the CD (where the author demonstrates over and over the techniques) than the actual book. He breaks the approach down to the hook, the main body of the message and the call to action. For each, he provides solid examples, anecdotes and remains an engaging speaker. The quality of the audiobook is very good, and the message - as could be expected by the title - is concise and clear. Bears listening to this a couple times to let the lessons sink in. A solid addition to any self-improvement library.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2010MILO FRANK IS SHEER GENIUS. HIS PERSONAL LIFE WAS EXEMPLARY, HIS BUSINESS SENSE ACUTE AND HIS INTEGRITY BEYOND REPROACH. MILO FRANK HAS THE ABILITY TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF COMPLEX SUBJECTS INTO A SINGLE SENTENCE THAT RINGS THE BELL FOR "THAT'S IT!!"
A MUST READ FOR EVERY EXECUTIVE, POLITICIAN OR THOSE THAT HOPE TO BE. AN ESSENTIAL BOOK THAT SHOULD BE READ OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL ITS PRINCIPLES BECOME SECOND NATURE.
AN AMAZING MAN AND AN AMAZING BOOK.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2017Its a good easy and quick read. Really dated in prose and anecdotes, but it was written by a guy in the film/entertainment business so thats the context of tbe stories, the schtick and schwaltz can detract from the good clear lessons being given so make sure to stay focused on those points. They are timeless methods.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2023This book really helps to remind you of the importance of time management.
Great read and I definitely would recommend it.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2018its an old book ( 1986) , so ignore the precision of the examples, but the messages are still spot on for developing an executive presentation, or any discussion for that matter. Know what you want and who can give it to you. Develop a hook and deliver ..
Top reviews from other countries
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MariReviewed in France on April 23, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfaite
Je l’ai acheté d’occasion, même si la couverture n’est pas neuve, les pages sont intactes. Pour trois fois moins chère ça vaut le coup. Merci
MariSatisfaite
Reviewed in France on April 23, 2020
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Priscila TenienteReviewed in Mexico on June 22, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Clásico y Aterrizado
Lo recomiendo para personas que no leen mucho ya qué es muy llevadero y tiene tips súper aterrizados para ponerlos en práctica con mucha facilidad, en diferentes formas de comunicación.
Información básica, pero buena.
- Jay DReviewed in Canada on February 23, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
good book - fast shipping
- Katey NReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 3, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Loved it!
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DavideReviewed in Italy on October 19, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Suggerito in alcuni corsi della Columbia University
In uno dei corsi della Columbia University era segnalato tra i testi da leggere in preparazione all'esame.
E' stata una lettura veloce ed interessante per capire l'importanza di un messaggio chiaro e conciso. Utili le metodologie consigliate. Ne ho comprato una seconda copia per regalarla ad una collega.