You've Got 8 Seconds: Communication Secrets for a Distracted World

(Paperback)

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Description

The average attention span has dropped to 8 seconds. To break through to people, you need to focus on your audience, be slightly different, and deliver with finesse.

Every day at work, people do three things: talk, listen, and pretend to listen. 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, communications expert Paul Hellman 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 Hellman 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, You've Got 8 Seconds will make sure you get heard, get remembered, and get results.

Reviews

..".an excellent modern-day interpretation of an ancient saying, 'A truly wise person uses few words.' Hellman articulates this wonderfully for today's distracted world." --PW World Journal
..".engages readers with practical strategies and tips on how to speak to audiences while maintaining their attention...many insightful pieces of advice that add to the book's overall engaging character." -PM World Journal
"If everyone would read and utilize the author's suggestions, we might understand one another better, and we would certainly have less boredom in our lives." --Online Searcher
"Enhanced by actionable techniques and smile-cracking commentary, it's a great field guide for talent development professionals who want to improve their presentations." -- TD magazine

Author Bio

Paul Hellman consults and speaks internationally on how to excel in high-stakes communications. His columns and advice have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CNBC.com, The Boston Globe's online Job Doc column, and on public radio's Marketplace and CNN's Business Unusual.