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It's Not What You Say: How to Sell Your Message When It Matters Most

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No matter what your speaking challenge is, this inspirational, cleverly illustrated book will ensure you perform with passion, power and persuasion; at your very best.

Whether you are chasing a job, planning a pitch, giving a speech at a wedding, presenting to one or one thousand people, you’ll discover how to:
-Use the rule of three to win any audience over
-Prepare so you can be yourself – but better
-Embrace the unknown and conquer any fear

Capturing a life time’s work in the art of persuasive communication, this powerful book reveals the principles, tools and tricks to help you become a courageous, memorable, stand-out speaker.

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2014

10 people are currently reading
306 people want to read

About the author

Michael Parker is the UK's most experienced pitch coach and has worked for over 20 years at Saatchi & Saatchi. As well as this, he's competed as a hurdler in two Olympics and knows what it takes to perform under pressure.

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5 stars
44 (18%)
4 stars
114 (46%)
3 stars
64 (26%)
2 stars
19 (7%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,195 reviews411 followers
December 13, 2015
Today I'm bringing you a very different kind of read from my normal every day read. When I received this in the mail I honestly wasn't very interested in it, I mean, I don't read this genre, so I wasn't even sure why it was sent to me but, curiosity got the better of me and I started to flip through it.

I have to say, I found this really interesting. There were cute little illustrations that went along with the writing and overall, this was kind of a fun read and very much informative. I think for anyone interested in this type of thing, they would really enjoy it and find some very helpful tips and hints.


*A copy of this was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Hien.
71 reviews16 followers
March 9, 2021
this book has so many good quotes
a quick and useful read to prepare for a presentation
Profile Image for Anthony.
2 reviews
January 12, 2015
A great book offering superb advice for constructing and delivering speeches of any description. It's a short book that can be read within a couple of hours and for the quality of advice you receive that is an exceptional investment in time.
The book is a great source of inspiration providing effective ideas, solid principles and, as its name suggests, useful methodologies for delivering content. I was able to utilise the advice in this book immediately and have already seen very positive results.
Profile Image for Haifa Alhamzah.
301 reviews63 followers
February 29, 2016
توجيهات وأفكار تأخذ بيدك لتقوِّي من قدرتك على مواجهة الجمهور والآخر، الرسوم التوضيحية ممتعة وظريفة جدًا.
لكن طابع الكتاب التجاري والاقتباسات التقليدية والمستهلكة استفزوني.
أفضل جزئية بالنسبة لي:
"Basically there are two ways of facing risk, One is to worry like hell, and dwell on Murphy's Law (that anything that can go wrong will go wrong).
The other is to recognize and embrace the risk, confident in your ability to rise to the occasion."
Profile Image for Omar Atasi.
1 review15 followers
February 16, 2015
very nicely written and illustrated... made me feel like I'm watching a movie rather than reading a book. I'm inspired... so thanks :)
44 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2020
4.2. This very small book is actually very good. Great content. Short and to the point. Doesn’t overcomplicate the subject. Easy to follow and remember. A great short read.
Profile Image for Mihai Rosca.
183 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2020
It's quite a handy book to have if you are involved into any kind of speaking in front of public or private audiences.

This books brings me a first encounter with the work of Michael Parker and, I must say, it's quite useful and interesting. It can be read in just one sitting and it's decorated with all sorts of interesting illustrations.

It's main purpose is to provide ongoing inspiration to people that need to do some speaking, for any reason. You will find in there some of the most useful hints on the topic, as well as examples about how to structure and deliver your message.
Don't think of this as a "go to" book for beginners, there are perhaps better works on that. I think it would be rather useful for people that do it anyway but want to find some structure in their presentations. In this sense, there are a suite of nifty tools that you can play with to find out how to better deliver and compose your presentation.

Overall, I found it enjoyable and, if I don't place it in the library and forget about it, as I tend to do with books on my desk, perhaps it will also come in handy when I'll need to compose my next presentation.
Profile Image for Leslie Yong.
361 reviews40 followers
August 21, 2024
Based on the book "It's Not What You Say" by Michael Parker,

These are some principles and takeaways which should help readers become a more effective and engaging communicator in business settings :

*Principles:
1. *Authenticity*: Speak from your passion, conviction, and values.
2. *Audience-centricity*: Focus on the needs, interests, and perspectives of your audience.
3. *Clarity*: Communicate clearly, concisely, and without jargon.
4. *Storytelling*: Use stories to engage, illustrate, and inspire.
5. *Emotional Connection*: Connect with your audience on an emotional level.

*Key Takeaways:*
1. *It's not just about the message, but how you deliver it*: Your tone, body language, and enthusiasm matter.
2. *Speak to inspire, not just inform*: Aim to motivate and engage your audience.
3. *Be clear and concise*: Avoid using complex language or jargon.
4. *Use storytelling techniques*: Share personal anecdotes, examples, or metaphors to illustrate your points.
5. *Practice and prepare*: Rehearse your communication to ensure confidence and effectiveness.
Profile Image for América Valencia.
41 reviews
July 1, 2020
Buena y ligera lectura para aprender a hablar en público, trae tips precisos y sobretodo te menciona que debes conectar emocionalmente con el público, para que no te olviden, claro cuidando el aspecto de la "primera impresión", el cómo luces (vestimenta); además se menciona que debes practicar, practicar y practicar.

Otra cosa que me agrado fue que debemos tomar las "pausas" necesarias para que las personas reflexionen lo que se está diciendo y que se sienta más espontáneo el discurso.

Sin duda fue una agradable lectura para aprender un poco más.
Profile Image for Christina Le.
23 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2021
Quick read and easy for someone looking for reminders or inspiration in a pinch. Parker reiterates the importance of rhetoric and performance with his tips on preparation and how to convince an audience to believe in what you’re saying. I especially appreciate the sprinkling of various quotes that emphasize his points. This was very lighthearted, but I wouldn’t expect anyone to learn anything from this indeed—rather they are reminded of what we already know.
Profile Image for Rey.
272 reviews23 followers
August 27, 2022
Excellent!

Concise, actionable and well thought out points without all the unnecessary fluff.

Has some useful advice for every type of human interaction. Infact it's my personal preference to the how to make friends and influence book.

The expertise on the subject combined with its succintness make it something you can quickly glance through before any interaction.

One of those easily rereadable books which always provide value.
Profile Image for Anna Hui.
120 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2022
Finished this in an hour. A book I supposed was bought by my son and somehow it showed up this morning. Many clever tips presented in an easy to remember and powerful way. From the writing to the graphic design, it’s so apparent that I’m learning from a real presenter, not only about giving a speech or a pitch.
Profile Image for Lukáš Zorád.
170 reviews20 followers
April 9, 2021
Fajn jednohubka na preopakovanie si zásad efektívneho prezentovania, aj keď je to samozrejme len taký povrchný rýchlosprievodca a NIE, nesúhlasím s titulom knihy ani po prečítaní. Bez poriadneho obsahu je každá prezentácia na nič, akurát fakt záleží na tom, ako je ten obsah podaný.
Profile Image for Lori.
61 reviews16 followers
June 26, 2017
Effective, quick read to refine your presentations.
Profile Image for Muruli Shamanna.
38 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2017
Must read

This is a wonderful book captures theme in a simplistic manner. Illustrations in the book emphasizes the concept and helps to understand the topic easily.
Profile Image for Sreekanth.
3 reviews
July 20, 2018
A quick read.

If I have to pick one idea from the book :

Research
Structure
Style.
Memorise
Delivery
Profile Image for Ana Maria .
7 reviews
July 9, 2019
Great little book. It is full with inspiration and ideas.
I read many books about this topic and this one summarises all you need to know about delivering a great presentation!
Don't miss it.
Profile Image for Oldina Hutauruk.
30 reviews
October 27, 2019
Amazing book.
Buku yang jika ditilik dari covernya, tidak menarik.
Tapi siapa sangka, ungkapan 'don't judge book by the cover' melekat di buku ini.

Buku yang bisa dibaca secara cepat, tapi sangat berkesan dan poin-poin yang ingin di sampaikan sangat jelas.

Review selebihnya bisa klian baca di ig aku, linknya
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4HTLnCgi...
Profile Image for Marinetta .
115 reviews
December 1, 2019
Μην πετάξετε σχεδόν 7€. Κάντε απλά ένα search τον τίτλο και κάποιο άρθρο αντιγραφής θα σας καλύψει όπως θα σας κάλυπτε και αυτό το βιβλίο.
Profile Image for Daniele.
45 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2020
Light but informative read. Can be finished within a few hours and was really pleasant to turn it’s lighthearted and animated pages. Will definitely make use of a tip or two from this book :)
Profile Image for Vlada F..
1 review1 follower
January 16, 2021
Short, simple, effective and quite inspiring... The book itself is just the same as the messages that the reader gets.
Profile Image for Everlecia J..
Author 3 books5 followers
April 5, 2021
A spark to of energy this book gave me because it made me look at every conversation that I have. I’ve evaluated my storytelling in every area of my life. Even in my YouTube videos.
Profile Image for Adam A.
50 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2021
Good book for beginners on public speaking. Nice graphics. Easy read. Will appreciate if more case studies and samples are given.
Profile Image for kristyyy.
1 review
January 29, 2024
The book is true to its message and purpose. It is brief yet it gives tangible solutions.
Profile Image for Sadie-Jane Huff.
1,902 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2016
http://m360.sim.edu.sg/article/pages/...

Not What but How You Say It

DO not judge this book by its size. It may be compact and be filled with text set in big fonts, but this is more like a tips and tools type of book.

Mr Michael Parker is one of the United Kingdom’s most experienced pitch coaches, having worked for over 20 years with Saatchi & Saatchi. The man knows what he is talking about. He has created an easy-to-digest guide for anyone who is about to make a pitch, do a presentation, or even go for an interview.

Chockfull of useful nuggets with clear, practical advice, I recommend that you pick up this book. The graphics helps to make this already easy-to-digest book, even easier if that is even possible.

Good for those who might be newbies when presenting a pitch or those who get nervous prior to one as it is a short, sharp, read that can be used repeatedly.

Plus, if you are going to get advice from anyone with regards to speaking challenges, why not get it from one of the best?
Profile Image for Karina.
258 reviews45 followers
April 10, 2016
Michael Parker's book is a quick read but a valuable one for anyone who needs to use words to communicate and influence--so basically, all of us.

In a short book with lots of fun images, he teaches us the basics of figuring out how to communicate effectively, prepare for it, and present it well so that we get the outcomes we want.

A few major takeaways:
1. we're always presenting and presentation always requires preparation and practice;
2. if done right, taking deep breaths and pausing actually adds to your credibility so take your time;
3. your tone of voice and body language are as important, if not more so, than what you say.

I recommend this highly to anyone who wants to communicate more effectively or get ahead in their career and life.
Profile Image for Rainer Setiawan.
1 review1 follower
January 25, 2016
Buku yg selain menginspirasi juga mengajarkan pembaca bagaimana cara berbicara dengan baik di depan audiens: baik itu pidato di depan banyak orang ataupun berbicara kepada calon bapak mertua.

Poin-poin yg disampaikan sangat singkat dan tepat, namun tetap dapat dipraktekkan dan tidak mengawang-awang.

Buku yg sangat disarankan bagi mahasiswa yg sedang menyelesaikan skripsi/thesis dan hendak sidang
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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