What do you think?
Rate this book
The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design
You attend numerous presentations and meetings a year—filled with the typical dense and disorganized PowerPoint decks—and leave most of them thinking, “Well, that’s an hour of my life I’ll never get back.” But out of this sea of mediocrity, a rare few rise up, captivating you and driving you to action. What makes these few so special? Despite what most people think, it’s not because they were delivered well. It’s because they were crafted in a way that deeply aligned with how your brain wants to consume information. The presentations that failed did so precisely because they violated the largely unknown “natural laws” that govern how people actually learn. In The Compelling Communicator, you will learn a proven process for designing presentations that touch your audience in a highly impactful way, motivating them to take your desired action • Building around a small number of powerful ideas • Keeping content within the audience’s “brain bandwidth” • Developing logical narrative structure • Anchoring communication in the listener’s priorities • Creating “mind-sticky” storytelling and visuals • Crafting handouts that allow your presentation to live on after the handshakes Filled with examples of exceptional—and not so exceptional—presentations, along with clear explanations of why they do and don’t work, this comprehensive guidebook provides every tool you need to become a standout presenter whose message is certain to leave a powerful, lasting impression.
318 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2016
142 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 22, 2017
An excellent read. Unlike most business books it is well written and does exactly what it promises in the title. It equips the reader with a process and all the tools needed to design effective presentations. No fill up, no unnecessary anecdotes, no hobnobbing with the clintons or Jack Welch.
Read
February 20, 2025Fantastic book for anyone looking for practical advice on preaching or presenting
January 22, 2025
Clear, practical, memorable. Only downside was I got the distinct feeling in a few places that he was trying to sell me something.
May 10, 2019
OVERVIEW: We present to get action (audience to do something). The key is to POWERFULLY LAND A SMALL NUMBER OF BIG IDEAS.
PRESENTATION SEQUENCE: Start with a problem that is far reaching and cannot be ignored, and then allude to the solution. Then present a 2-3 few key ideas (insights) in a logical sequence using context that enables the audience to develop the insights needed to drive them to take action. Use a vision of the future to motivate action in the present (this is the current problem; this is what things could look like if we take the action I am suggesting)
PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING PRESENTATIONS: “Start with your important architectural questions, using the pyramid to get to high-level design that you then storyboard into a logical sequence. You then build out the detail of the argument combining the best of your facts and data with the right stories and visuals.”
1. What is the desired outcome? (what ACTION should the audience take?)
2. What argument will achieve that outcome? INSIGHTS – 2-3 Big ideas
a. Define the few, key ideas you want to stick in the audience’s mind.
b. What is the action I want from the presentation? What argument will most likely get me to that outcome? What is the right flow of that argument? What are my big ideas and how will I land them in the most compelling way?
3. How do I support that argument (data/illustration needed) BELIEFS
4. Develop content and simplify
a. Present in a logical sequence that flows elegantly from A to B to C (use transitions to explain why you are moving to the next point and write them down). Save the most important point for last.
b. Critical content only, eliminate repetition
c. Develop an opening that will engage the audience by explaining the problem and how it is so far reaching. Explain why the status quo is unacceptable. Create a sense of urgency. Allude to the solution.
d. Engage the right brain through proper use of stories and visuals. Visuals should be about one idea only. Avoid bulleted slides.
5. Provide a handout that is uncoupled from the slides – a crisp, clear documentary summary of the discussion
6. Practice out loud a few times to test and refine the design
- “why am I telling you this?” – signals you are going from data to insight
- “you’re probably wondering”
PRESENTATION SEQUENCE: Start with a problem that is far reaching and cannot be ignored, and then allude to the solution. Then present a 2-3 few key ideas (insights) in a logical sequence using context that enables the audience to develop the insights needed to drive them to take action. Use a vision of the future to motivate action in the present (this is the current problem; this is what things could look like if we take the action I am suggesting)
PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING PRESENTATIONS: “Start with your important architectural questions, using the pyramid to get to high-level design that you then storyboard into a logical sequence. You then build out the detail of the argument combining the best of your facts and data with the right stories and visuals.”
1. What is the desired outcome? (what ACTION should the audience take?)
2. What argument will achieve that outcome? INSIGHTS – 2-3 Big ideas
a. Define the few, key ideas you want to stick in the audience’s mind.
b. What is the action I want from the presentation? What argument will most likely get me to that outcome? What is the right flow of that argument? What are my big ideas and how will I land them in the most compelling way?
3. How do I support that argument (data/illustration needed) BELIEFS
4. Develop content and simplify
a. Present in a logical sequence that flows elegantly from A to B to C (use transitions to explain why you are moving to the next point and write them down). Save the most important point for last.
b. Critical content only, eliminate repetition
c. Develop an opening that will engage the audience by explaining the problem and how it is so far reaching. Explain why the status quo is unacceptable. Create a sense of urgency. Allude to the solution.
d. Engage the right brain through proper use of stories and visuals. Visuals should be about one idea only. Avoid bulleted slides.
5. Provide a handout that is uncoupled from the slides – a crisp, clear documentary summary of the discussion
6. Practice out loud a few times to test and refine the design
- “why am I telling you this?” – signals you are going from data to insight
- “you’re probably wondering”
June 13, 2017
There's very little that's new in the book, but what is here is sound, clear, and well-expressed. Pollard starts with the audience, and proceeds to build an intelligent model for moving them to action.
July 4, 2017
Read this book in Kindle. Liked it so much I've ordered a hard copy so I can re-read and mark it up. Practical and simple, will apply techniques this very week.
February 17, 2018
I've been a raving fan of Tim Pollard's process since being introduced to it several years ago via his firm, Oratium.
Tim and team have developed a messaging methodology that blows away any I've encountered and I've encountered many.
There's no manipulation, looking for "pain", asking leading questions, or employing other useless, overused, silly, immature, & deceitful tactics that anyone with one-quarter of a brain can smell from three miles away.
This book is for you REGARDLESS of your occupation. Why? Tim lays out, in a "fireside chat" manner, how the human brain receives, processes, and reacts to information. He then explains how to succinctly deliver information so your audience (coworkers, family, friends, boss, customers) takes action. It's not just for people who formally present for a living.
Want to get your message across? Do yourself a favor and read this book. You'll find yourself thinking "This makes so much sense. Why didn't I think of it?"
Tim and team have developed a messaging methodology that blows away any I've encountered and I've encountered many.
There's no manipulation, looking for "pain", asking leading questions, or employing other useless, overused, silly, immature, & deceitful tactics that anyone with one-quarter of a brain can smell from three miles away.
This book is for you REGARDLESS of your occupation. Why? Tim lays out, in a "fireside chat" manner, how the human brain receives, processes, and reacts to information. He then explains how to succinctly deliver information so your audience (coworkers, family, friends, boss, customers) takes action. It's not just for people who formally present for a living.
Want to get your message across? Do yourself a favor and read this book. You'll find yourself thinking "This makes so much sense. Why didn't I think of it?"
February 20, 2025
4/5 – I would recommend
This is one of those cases where "writing how you talk" is beneficial. The whole point of the book is to help readers improve their presentation skills. That said, I found the book very repetitive in making its points. While repetition is effective in oration, it doesn’t always translate well to writing.
Furthermore, I thought some of the author's examples were too crass. This may be a matter of personal preference, but I found it odd that he openly expresses his Christian convictions throughout the book while also using crass language.
That said, I believe anyone who does public speaking should seriously consider reading this book. The author highlights the "cardinal sins" of public speaking and offers great advice on how to correct them—not just through examples but also through preparation and practice.
This is one of those cases where "writing how you talk" is beneficial. The whole point of the book is to help readers improve their presentation skills. That said, I found the book very repetitive in making its points. While repetition is effective in oration, it doesn’t always translate well to writing.
Furthermore, I thought some of the author's examples were too crass. This may be a matter of personal preference, but I found it odd that he openly expresses his Christian convictions throughout the book while also using crass language.
That said, I believe anyone who does public speaking should seriously consider reading this book. The author highlights the "cardinal sins" of public speaking and offers great advice on how to correct them—not just through examples but also through preparation and practice.
February 28, 2020
Exceptionally clear, very compelling "How-to" book which does not only get its message across very effectively but enables the reader to pass on that message. The book is linked to an online platform enabling the reader to prepare their own presentations following the method described in the book.
Following the reading of this book, I was able to prepare four presentations for a conference. I went into the presentations with simple well-thought-through insights that I was able to pass on with good supporting evidence and without drowning people in unecessary information/asides/slides/ excursi! This approach requires work but was well worth it - confidence-inducing!
Following the reading of this book, I was able to prepare four presentations for a conference. I went into the presentations with simple well-thought-through insights that I was able to pass on with good supporting evidence and without drowning people in unecessary information/asides/slides/ excursi! This approach requires work but was well worth it - confidence-inducing!
February 19, 2020
Easy read. Practical wisdom in changing how we view and use presentations. I saw Tim present at a conference a while back and he definitely practices what he peaches. I used these principles, including the tool in the book, MAST, for the first time recently. Completely changed the game for our team. Immediate improvements where dramatic and everyone took note. This has had a surprisingly deep impact on me.
August 31, 2019
The material is presented in an extremely clear manner. The author even demonstrates his presentation building approach in the writing of his book. Clear illustrations are given to reenforce the major points he makes. This is a great, easy to read, very applicable book. A must read if you do presentations of any kind.
March 25, 2020
I read this as part of a book club at my company and found it to be helpful! I couldn’t find connection to some of the stories and it was redundant at times. Overall, I think the framework will be helpful and effective when I’m building presentations. The author made a lot of great key points that I’ll hang on to. Great book for someone looking to enhance their presentation skills!
March 8, 2021
One of the most helpful books I've read on creating a presentation (content-wise). The process and tools taught in this book helped me build a conference presentation better and faster than I have in the past. And I already felt pretty competent in writing talks. I'll definitely be referencing this book again down the road.
October 9, 2018
I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills and ensure that they can capture the attention of any audience. It's especially helpful for salespeople, but can be almost universally applied.
November 9, 2019
Well designed!
I enjoyed this book. I found it a compelling case of sound communication philosophy and wise experience. I have benefited from The Message Architect platform as well. Thanks Tim!
I enjoyed this book. I found it a compelling case of sound communication philosophy and wise experience. I have benefited from The Message Architect platform as well. Thanks Tim!
April 22, 2022
It was very helpful to see how to present and how presentations are received by the human brain. Tim breaks down how to powerfully land a small number of big ideas so that your audience walks away and can retell what you shared.
January 5, 2018
Excellent book based on the brain science of how we really learn and retain knowledge. A must read for any professional.
October 3, 2019
Practical, original advice on how to change an audience’s mind through presentation.
November 24, 2019
Game changer!!! Really liked this book! Changed the key ways I speak in public! Recommended
February 10, 2020
Helpful advice on how to design a presentation.
June 23, 2020
It is an okay book. The author is certainly a very good write, easy to follow. But the point, is not that appealing and helpful to me.
April 16, 2024
(Presentation) Rules to Live By
This book contains many incredible insights. I can't wait to put it into practice! It was definitely worth the read.
This book contains many incredible insights. I can't wait to put it into practice! It was definitely worth the read.
June 13, 2025
Incredibly helpful and an enjoyable read. I think 1/3 could have been trimmed, though…
February 12, 2021
Great knowledge shared in this book! It’s very beneficial to readers.
I like it because it gave me sense in how to organise messages in beat and efficient way. Thank you Tim.
I like it because it gave me sense in how to organise messages in beat and efficient way. Thank you Tim.
June 2, 2022
Good but....
Given this is a book on concise communication, it does go on a bit... could be more to the point.
Given this is a book on concise communication, it does go on a bit... could be more to the point.
July 29, 2025
Good book, solid manual for creating presentations which still holds up in 2024. Could be shorter.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews