Hellman - Youve got 8 seconds: communication secrets for a distracted world

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After reading the first few pages, I could not put it down. An insightful and refreshing book that is a treasure trove of useful techniques on how to communicate more effectively and to the point, with amusing real life anecdotes that keep the reader engaged until the last page. A must-read for the corporate worldand the real world!

Jean Pierre Lacombe, Chief Global Markets,
Head of IFC Research, The World Bank

I loved the book and will recommend it to colleagues. Whether youre a grizzled CEO or a new associate, youll benefit from Pauls practical ideas and strategies. Ive read a number of communication books over the years, but this one exceeded my expectations. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Bill Adams, Chief Investment Officer,
Global Fixed Income, MFS Financial Management

Great insight and advice to hone your communication skills for every situation. Invaluable for anyone with an important message to deliver.

Steven Marshall, President,
U.S. Tower Division, American Tower

This book provides fresh, actionable advice on how to make your point quickly, succinctly, and memorably, so your ideas get through the deluge of non-stop information. On the flip side, since you, too, are probably inundated with emails, meetings, and presentations that just seem endless: Do yourself a favor. Give everyone you know a copy of this very practical (and funny) book. I know I will.

Erin Deemer, Vice President,
People Development, Biogen

Youve Got 8 Seconds teaches you to find the core of your message and make it memorable. Filled with powerful insights and humor, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to sell their ideas or themselves. I started using Pauls tools immediately, and urge you to do the same.

Jon Peters, CEO, AthenaOnline

Superb blend of practical tips, humor and storytelling. Paul provides real insights and memorable tactics on how to excel at communication in todays frenetic world. All presenters (and writers) should read this book.

Marissa Poole, Head of Global
Scientific Communication, Sanofi Genzyme

I loved this book! Humorous and insightfulits a great read and the advice is spot on. A must-read for leaders or anyone who wishes to inspire, motivate, or persuade.

Kelly Courtney, Advocacy Strategy Advisor,
United Nations

Pauls book answers the question that should haunt all of us: In a noisy world, how do I ensure my message is heard? For those fortunate enough to know Paul personally, his voice and years of experience echo throughout this book. The result is a practitioners dreama useful, step-by-step guide on how to beat the noise and ensure people take notice.

Michael Glass, Vice President, Talent Management
and Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Getting your message across in our information-saturated age is a real challenge. Paul Hellmans book is packed with great advice for leaders, and its fun to read, too.

Marshall Goldsmith, executive coach and
New York Times-bestselling author of Triggers

If you want to become an exceptional communicator, this is your how-to guide. It should be mandatory reading!

Mark Jesty, Chairperson, IMS/Toronto

Youve Got 8 Seconds tackles everyday communication dilemmas in a straightforward, relatable and humorous manner. Youll find the strategies you needand we all need this book more than we realize!

Alison Quirk, Executive Vice President,
State Street (retired)

An easy, high-impact read that provides every executive with the tips and tools to effectively communicate up, down, across organizations, and with customers. With this book youll maximize your impression on every audience.

Dusty Tenney, President,
Brooks Life Sciences

Do you want to be remembered and get results? Pauls witty approach and insightful tips give you the communication strategies to get heard in a world of constant distraction. If you want to succeed in your business encounters, this is a must-read.

Maureen Clang, Vice President,
Leadership Development, Travelers

Theres no time to waste when it comes to improving the effectiveness of your communications skills. Youve Got 8 Seconds is a vital addition to your tool belt that I heartily recommend.

Bill McGowan, author, Pitch Perfect

You need to manage your professional brand. Use the tactics in this book. They work.

Charles Miller, Senior Vice President,
Leadership Development, Citi

Paul provides a fast, easy-to-use approach to ensure that others get your message. His method helps you make your point quicklyand with greater impact.

Sandy Rezendes, Chief Learning Officer,
Citizens Financial Group

Both practical and funny, its a great read for anyone who wants to have more impact at work. Hellman has mastered the art of communication, and he lets you in on the secrets. Highly recommended.

Tim Saeger, Senior Vice President, Engineering, iRobot

The tips are invaluable and its a quick, fun read, with humor and personal anecdotes sprinkled throughout. This is a resource youll turn to again and again for advice on the best communication techniques. Highly recommended!

Stephanie Laguna, Executive Director,
Strategic Market Planning, Kaiser Permanente

YOUVE GOT

00:00 :08

SECONDS

COMMUNICATION SECRETS FOR
A DISTRACTED WORLD

PAUL HELLMAN

For Karen,
who appears occasionally in this book as my wife,
but who has been, for so long, so much more.

For my father,
not in the book directly,
but whose wisdom lives on in its pages.

And for my children,
Rebecca and Noah,
who teach me new secrets all the time.

Im grateful to my consulting clientsIve worked with some of you for a shocking number of years. Thanks for the opportunity to test and refine these techniques, and for not being at all surprised when they work.

Thanks to CNBC.com, especially Allen Wastler, and to boston.com for publishing my fast tips, and to all those who subscribe to these tips from my website, and then occasionally email me about their value.

Thanks to my agents Janet Rosen and Sheree Bykofsky. Its always a delight to work with you both.

Im grateful to Ellen Kadin, probably the most responsive editor in NYC, and certainly the most collaborative. Also to Barry Richardson, Miranda Pennington, and Jenny Wesselmann for moving things along with such grace. And to Rosemary Kane Carlough, an old friend, whom Im so pleased to be working with again.

Thanks to Aimee Levy, a gifted designer, always generous with advice.