Exactly what to say: the magic words for influence and impact book cover

Exactly what to say

the magic words for influence and impact

Phil M Jones
3.75(9104 Reviews)

Overview of Exactly what to say

Master communicator Phil M. Jones reveals 22 "magic words" that trigger subconscious responses and influence decisions instantly. Just imagine - these phrases have helped millions across 50 countries close deals, land jobs, and win arguments. What could you achieve with the right words?

Key Themes in Exactly what to say

  • persuasive language patterns
  • subconscious decision making
  • conversational influence
  • rejection-free communication
  • psychological triggers

Quotes from Exactly what to say

  • People buy for their reasons, not yours.

  • Emotions drive decisions first, with logic following to justify what we've already decided.

  • Tiny language shifts can dramatically change conversation outcomes.

  • Persuasion isn't about forcing others to do something against their will.

  • The word "but" in this phrase is particularly powerful.

Characters in Exactly what to say

  • Phil M. JonesAuthor and expert in persuasive language

About the Author

About the Author of Exactly what to say

Phil M. Jones, bestselling author of Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact, is globally recognized as the “World’s Leading Sales Trainer.” Specializing in sales psychology and persuasive communication, Jones combines his expertise in behavioral science with practical frameworks to help professionals master critical conversations.

His work in the self-help and business genres focuses on simplifying complex sales strategies into actionable language, rooted in his 17+ years of coaching Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs across 59 countries.

A prolific creator, Jones expanded his influence through follow-up bestsellers like Exactly How to Sell and Exactly Where to Start, alongside hosting the Words With Friends podcast. His methodologies are featured in Forbes, TEDx talks, and industry-leading platforms, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted authority.

With over two million professionals trained and his books translated into 30+ languages, Jones’s Exactly What to Say remains a cornerstone text for sales teams, educators, and business leaders worldwide.

Download Summary of Exactly what to say

Get the Exactly what to say summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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96
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4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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201
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16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
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star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
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star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments
201
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16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
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