Get to the Point! Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Get to the Point!* by Joel Schwartzberg about?

*Get to the Point!* is a practical guide to crafting clear, impactful communication by focusing on a central proposition of value. Joel Schwartzberg teaches readers to identify, refine, and persuasively deliver their core message across contexts like speeches, emails, and meetings. The book emphasizes actionable strategies like the "Three-Step Test" and prioritizing persuasion over passive sharing.

Q: What is the "Three-Step Test" in *Get to the Point!*?

Schwartzberg’s framework ensures your message is robust: 1. **I Believe That**: State your core contention. 2. **So What**: Clarify its relevance. 3. **Why**: Provide evidence or reasoning. This test sharpens focus and persuasiveness, helping avoid ambiguous or ineffective communication.

Q: How does Joel Schwartzberg define a "point" in communication?

A "point" is not merely a topic or idea—it’s a **provable proposition of value** that drives action. For example, "Remote work boosts productivity" becomes a point when supported by data and framed as a contention, not just a theme.

Q: What strategies does *Get to the Point!* offer for professional settings?

The book advises: - **Sell, Don’t Share**: Use persuasive language, not just facts. - **Stay on Point**: Avoid tangents with a pre-defined message anchor. - **Audience Alignment**: Tailor points to listeners’ priorities. These tactics enhance meetings, pitches, and leadership communication.

Q: How does *Get to the Point!* compare to other communication guides?

Unlike theoretical guides, Schwartzberg focuses on **actionable brevity**, offering drills and exercises for immediate use. It’s often paired with classics like *Harvard Business Review* articles for its hands-on approach to persuasive messaging.

Q: What are key takeaways from *Get to the Point!*?

- Prioritize clarity over complexity. - Use stories and data to prove your point. - Practice the "I Believe That" test before every communication. - Cut filler language to maintain focus.

Get to the Point!

Joel Schwartzberg

4.32 (1162 Reviews)

Communication skill

Business

Career

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

"Get to the Point!" transforms rambling into impact. Seth Godin endorsed this award-winning guide that's revolutionizing business communication. Why do top professionals swear by it? Discover the "Point, Reason, Example" formula that turns ordinary messages into applause-worthy moments.

What is Get to the Point! by Joel Schwartzberg about?

Get to the Point! is a practical guide to crafting clear, impactful communication by focusing on a central proposition of value. Joel Schwartzberg teaches readers to identify, refine, and persuasively deliver their core message across contexts like speeches, emails, and meetings. The book emphasizes actionable strategies like the "Three-Step Test" and prioritizing persuasion over passive sharing.

Who should read Get to the Point!?

Professionals, leaders, and anyone seeking to improve their communication skills will benefit from this book. It’s particularly useful for those delivering presentations, writing emails, or advocating ideas in workplace settings. Students and public speakers also gain tools to structure arguments effectively.

Is Get to the Point! worth reading?

Yes—this award-winning book (IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, Next Generation Indie Award) provides concise, actionable advice for cutting through noise in communication. Endorsed by thought leaders like Seth Godin, it’s praised for transforming vague ideas into compelling messages with real-world applicability.

What is the "Three-Step Test" in Get to the Point!?

Schwartzberg’s framework ensures your message is robust:

I Believe That: State your core contention.
So What: Clarify its relevance.
Why: Provide evidence or reasoning.

This test sharpens focus and persuasiveness, helping avoid ambiguous or ineffective communication.

How does Joel Schwartzberg define a "point" in communication?

A "point" is not merely a topic or idea—it’s a provable proposition of value that drives action. For example, "Remote work boosts productivity" becomes a point when supported by data and framed as a contention, not just a theme.

What strategies does Get to the Point! offer for professional settings?

The book advises:

Sell, Don’t Share: Use persuasive language, not just facts.
Stay on Point: Avoid tangents with a pre-defined message anchor.
Audience Alignment: Tailor points to listeners’ priorities.

These tactics enhance meetings, pitches, and leadership communication.

How does Get to the Point! compare to other communication guides?

Unlike theoretical guides, Schwartzberg focuses on actionable brevity, offering drills and exercises for immediate use. It’s often paired with classics like Harvard Business Review articles for its hands-on approach to persuasive messaging.

What are key takeaways from Get to the Point!?

Prioritize clarity over complexity.
Use stories and data to prove your point.
Practice the "I Believe That" test before every communication.
Cut filler language to maintain focus.

How can readers apply Get to the Point! to email writing?

Schwartzberg recommends:

Start with your ask or key message.
Use the "So What" test to justify its importance.
Trim unrelated details.

This reduces confusion and improves response rates.

What is Joel Schwartzberg’s background in communication training?

A National Forensic Association Hall of Fame inductee, Schwartzberg has coached executives at PBS, Nickelodeon, and nonprofits. His expertise blends competitive public speaking experience with corporate communication strategies, detailed in his Harvard Business Review articles.

What awards has Get to the Point! won?

The book received the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (silver) and Next Generation Indie Award (How-To category). Judges praised its actionable framework for transforming vague ideas into persuasive messages.

How does Get to the Point! address modern communication challenges?

Schwartzberg tackles distractions in digital-heavy environments by teaching readers to cut through noise with brevity and focus. The techniques are tailored for virtual meetings, slides, and succinct pitches—critical skills in 2025’s fast-paced workplaces.

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Key takeaways

Why Your Best Ideas Are Dying in Translation

00:00

A sixth-grader once stood before his class to deliver a speech about the neutron bomb. He had done his research. He knew the facts. He spoke clearly. But something was missing-something that would haunt him for decades and eventually shape his entire career. He had shared information, but he hadn't made a point. This distinction, seemingly subtle, is the difference between communication that lands and communication that evaporates the moment you stop talking. Most professionals believe they're making points when they present, email, or speak in meetings. They're not. They're sharing topics, themes, or catchphrases-and wondering why their brilliant ideas never gain traction.

The Anatomy of a Real Point

From Sharing to Selling: The Leadership Shift

The Technical Arsenal: Delivery Techniques That Amplify Impact

The Five Enemies That Sabotage Your Points

Mastering Different Formats: From Speeches to Emails

The Transformation: From Communicator to Leader

Explore Your Way of Learning

Get to the Point! isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Communication skill. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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Get to the Point! Lessons Told Through 19-Min Stories

Experience Get to the Point! through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

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

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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

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

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"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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@Jaded_Falcon

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

@OojasSalunke

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

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

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

@Cashflowbubu

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

@Moemenn

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

@Raaaaaachelw

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

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@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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

@Cashflowbubu

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Get to the Point! by Joel Schwartzberg Summary

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Key takeaways

Why Your Best Ideas Are Dying in Translation

The Anatomy of a Real Point

From Sharing to Selling: The Leadership Shift

The Technical Arsenal: Delivery Techniques That Amplify Impact

The Five Enemies That Sabotage Your Points

Mastering Different Formats: From Speeches to Emails

The Transformation: From Communicator to Leader

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Get to the Point! Summary in 8 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Get to the Point! in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - Get to the Point! Lessons Told Through 19-Min Stories

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Get to the Point! Summary in 0 Minutes

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Key takeaways

Why Your Best Ideas Are Dying in Translation

The Anatomy of a Real Point

From Sharing to Selling: The Leadership Shift

The Technical Arsenal: Delivery Techniques That Amplify Impact

The Five Enemies That Sabotage Your Points

Mastering Different Formats: From Speeches to Emails

The Transformation: From Communicator to Leader

More like this