Get to the Point! by Joel Schwartzberg Summary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

Schwartzberg recommends:

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

This reduces confusion and improves response rates.

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.

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.

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.