The Pin Drop Principle: Captivate, Influence, and Communicate Better Using the Time-Tested Methods of Professional Performers - Hardcover

Lewis, David; Mills, G Riley

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1118289196 ISBN 13: 9781118289198

Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub, 2012

Synopsis

Tap into the powerful techniques of professional actors and great communicators

The Pin Drop Principle is a step-by-step master class for anyone wishing to become a more confident and credible communicator. Lewis and Mills believe all business professionals ought to deliver their message in such an engaging way that one could literally hear a pin drop when they speak. The secret to doing so comes from an unusual world: professional acting. By activating "objective" and "intention"—the main tools of actors (and great communicators)—business people can give their messages meaning and relevance, so the recipients walk away knowing why the message is important and what is in it for them.

• Empowers business professionals with performance-based delivery techniques—from storytelling to vocal dynamics—essential to becoming a great communicator
• Written for anyone wishing to engage listeners, establish instant credibility, influence key decision makers, and create a positive lasting impression
• Based on the Pinnacle Method, one of the most popular and groundbreaking communication skills training methods

The Pin Drop Principle is an accessible resource for anyone who routinely needs to present ideas to large or small groups, convey feedback effectively, conduct difficult conversations, and persuade others.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

A full 91 percent of business professionals admit to daydreaming during the meetings they attend, and a shocking 39 percent confess to falling asleep. You certainly don't want your colleagues to be among them when you have the floor. How can you ensure that, in any communication you deliver—whether you are presenting ideas, conveying feedback, conducting difficult conversations, or trying to persuade others—you not only hold your audience's attention but engage them so completely that you really could hear a pin drop?

The Pin Drop Principle is a step-by-step master class for anyone—from first-level managers to seasoned executives—who wants to become a more confident, credible, and engaging communicator at work and in life. The core of this master class is the Pinnacle Method®, a unique model for improved communication that draws lessons from an unusual source: the time-tested methods of professional performers. Actors enter every scene with a clear objective—a reaction they want to spark in their audience—as well as a clear intention—a plan for the exact emotional appeals that will help them get what they want. This book will help you identify and activate an equally clear sense of objective and intention for every communication in which you engage.

Drawing on their own careers as professional actors as well as decades of experience in business, Lewis and Mills show you exactly how to apply these classic performance principles to any high-stakes communication challenge you face. A clear objective and intention are just the beginning of any effective communication. Lewis and Mills also offer a full toolbox of performance-based delivery techniques, including storytelling, gestures and movements, and vocal dynamics—and reveal how and when to deploy them. These cornerstones of skillful communication, they explain, are as relevant to business professionals as they are to the actors who have successfully relied on them for centuries.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to put passion and purpose behind your words, and to captivate and convince your audience, whether a crowd of thousands or a single individual. The Pin Drop Principle is the definitive hands-on guide to help you do just that.

From the Back Cover:

Praise for The Pin Drop Principle

"By bringing communication back to first principles, Lewis and Mills get beyond the tricks and traps and help you understand what really engages an audience."—Dylan Taylor, CEO, USA, Colliers International

"Lewis and Mills have beautifully captured their high-energy live performances and workshops in this extraordinary book. Read, enjoy, and allow The Pin Drop Principle to guide you to success!"—Keith J. Evans, CEO, British Retail Consortium

"The Pin Drop Principle is a must-read for anyone who wants to dramatically enhance their ability to communicate."—Aarti Gupta, vice president, global head, learning and culture, Capgemini

"In a noisy world, communication with clear intent is critical to drive change. The Pin Drop Principle is a game changer."—Tom SchenCker, director, sales training, Walgreens

"The Pin Drop Principle clearly, concisely, and convincingly shows you how to become a great communicator. A fast, fascinating, fun, and useful read."—Rob Nelson, entrepreneur and inventor, Big League Chew

About this edition

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1118289196
• ISBN 13: 9781118289198
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 255