'Get to the Point'
How to craft clear, impactful messages that get results
Get to the Point!: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Count
By Joel Schwartzberg
In college, I developed a love for Greek tragedies, often re-reading them multiple times. One of my favorites, Sophocles’ Antigone, contains a line I think of when speaking to people who struggle to make a point:
“Now tell me briefly. I don’t need a speech.”
This passage came to mind again while reading Get to the Point, a book that provides practical, step-by-step guidance for clearer and more effective communication. The author addresses a common challenge: how to say more by saying less. In this regard, the book succeeds, delivering valuable insights on sharpening your message and ensuring it resonates.
What I enjoyed most
As a consultant who has spent countless hours revamping internal communications strategies for startups and Fortune 100 companies, I’m no stranger to the frustration of deciphering meandering emails and endless digital messages.
“Get to the point,” I often think, exasperated.
Remarkably, when working with clients—many of whom have been raised in an environment dominated by electronic communication—I often hear responses like “I did make a point” or “What is the point, then?”
This is where Schwartzberg’s book shines. He provides clear definitions of what a point is and, perhaps more importantly, what it is not. He also offers relevant examples, such as:
Politician: “My plan will expand home-buying opportunities for the middle class.”
CEO: “This investment in R&D will ensure our company remains relevant.”
Job applicant: “I will help your department accomplish its goals.”
The art of clarity
Schwartzberg challenges the common misconception that conciseness means sacrificing important details. Instead, he argues that a strong point focuses on the core of the message and communicates it clearly, without unnecessary elaboration.
“Brevity is not about eliminating content; it’s about focusing on what’s essential.”
Furthermore, he encourages readers to pursue purpose-driven communication with an emphasis on impact:
“You don’t just want to be understood; you want to be remembered.”
A tool for better communication
Whether you’re drafting a quick email or preparing for a public presentation, Get to the Point can help you communicate your ideas more effectively, benefiting both you and your audience.