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

Book description

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.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Praise for The Pin Drop Principle
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Epigraph
  7. Introduction
    1. About the Pinnacle Method and The Pin Drop Principle
  8. Chapter 1: Understand the Secrets of Persuasion: Communicating with Intention and Objective
    1. Intention and Objective
    2. Putting Intention and Objective into Practice
  9. Chapter 2: Tell a Good Story: Using Personal Experiences to Inspire and Persuade
    1. The Power of Storytelling
    2. Why Is Storytelling So Effective?
    3. How to Craft a Good Story
    4. Finding Your Voice as a Storyteller
  10. Chapter 3: Craft a Compelling Narrative: Building the Framework to Support Your Message
    1. Composing Your Message: An Overview
    2. Assessing Your Audience
    3. Finding Your Core Theme
    4. The Primacy–Recency Effect
    5. The Rule of Three
    6. Mastering Your Transitions
    7. Structuring Your Message
    8. Rhetorical Tools and Techniques
  11. Chapter 4: Be Prepared: Managing Nerves and Controlling Anxiety
    1. Preparing Like a Pro
    2. The Anxiety of Performance
  12. Chapter 5: Project Confidence: Expressing Your Intention Nonverbally
    1. Intent Versus Impact
    2. Congruence Versus Incongruence
    3. Creating a Strong First Impression
    4. The Five Major Areas of Nonverbal Communication
  13. Chapter 6: Say It Like You Mean It: Using Your Voice to Influence
    1. The Power of the Voice
    2. Paralanguage
    3. Volume
    4. Pitch
    5. Inflection
    6. Pace
    7. Articulation
    8. Choose Your Operatives
    9. Protect Your Voice
  14. Chapter 7: Listen to Understand: Maximizing Comprehension and Retention
    1. Why Listening Matters
    2. Barriers to Effective Listening
    3. Active Listening
    4. The Four Types of Listening
    5. Improving Your Listening Skills
  15. Chapter 8: Think on Your Feet: Mastering Impromptu Speaking in Any Situation
    1. The Challenge of Thinking on Your Feet
    2. Mastering Impromptu Speaking
    3. Tackling the “What Do You Do?” Question
  16. Chapter 9: Stay Focused and On Track: Handling Questions and Controlling Your Audience
    1. Distracted Audiences
    2. Red Flags and Warning Signs
    3. Controlling Your Audience
    4. Capturing (and Keeping) Your Audience's Attention
    5. Handling Questions Effectively
    6. Prepare by Murder Board
  17. Chapter 10: Assert Yourself: Gaining Commitment, Providing Feedback, and Delivering Difficult News
    1. Getting What You Want
    2. The Persuasion Equation
    3. Finding Your Signature Style
    4. Gaining Commitment
    5. Getting Buy-In from Senior Leadership
    6. Providing Feedback
    7. Delivering Bad News
  18. Conclusion
  19. Notes
    1. Introduction
    2. Chapter 1
    3. Chapter 2
    4. Chapter 3
    5. Chapter 4
    6. Chapter 5
    7. Chapter 6
    8. Chapter 7
    9. Chapter 8
    10. Chapter 9
    11. Chapter 10
  20. Glossary of Terms
  21. Acknowledgments
  22. About the Authors
    1. About Pinnacle Performance Company
  23. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Pin Drop Principle: Captivate, Influence, and Communicate Better Using the Time-Tested Methods of Professional Performers
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: May 2012
  • Publisher(s): Jossey-Bass
  • ISBN: 9781118310175