logo Fri, 02 May 2025 19:55:28 GMT

Brief


Synopsis


Get heard by being clear and concise

The only way to survive in business today is to be a lean communicator. Busy executives expect you to respect and manage their time more effectively than ever. You need to do the groundwork to make your message tight and to the point. The average professional receives 304 emails per week and checks their smartphones 36 times an hour and 38 hours a week. This inattention has spread to every part of life. The average attention span has shrunk from 12 seconds in 2000 to eight in 2012.

So, throw them a lifeline and be brief.

Author Joe McCormack tackles the challenges of inattention, interruptions, and impatience that every professional faces. His proven B.R.I.E.F. approach, which stands for Background, Relevance, Information, Ending, and Follow up, helps simplify and clarify complex communication. BRIEF will help you summarize lengthy information, tell a short story, harness the power of infographics and videos, and turn monologue presentations into controlled conversations.

  • Details the B.R.I.E.F. approach to distilling your message into a brief presentation
  • Written by the founder and CEO of Sheffield Marketing Partners, which specializes in message and narrative development, who is also a recognized expert in Narrative Mapping, a technique that helps clients achieve a clearer and more concise message
Long story short: BRIEF will help you gain the muscle you need to eliminate wasteful words and stand out from the rest. Be better. Be brief.

Joseph McCormack

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Story

* Explores the transformative power of storytelling and its impact on business and personal life.
* Example: A marketer uses a compelling narrative to connect with customers and build brand loyalty.

Chapter 2: The Structure of a Great Story

* Outlines the essential elements of an effective story, including characters, plot, and conflict.
* Example: A founder shares her personal journey of starting a business to inspire others.

Chapter 3: How to Find Your Story

* Guides readers through the process of identifying and developing their unique story.
* Example: A non-profit organization highlights the impact of its work by telling the stories of people it has helped.

Chapter 4: Telling Your Story with Impact

* Provides techniques for crafting a powerful and memorable story that resonates with audiences.
* Example: A CEO uses storytelling to rally employees around a shared vision and inspire action.

Chapter 5: The Storytelling Superpower

* Reveals how to harness the full potential of storytelling to achieve personal and professional goals.
* Example: A sales professional uses storytelling to connect with clients and build relationships.

Chapter 6: Storytelling for Leadership

* Emphasizes the importance of storytelling for effective leadership and team building.
* Example: A manager uses storytelling to motivate her team and foster collaboration.

Chapter 7: Storytelling for Innovation

* Explains how storytelling can spark creativity and drive innovation.
* Example: A product designer uses storytelling to explore new ideas and develop groundbreaking solutions.

Chapter 8: Storytelling for Change

* Highlights the power of storytelling to inspire social change and make a difference in the world.
* Example: An activist uses storytelling to raise awareness about an important cause and mobilize people into action.

Chapter 9: The Storytelling Mindset

* Encourages readers to adopt a storytelling mindset and view the world through a creative lens.
* Example: A teacher uses storytelling to make learning more engaging and memorable for students.

Chapter 10: The Future of Storytelling

* Explores the evolving landscape of storytelling and its implications for business and society.
* Example: A technology company uses artificial intelligence to create personalized storytelling experiences.