Pitch Perfect audiobook cover - How to Say it Right the First Time, Every Time

Pitch Perfect

How to Say it Right the First Time, Every Time

Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman

★ 4.1 / 5(113 ratings)
Start ListeningDownload App
Categories:
Communication SkillsMarketing & Sales

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to Pitch Perfect — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from Pitch Perfect

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Pitch Perfect

Mind Map

Pitch Perfect
Core Principles+
Openings & Closings+
Content & Storytelling+
Vocal Delivery+
Body Language & Appearance+
Conversational Skills+
Preparation & Empathy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10
What is the recommended way to start a presentation according to the book?
  • A. Walk the audience through the agenda so they know what to expect.
  • B. Dive right into the first argument or a brief, attention-grabbing story.
  • C. Thank the organizers and introduce yourself thoroughly.
  • D. Tell a joke about the audience being in their underwear to break the ice.
Question 2 of 10
How should a speaker handle statistics and numerical data during a presentation?
  • A. Present them in a detailed spreadsheet so the audience can read the raw data.
  • B. Skip them entirely, as numbers tend to bore the audience.
  • C. Turn them into easily grasped images or use analogies to provide context.
  • D. Read them quickly so the audience doesn't lose focus.
Question 3 of 10
What does the 'pasta-sauce principle' refer to in the context of communication?
  • A. Boiling down your argument until the message is rich and brief.
  • B. Adding as many details as possible to make the story flavorful.
  • C. Spreading your message evenly across multiple platforms.
  • D. Preparing your speech the night before, just like making pasta sauce.
Question 4 of 10
According to the book, why do people tend to speak rapidly and at length?
  • A. They are highly passionate and excited about the subject matter.
  • B. They are trying to fit too much information into a short time limit.
  • C. They are feeling defensive, tense, or anxious.
  • D. They have rehearsed the speech too many times and are rushing through it.
Question 5 of 10
Instead of recapping your presentation at the end, what does the book suggest you do?
  • A. Ask the audience if they have any remaining questions.
  • B. Offer the audience pertinent advice on how to apply the information to their lives.
  • C. Share a humorous anecdote to leave the audience laughing.
  • D. Repeat your opening statement to bring the presentation full circle.
Question 6 of 10
Why is it recommended to stand rather than sit while giving a presentation?
  • A. It allows you to project your voice to the back of the room more easily.
  • B. It makes you appear taller and more authoritative to the audience.
  • C. It forces the audience to maintain eye contact with you.
  • D. It straightens your back and lowers stress levels by 25 percent.
Question 7 of 10
What is a key technique for subtly redirecting a conversation to play to your strengths?
  • A. Abruptly interrupt the speaker to introduce your new topic.
  • B. Mirror a small piece of information from the current topic to smoothly shift to a new one.
  • C. Tell the other person directly that their topic is inappropriate for the setting.
  • D. Stay completely silent until the other person changes the topic themselves.
Question 8 of 10
What is the book's stance on spontaneity during a presentation or public speaking event?
  • A. It should be avoided in favor of careful preparation to prevent imprudent remarks.
  • B. It is highly encouraged because it makes the speaker seem more authentic.
  • C. It is the best way to handle technical difficulties or hostile questions.
  • D. It should only be used during the first 30 seconds of the presentation.
Question 9 of 10
What is one of the primary benefits of arriving early to a speaking venue and socializing with the first attendees?
  • A. You can distribute your business cards to the most eager audience members.
  • B. You can figure out who the decision-makers are in the room.
  • C. You can weave their interests into your speech and look at friendly faces while speaking.
  • D. You can convince them to ask pre-planned questions during the Q&A session.
Question 10 of 10
How does the book suggest you respond when a friend tells you they have lost someone dear to them?
  • A. Compare their loss to a similar loss you have experienced to show you understand.
  • B. Share a touching story or pleasing memory you have of the deceased.
  • C. Quickly change the topic to something more positive to cheer them up.
  • D. Explain the psychological stages of grief so they know what to expect.

Pitch Perfect — Full Chapter Overview

Pitch Perfect Summary & Overview

Pitch Perfect presents advice and principles that can help anyone to communicate more effectively. It teaches you how to present an argument or story with confidence, in a memorable way, and how to make your points with more precision. The author introduces seven principles that will help you to use exactly the right tone in both your professional and private life.

Who Should Listen to Pitch Perfect?

  • Anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills
  • Anyone who wants to communicate more effectively in their professional life
  • Anyone who wishes to become a better conversationalist

About the Author: Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman

Bill McGowan is CEO of Clarity Media Group and an Emmy Award-winning correspondent. He has conducted hundreds of interviews as a journalist and has coached celebrities – such as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and executives like Sheryl Sandberg – on their communication skills. Alisa Bowman is a journalist, blogger, book collaborator, and author and co-author of several books, including Project: Happily Ever After.

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App