You've Got 8 Seconds: Communication Secrets for a Distracted World Paperback – April 13, 2017

After reading this book for only ten minutes, I had learned at least three practical ideas that I can use in my meetings this week. The author explains what people actually pay attention to when they are listening to you. I have a Ph.D. in my field so I'm around lots of people that use lots of words to show that they are smart and know what they are talking about. The author makes clear that doesn't work - but gives you a series of ideas of how to convey your skills and knowledge in much more effective ways. The book will be valuable both to experienced managers and consultants , and to young people that are just starting out. It would be an excellent gift for a young colleague – or a niece or nephew – just starting out in their career, as well as to someone with years of experience who will appreciate how clear and profound the message is in this book. This book is a real keeper, and its easy to read!!

I found interesting some parts of the book, others I find them a little confuse to understand. In general this was a good source of learning important lessons to be better communicator.

I have been a fan of Paul Hellman's for many years, and I have used his strategies to develop new approaches to age-old problems. While the digital age presents new dynamics, the challenge of learning to speak at the right level to your audience and get their attention is not new. "You've Got 8 Seconds" does not disappoint and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. Paul's style is direct (doesn't waste time getting to the point), practical (gives actual tips/suggestions vs. just high level concepts) and engaging through the book's content, organization and his classic clever humor. I am going to use these concepts to help train my own team on becoming more influential speakers. Development is a journey not an event, and I recommend Paul as a helpful companion along the way!

I thought this book would be about how to get around the irritating attention span we have of 8 quick seconds. It’s created a “sound byte” society that I find very damaging to the human race.Instead, this book is about how to fit in with that “norm”, how to go along with it, and say things in 8 seconds or less. I don’t think it did a good job of even that! Of course, I didn’t read the entire book. But I did read for more than 8 seconds.

We all communicate every day – at work, at home and in our personal relationships. It’s much less often we step back and assess how effective we are in delivering our message.Paul Hellman communicates better than most. In his book, “You've got 0:08 seconds” he lays out practical tips, which make the book incredibly easy to read yet immediately applicable to your day-to-day life. Paul’s style is informative, witty and makes you think.I highly recommend this book and found it to be a fun read that will be passed on to several others!

Mr. Hellman provides an entertaining narrative on communication. Whether you are a leader, parent, educator, or clergy, his insights are useful. To know your audience, your subject, and your message may sound easy, but to truly know each and ENGAGE your audience requires mastery of each. His book may not help each of us achieve mastery, but it will certainly help us take a step (or two) in the right direction. Thank you, Mr. Hellman.

Do you expect a book on communication to be entertaining? Probably not, but that’s precisely what you’ll find in Paul Hellman’s wonderful exploration of the subject. Communication, after all, is something we all do all the time without giving it a great deal of thought. You’ve Got 8 Seconds could change that as Hellman explores how to avoid being lost in the communication avalanche that came with the Information Age. Oh, and did I mention that you might also find yourself laughing out loud as you read it?If you manage a team, consider getting a copy for each of them. This fun read could prevent all sorts of disasters while subtly improving human interaction.

I have always enjoyed Paul Hellman's tips of the day So I immediately bought this book. Its fabulous- filled with humorous touches and whether you are making a public presentation or convincing your friends, your boss or your board of directors this book is for you. The first chapter highlights the most important topic- who is your audience? what do they want to hear ? and why listen to me? It's the most fundamental rule of the game but one that most of us overlook when we have to make a presentation. I love the idea of using food to illustrate a concept.Paul Hellman is funny but serious and his anecdotes are memorable. I highly recommend the book

Found myself laughing out loud a couple times. Not that it was hilarious, just caught me off guard and it was funny. I will be going back to it a few times, to refresh my memory, specially before I deliver my next workshop.

I was always taught as a salesman, that you had 17 seconds to adjudge an individual as to their characteristics and mannerisms. This book takes it a stage further: No pressure then

you have to read it if you need to get attention from people... at work, at home and with friends

I really liked this book. I liked the way it was written into short and digestible chapters I could read on my commute without having to start a section all over again. Had some great points and insight into how to communicate effectively in your work life. I'd recommend.

Most of it is stating the obvious- ie. Asking yourself why the audience want to listen etc. But the book does have little nuggets of helpful insight which resonates with me eg. We should tell the audience why we are not giving them chapter and verse on something. This gives credibility that you have done the work and makes the audience think you understand them. I am only 75% through the book and will definitely be testing some of what I have read over the next few weeks. A helpful book and good value if you can get it for under a fiver.