One of the best communication books ever written

You know when a management book is great - because the information is obvious and hardly ever followed. I found this very inspiring - exactly what I needed.

11 people found this helpful

Best in class

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I read this book three times over in three weeks. As a young advertising creative, I found it helped enormously with the way I structure my approach to a brief. Using informative anecdotes and laser-guided analysis, it breaks down 'big ideas' from across all walks of life, and shows concretely why they were such a hit. The book practises what it preaches, too- using many of the 'sleight-of-hand' techniques covered to keep you hooked. It's full of jokes, and majestically narrated. Journalism, advertising, psychology, the military, urban legends, politics- this book gives you 'the keys to the city', looking inside some of the most sensational messages of our generation- and I'd recommend this book to anyone who has, or thinks that they might at some point have, a message to spread.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Made to Stick?

As the book is all about 'memorable moments', saying which was the 'most memorable' would not be so much about the book as one of the anecdotes covered. One of the most useful lessons, however, was about Clinton's presidential campaign- where consultant James Carville kept reminding Clinton that if he said three things, he said- nothing. 'It's the economy, stupid' became the campaign's Crie de Cour, and helped him to win. Saying one thing forcefully is immeasurably better than saying three things. This is a point which is demonstrated again and again in the book.

Which character – as performed by Charles Kahlenberg – was your favourite?

I think the character of Charles Kahlenberg is pretty fantastic- he's got a fantastic voice,
slow, knowing, urgent, assertive, and really brings the book to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely, yes- although as said in the book with regards to Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, 'if you say three things, you say nothing'- there are so many really really useful lessons in here that I'd actually recommend taking it slow and trying to absorb it in chunks- otherwise you will end up with an idea melange. A very pleasant melange though I must say. Anyway that's why I'm reading it for a third time.

Any additional comments?

This is my first ever review- I wouldn't usually take the time to do one, but I felt compelled.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

8 people found this helpful

So simple, so helpful, already applying lessons

A large part of my job is synthesising data into succinct PPT decks and this book is exactly what i needed. They explain exactly how to get your point across. I've read loads of business and self help books but this is my favourite by far - so action orientated.

Finished this morning and might start listening again tomorrow...

7 people found this helpful

One of the best books I've ever come across

This audio book blew me away. I don't really get some of the other reviews on this page, the whole point of this book is making ideas stick, although Chip and Dan do touch on many other issues (all relating to sticky ideas). They also use many real world examples of ideas which stick and ideas that don't stick. This is an essential read for anyone whose job involves making ideas sticky - anyone in marketing and PR, also great for teachers.

Their six given criteria are awesome, and most if not all of the most popular advertising campaigns meet these criteria.

I'll be listening to this book again.

6 people found this helpful

I just ordered the paper version

Listened to this on holiday, uses many real life examples to illustrate the concepts and goes back to several throughout the book to clarify the points. I have now ordered the paper version on amazon so I can study the book in more details.

5 people found this helpful

Instantly changed how I structure blogs

Some fascinating insights with practical advice that can be applied immediately. Have now listened to several chapters many times and bought the Kindle edition to take notes too. As a practical guide to improving communication I can't recommend it highly enough.

4 people found this helpful

Simple to understand and apply

This is a very useful book. It focuses on how to make your ideas memorable and "sticky" and the principles are not just useful professional journalists, ad men or PR experts. I've found myself thinking about these principles when I'm doing things as mundane as explaining something on the phone and sending emails. And as a bonus it's entertaining too!

3 people found this helpful

Easy and concrete

I like this book allot! It has several interesting points and how-to's and the narration is superb!

3 people found this helpful

Mixed bag

Some good information and ideas mixed with a number of uninformed and outdated opinions. I somehow made it through to the end. I was expecting an inspiring read from the hype, but alas no.

1 person found this helpful

Fascinating and thought provoking

Really enjoyed this book . If you liked The Tipping Point chances are you will love this book to. It held my attention.

1 person found this helpful