Pitch Perfect

About the Author

Bill McGowan is the founder and CEO of Clarity Media Group and a two-time Emmy Award-winning correspondent with over 25 years of experience in television. As a media coach, McGowan trains a diverse clientele, including corporate CEOs, celebrities, and job seekers. His prominent clients include Facebook, Intel, Dropbox, and AirBnB, among many other technology companies.

Alisa Bowman is a successful collaborator on seven New York Times bestselling books. She has a notable career in co-authoring and contributing to a variety of literary works that resonate widely with readers.

Main Idea

Pitch Perfect: How to Say It Right the First Time, Every Time by Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of communication. The book delves into the essential principles of persuasion and eloquence, providing readers with practical tools to enhance their speaking skills. McGowan emphasizes the importance of clear, concise, and compelling communication, whether in personal or professional settings. Through his insights, the book reveals how effective communication can lead to success by making lasting impressions, influencing decisions, and building strong relationships.

Table of Contents

1. The Language of Success
2. Secrets of Pitch-Perfect Communicators
3. The Seven Principles of Persuasion
4. The Headline Principle
5. The Scorsese Principle
6. The Pasta-Sauce Principle
7. The No-Tailgating Principle
8. The Conviction Principle
9. The Curiosity Principle
10. The Draper Principle

The Language of Success

The book begins with a compelling argument about the immense value of eloquence in today’s world. McGowan asserts that if eloquence were a commodity listed on the New York Stock Exchange, every analyst would issue a buy order. The ability to communicate effectively is an asset that can significantly enhance one's personal and professional life.

“Great communication skills are your secret to holding someone's attention, making a persuasive point, being remembered, and appearing smart and confident.”

According to McGowan, every time we speak, it’s an opportunity to inform, influence, and inspire. Saying the right thing in the right way can make the difference between success and failure. The goal is to make a lasting impact, and this is where the principles of persuasion come into play.

Secrets of Pitch-Perfect Communicators

McGowan dispels the myth that great communicators are born, not made. He insists that nearly all great communicators have been coached and have developed their skills through practice. He outlines several habits and strategies that these individuals employ: