While this book is my favorite type: lots of example scenarios with practical advice and frameworks, there were some sections that didn't resonate with me. So, I pulled it back one star. But that shouldn't stop you from reading it!
📖 Why You Should Read It
Simply Said is a practical, straightforward guide to becoming a clearer, more persuasive communicator, especially in professional settings. Whether you’re giving a presentation, writing an email, or making a recommendation, Sullivan shows how to shift from self-focused communication to audience-centered impact. This book is incredibly useful for design leaders, presenters, and anyone who wants their ideas to land effectively without getting lost in jargon or overexplaining.
👉🏻 Key Takeaways
- Nobody wants to hear your perspective—they want to know what’s in it for them.
- Always communicate from the audience’s point of view.
- Use simple, repeatable language that sticks.
- Lead with the value or recommendation, not your thinking process.
- Organize your content so it flows logically and is easy to follow.
- Be authentic—if your humor or delivery feels forced, it undermines trust.
- The persuasive format starts with the audience benefit, then grabs attention.
- Take pauses when speaking to let your audience absorb what you said.
- When persuading, focus on your final recommendation, not your journey to get there.
- Leadership is not about title—it’s about how you show up and communicate.
- Choose audience-centered language over leader-centered or ego-driven phrasing.
💬 Favorite Quotes
“The audience doesn’t care how you got there. They care where you want them to go.”
“When we make it about us, we lose them. When we make it about them, we engage them.”
“Being brief is not about saying less. It’s about saying what matters.”
“If you’re not being yourself, your audience can tell—and they stop listening.”
