Books The First Minute: How to Start Conversations That Get Results (Business Communication Skills Books)  by Chris Fenning (Author)

"The First Minute: How to Start Conversations That Get Results" by Chris Fenning is a practical guide focused on mastering the initial moments of communication to ensure clarity, impact, and productive outcomes in business conversations.

Key points from the book include:

The first minute, especially the first 15 seconds, is critical to frame conversations by setting context, intent, and the key message, which helps reduce confusion and steer the dialogue effectively.

Fenning introduces the "GPS" method—Goal, Problem, Solution—as a powerful technique to summarize complex topics concisely and structure conversations around outcomes rather than details.

The book emphasizes respecting others' time by checking if your audience is ready and able to engage and validating their availability before diving into the message.

Techniques learned can be applied broadly across meetings, emails, presentations, interviews, and informal workplace discussions to improve clarity and decision-making.

Communication is reframed as concise, purposeful interactions where the focus is on clear expectations and actionable next steps, which results in shorter, clearer conversations that get results.

Fenning's methods are based on over 20,000 conversations with business professionals worldwide and deliver proven strategies to improve communication efficiency and professional impact.