Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great, by Carmine Gallo
Carmine Gallo is a communications adviser for big brands, and this book attempts to distill the art of persuasion — an age-old practice — for the modern era. The book starts with the story behind the success of Hamilton, the hip hop musical that conquered Broadway, as if to demonstrate its timeliness. The term “five stars” is Mr Gallo’s description for the entrepreneurs and other leaders and brands who stand out — and we are promised “the specific techniques they use to sell their ideas”. Does it work? No idea, but it is an easy-to-read and practical — if unoriginal — journey through personal development (conquering our fears, reframing our personal histories as success, not failure, and so on) plus tips on structuring the storytelling that is still considered key to connecting with other people — and, crucially, with customers and investors in business.