Exactly What to Say to Spark Creativity and Bring People Together

The CEO Project Podcast

How do purposeful questions facilitate personal growth and transformation? Phil M. Jones is a renowned expert in effective communication, celebrated for his best-selling book "Exactly What to Say," which empowers individuals to select the perfect words for any situation, whether in business or personal contexts. With a focus on preparing for known conversational moments and using curiosity as a catalyst, Jones's work has become an essential guide for millions seeking to enhance their conversational skills. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality and anticipation in critical conversations, advocating for thoughtful questioning over "lazy questions" to foster growth and transformation. Through his extensive experience and insights, Jones continues to influence thousands worldwide, encouraging the creation of meaningful exchanges and safe spaces for exploration and diverse viewpoints. Key Takeaways

• Preparing for known moments and using curiosity as the fuel to great conversation is crucial for impactful interactions.
• Challenging oneself to refrain from giving advice in conversations can lead to more meaningful and insightful communication.
• Creating frames in conversations helps establish rules of engagement and encourages innovation and change.
• Asking purposeful questions and actively listening can foster relationships, facilitate growth, and drive transformation.
• Avoiding lazy questions and being intentional with inquiries can create a more effective and productive communication environment.
• Identifying critical conversational moments, like the first 15 seconds of returning home from a trip, is key to enhancing success in both personal and business interactions.

More from Phil M. Jones Phil M. Jones has dedicated his life to transforming the way people understand selling, decision-making, and influence. With a mission to help individuals unlock untapped potential, Phil empowers audiences by teaching the precise words and strategies that drive results while preserving integrity. His international best-seller, Exactly What to Say, has become a go-to guide for mastering persuasive communication, equipping people with the confidence and tools to make their conversations count. With over 2,500 presentations delivered across more than 800 industries in 59 countries, Phil brings unparalleled real-world experience and a reputation as a thought leader whose insights are sought by global brands and leaders alike. A born entrepreneur, Phil launched his first business at just 14, quickly scaling it into a thriving venture before leading high-performing sales teams and driving multimillion-dollar growth in industries from real estate to sports sponsorships. Since founding his consulting business in 2008, Phil has helped leaders across sectors—healthcare, finance, SaaS, and beyond—improve critical conversations and achieve lasting impact. Known for his no-nonsense, practical approach, Phil’s passion is clear: helping great people get better and proving that with the right words, anyone can change their world. Website: https://philmjones.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmjones/ If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com You can also reach Jim by email: [email protected] LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject