On Message

In this era of information overload and real-time communication where anyone can publish and broadcast to millions of people with the click of a button, there is no shortage of people talking about the need to get their message across, or having a “narrative.” But for business, marketing, and political campaigns, there is no definitive how-to on crafting a compelling narrative that achieves lasting results. And without a narrative, no amount of framing, complex messaging, or facts will succeed.


On Message solves that problem, illustrating how effective communicators understand the power of narrative, emotion, and simple messaging, and posits that having a personal, emotional narrative is the basis for all successful communication.


Drawing on Zach Friend’s own experience and insights from politics, advertising, corporate communications, entertainment, and social psychology, On Message provides a simple process for applying the powerful principles behind crafting a narrative, ultimately paving the path to success. Specifically, readers will:


-Learn how to focus their communication efforts in a dramatically more powerful way on the most important factor, narrative;

-Master the mindset needed to become a better communicator and make a forceful impact on their audience and clients;

-Stop wasting time and energy gathering unnecessary facts and data that don’t advance their message; and

-Get results faster by using narrative as a productive tool that will fuel success.


“The great film producer Richard Zanuck once said, 'The most important thing is the story. . . . Not the script . . . but the story.' It's the story people remember, the reason they love a movie. Zach Friend, something of a genius, figured out that's not just true about our favorite movies. It's true about everything anyone wants to tell you—or sell you. 'Things go better with Coke' promises you not just a great-tasting drink but a great meal experience.'  'Tell me a story, Daddy'—What your kid is really saying is 'Help me go to sleep in a nice way.' Zanuck was right. So is Zach Friend.” —Chris Matthews, Host of MSNBC's Hardball


“Zach Friend has written an entertaining and insightful guide to crafting messages in business, life, and politics. And as much as I personally chafe as a reporter over excessive message discipline in politics, I have to admit that in the real world his advice is dead-on.” —Walter Shapiro, political columnist, former Washington Bureau Chief for Salon.com


“Zach Friend is so good at creating successful messaging, he convinced me to read his book on messaging. He is THAT GOOD.” —Lizz Winstead, Co-creator of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart


“From a police department to the presidency, Zach Friend has been on the front lines of communications. Zach’s book, On Message, has something to teach everyone, from experienced leaders to political newbies.” —Jamal Simmons, political professional and analyst


“On Message is exactly the kind of reminder that we can all use when telling our stories.” —Heather Stephenson, Co-founder and CEO of The Old School, former CEO of IdealBite.com


Zach Friend is a policy, public affairs, and communications expert who has worked for Barack Obama and John Kerry's presidential campaigns, the White House Council of Economic Advisers, the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and the Democratic National Committee. With Obama for America ’08, he was a press secretary and spokesman in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. He’s been quoted by MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS, NPR, the LA Times, the Boston Globe, and Politico.