Book Description

Recipient of the 1988 Outstanding Research Publication Award from the Organizational Communication Division of the Speech Communication Association Organizations cannot function without one vital component--communication. With the rapid expansion of corporations and technology, the quickly evolving field of organizational communication has undergone enormous, unprecedented growth . . . and change. Handbook of Organizational Communication is the first volume to pull together many loose threads in various strands of thinking and research about organizational communication. Its renowned contributors are leading scholarly pioneers in the field--drawn equally from organizational behavior and management studies and from communication. From this multidisciplinary perspective, they analyze research, theory, and applications--considering wherever possible communication phenomena at the appropriate multiple levels of analysis (dyadic, group, organizational, and extra-organizational). Authors also provide valuable, original insights into directions for future research and theory in their respective areas. Handbook of Organizational Communication is a milestone in the creation and shaping of this new area of academic scholarship with practical applications. It will both establish and point the way toward new theories and empirical work that will advance a young and exciting field. This volume will be an essential tool for all professionals and students in organizational communication, management, organizational behavior, and organization studies. "The editors have done a superb job of conceptualizing the work. In addition, their section previews are quite extensive and serve to integrate beautifully the material that follows. This book may well become a classic graduate text much in the genre of the Redding and Sanborn book of twenty-five years ago. It is comprehensive, well organized, well researched, and quite well written. The authors and editors are to be congratulated on their fine product." --Administrative Science Quarterly "An invaluable resource. . . . Authors do a fine job of surveying even the most recent research in their areas; some offer exciting suggestions for further research." --Quarterly Journal of Speech "Finally, someone has pulled together the fragmented pieces of organizational communication research.This book integrates and synthesizes these sundry organizational communication perspectives.Without a doubt, the Handbook is the preeminent reference book for organizational communication. "Unquestionably, this book should be on the shelf of everyone interested in organizational communication.Whether one is just beginning the study of organizational communication or one is an established scholar, The Handbook of Organizational Communication is a necessary resource." --Management Communication Quarterly "An extremely thorough, carefully selected set of papers which as a whole form a first-rate indication of the state of the art.I would recommend this book to anyone who is seriously interested in organizational communication, be they a social scientist, a practicing manager, an information manager, or just an interested member of an organization.It is a unique and outstanding work and should have a place on the bookshelves of many offices in a wide array of different organizations.Researchers in the area will find this work extremely pertinent to their activities." --Journal of Applied Systems Analysis ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Making Org Comm Understandable
I am a communication graduate student, so I've read a lot of organization communication texts and readers. I've read my Weick, my Mumby, my Deetz, my Jablin, my Putnam & my Poole. While I would never suggest that anyone ever forgo reading primary sources, who can argue that sometimes we just lack the time to read everything we would like to? That is where this book comes in.

This Eisenberg & Goodall book is not just an average review of the major concepts, themes and theories in organizational communication. It covers the concepts of org comm in more detail than most texts do. The authors also are very aware of the changes and challenges to organizations in the contemporary world, and included excellent chapters on globalization, outsourcing, etc.

Finally, Eisenberg & Goodall wrote this text interactively. It is the most dialogical of all the org comm texts I've read. This stimulates not just the memorization of fact, but deep-rooted thinking and contemplation.

If you do not know where to start when you look at the expansive landscape of organizational communication, this is THE place to start. After a thorough reflective reading of Eisenberg and Goodall, you will definately have a firm foundation to read the primary sources you want. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Peter Senge, founder of the Center for Organizational Learning at MIT's Sloan School of Management, experienced an epiphany while meditating one morning back in the fall of 1987. That was the day he first saw the possibilities of a "learning organization" that used "systems thinking" as the primary tenet of a revolutionary management philosophy. He advanced the concept into this primer, originally released in 1990, written for those interested in integrating his philosophy into their corporate culture.

The Fifth Discipline has turned many readers into true believers; it remains the ideal introduction to Senge's carefully integrated corporate framework, which is structured around "personal mastery," "mental models," "shared vision," and "team learning." Using ideas that originate in fields from science to spirituality, Senge explains why the learning organization matters, provides an unvarnished summary of his management principals, offers some basic tools for practicing it, and shows what it's like to operate under this system. The book's concepts remain stimulating and relevant as ever. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (55)

An inspiration...
The Learning Organization remains one of the most talked-of management concepts in today's business world, and nobody is as capable of explaining exactly what is a Learning Organization or what are the requirements for such an elusive concept than Peter Senge.

Senge's main thesis is that for an organization to become a Learning organization, it must embrace five disciplines:
1) Building Shared Vision so that the organization may build a common commitment to long term results and achievement.
2) Mental models are a technique that can be used to foster creativity as well as readiness and openness to change and the unexpected.
3) Team Learning is needed so that the learning is passed on from the individuals to teams (i.e. the organization as a whole).
4) Personal Mastery is the individual's motivation to learn and become better (hence the term Mastery).
and Finally
5) The fifth discipline is that of Systems Thinking which allows to see a holistic systemic view of the organization as a function of its environment.

However, this is not simply a book about management practice.. though it was written primarily for the use managers. This is a book about growth, improvement and continuous development. If you wish to achieve these results for yourself, your home, or your organization, then you MUST read this book.

Senge introduces his ideas and concepts smoothly and in an absorbing style. He is able to explain difficult concepts simply and by the end, you find that you have whole-heartedly embraced his belief in the Learning Organization, in fact, you find yourself yearning for it!

The Book that began a fad
This book was written quite a long time ago (in 1990) and shifted the boundaries of management from concentrating on silos (marketing, HR, finance, production) to looking at organizations as open systems which interact with outside systems and put into motion forces that may not be easily understood using traditional systems to assessment. This ability of Systems Thinking Senge called the "Fifth Discipline" , the other four being:
1) Building Shared Vision.
2) Mental models .
3) Team Learning.
4) Personal Mastery

The field of Systems Thinking was developed in MIT under Prof Jay W. Forrester, but Senge gae it the 'managerial' flavour, cross-fertilising it with folk beliefs , spirituality and scientific thought from around the world.

The belief being, once an organization has mastery of all the five disciplines, the organization can become 'a learning organization'. This book, therefore triggered the craze and fad on part of organizations to become 'learning organizations' and the rise of the 'knowledge economy' was perfect timing for it. Now when the hoopla has settled, it is time again to revisit the true essence of Senge's work and what he REALLY means.

Being a consultant who works in the areas of creativity and knowledge creation, Senge's work is like an ocean , which I visit time after time. And come up with an occasional nugget and pearl. It's not an easy book to read, but well worth the effort.

UWM Book Analysis
Most best sellers are based on some concept that they create their argument off of - Senge's concept is systems thinking. Unlike other best sellers out there, it is not just a personal journey the author has taken; Senge's book has a multitude of research and analysis behind his theories that makes the reader more willing to "buy in" to systems thinking. A little long winded but worth the read. Make sure to jump around to those chapters that appeal to you more.

Too Good For the Planet Earth
Senge is a demigod to many people. I spent in excess of $50.00 on this book and The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook. Having read them both, I have no doubt that Senge in a smart guy. But there are some deeply problematic issues here.

Let's take a look at one of his pearls of wisdom. One of his central points is "today's solutions are tomorrow's problems." Some say that statement is powerful. But people can easily use such thinking as an excuse for inaction. A friend of mine (who never seems to accomplish anything) is always referencing this quote. If people in organizations are always worried about whether today's actions are going to cause problems, no action would be taken. The organization would constantly be spinning its wheels.

He also says that learning from experience is a "delusion." You pretty much have to believe that in order to believe this book. Much of this stuff flies in the face of what most of us have experienced.

Moreover, he insists that authoritarian leadership should be replaced with "team learning." But how can team learning exist without being enforced (by an authority figure)?

This book has good ideas- GREAT ideas. Too great for this blue ball we call the planet Earth.

positively excellent
All too often, I find myself acting cynically about my field and ready to dismiss just about anything as mediocre, no matter how popular or praised. Well, this is one book that I think is really excellent - for content, for clarity, for sincerity, for the stories reported in it.

When I plow through a business book, I try to see if I can remember the central ideas, the essence of what the author has to say from the mass of details and stories that make up every business book. Most often, they are appalingly banal and pathetically over-applied, touted as able to solve just about every problem, in particular if a fee is paid to the authors to come and talk about it in person. I was preparted to treat this book the same way, and was simply delighted to find a truly excellent and useful book. And gee, I am glad that I can get inspired by a book in my chosen field, rather than bored!

As I see it, this book has three principal ideas. First, we must think of organizations and their missions as complex systems rather than as conglomerations of isolated problems. It is pitch for the development of a holistic view - how everything interacts and what factors act upon what other factors. This is an analytical tool that can pinpoint what should be done, breaking mental habits of looking only at the bottom line of sales revenues, for example, rather than the need to provide better service or delivery times. Second, employees must be empowered to make their own decisions locally, requiring honesty and openness throughout the organization as standard practice. This enables them to question and learn, not just individually but as part of a unified team, hence the subtitle of a learning organization. Mistakes are part of this process and should be allowed as valid experiments. Third, the task of a leader is to design an organizational system within which this can all be accomplished. Rather than control all decisions in a centralized manner in accordance with a rigid plan, the leader must develop a vision of where they organization should go and then allow his employees to pursue that vision as a team with great autonomy.

I have wanted to read this book for almost ten years. It was first pointed out to me by a remarkable business leader in mainland China, Zhang Ruimin, the founder of the Haier Group, as a seminal text for him. He said that he had built a learning organization in accordance with Senge's prescriptions, and after so many years, I see that indeed he did. What this book did for me was to give me a better idea of Zhang's mind and what went on in it. But it has also given me a clearer idea of many other remarkable entrepreneurs whom I have had the pleasure and honor to meet over the years in my work. As Senge explained, these men had a vision, but used the gap that existed between their vision and current reality to inspire their workers to achieve remarkable things. And they created self-reinforcing systems to do so.

Another fascinating aspect of this book is that, in spite of being nearly 15 years old, it felt fresh and its examples did not feel stale and in need of updates. Many books that old extoll Japan as the model to emulate and explain why that country does everything better than everyone else. Just take a look at Porter's books! While this book has some examples from Japan, it does not fall into that trap - for me, that means its analyses have stood the test of time.

This is one of the best business books I ever read - and I have read way way too many of them! Warmly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A remarkable range of examples for the idea of visual thinking, with beautifully printed pages. A real treat for all who reason andlearn by means of images. -- Rudolf Arnheim ... Read more

Reviews (34)

A superb, inspiring book!
Envisioning Information is Tufte's best work. It is a catalog of world class information design examples, culled by the author. He has collected examples from sources as diverse as Gallileo's observations of Saturn, a 3D map of a Japanese shrine, a visual "proof" of Pythagoras' theorem, color studies by the artist Joseph Albers, and a New York train schedule.

This is not a "how to" book, but rather a group of inspiring examples showing any would be information designer the concepts behind the execution of these superb examples.The concepts are painstakingly argued and illustrated. Tufte is obsessed with quality - the book is printed on 100% rag paper using old fashioned lead type because he believes this yields the highest quality results. One of the best books I have ever read when it comes to visual design!

A Tour De Fource of Information Design
To me, this is Tufte's best book, although they are all really good. Although its visually gorgeous, its not a coffee table book to just flip through. You have to be willing to spend time with it, and if you do the rewards are tremendous.

Tufte presents a collection of some the best examples of information design ever invented, and some of the worst examples. And then he goes into the underlying principles that make the great ones sing out.

This book will be really helpful to any web page designer, UI designers, statisticians, cartographers, scientists, or anyone concerned with presenting dense information in a clear way.

There is a chapter on presenting multiple dimensional data on a flat, 2D paper that all by itself is worth the price of the book. Then there's the chapter on "Small Multiples" which presents wonderful examples of how to show patterns and changes. But then there's the chapter on layering of information, so the key pieces of data appear first, and the less relevant ones reveal themselves later. And on and on and on. Its just a great book.

To add to it, Tufte is obsessed with quality like nobody else I can think of in the book business. Its printed on 100% rag paper using real lead type because he thinks that all other methods are inferior. Which means the book is costly to make, but its of heirloom quality.

The Second Coming of the Prophet of Presentation
In "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information", Edward Tufte put forth a theory of graphical excellence which taught his disciples how to present complex data crisply, clearly, and concisely while preserving data integrity.

With "Envisioning Information", Tufte tackles a bolder objective: displaying multi-dimensional data effectively within the two-dimensional space of paper or screen.

To do this, Tufte employs his successful formula from "Visual Display"---outlining the general concepts of his theory and illustrating these principles with many and varied examples.

Tufte's approach to "escaping Flatland" (as he calls it) is simple but richly-illustrated:

- Employing the concept of micro/macro readings to add resolution to data displays, conveying more information in a smaller space

- Using layering and separation to foster comprehension of multivariate data

- Utilizing small multiples to convey change over time

- Leveraging color to convey information

- Weaving narratives of space and time

The effect upon the reader is staggering and transformative. Tufte has revised and extended his theory of graphical excellence with a handful of simple yet powerful techniques for improving our presentation graphics.

Anyone involved in graphics design or in the communication of complex information should have this book on his shelf---it is simply too valuable to keep having to borrow it from your public library.

Don't buy it until you see it. You may be disappointed.
I know that I am a contrarian here but... I didn't like the book at all - I was initially so excited to see the book, but when I finally did see it, I was very disappointed. I recommend that you actually see the book before buying it. You may be disappointed too.

Everyone doing UI design or implementation should read this
As in all Tufte books, this is beautifully presented and wonderfully content-filled. In particular, you'll learn:
- All about the tasteful use of color in the design of interfaces
- How to maximize data visibility in interfaces, as opposed to the widgets, frames, and borders around the data

The only bad side is that some of the chapters end just when you feel like they're about to wrap up in a statement of a best practice, leaving you to sit around and solve the puzzle yourself. While I'm all in favor of mental exercise, I would've liked to at least have a solution to double-check against. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Would that all business presentations could be made as succinctly andstylishly as this nifty little 72-page thumbnail guide. It makes its own points,starting with presentation preparation (knowing your audience, location andpurpose; finding, structuring, and writing your material; and using audio-visualaides, and rehearsing), then covering self-preparation (improving yourappearance, body image, and voice, and eliminating tension), delivery (speakingconfidently, and closing effectively), and handling an audience (judging themood, fielding questions, and coping with hostility, should it arise). On everypage, boxed tips, crisp graphics, mini case studies, sample material, and handychecklists make the whole process clear and easy to follow. Granted, if you'relooking for very specific or in-depth guidance, you might find this book toocursory and general in its approach. But, if you're looking for a thumbnailguide to the basics, it'll do just fine.

It's worth mentioning that the book is part of the "Essential Managers" seriesby reference publisher Dorling-Kindersley--a series comprising 20 itty-bittybooks on business and career topics that range from communication, leadership,and decision-making to the management of time, budgets, change, meetings,people, projects, and teams. Combining the talent of the "For Dummies" bookseries for breaking down a lot of information into bite-sized bits and sidebarswith Dorling-Kindersley's signature design style of crisp, classy graphics on agleaming white backdrop, the books don't represent the cutting edge of businessthinking or reflect necessarily any unique individual perspective. Instead, it'sas if someone had collated the best general thinking on these 20 topics, androlled them out into 72 brightly designed and easy-to-read pages--studded alongthe way with boxed tips, color shots of a multiracial cast of "coworkers"animatedly hashing through the workplace issues of the day, and, on the last fewpages of each volume, a self-test of one's skills in the topic at hand. Again,they're not for anyone who's looking for more in-depth or focused help on any ofthe covered subjects, but they're perfect as a quick general-interest reference;and, let's face it, they're so damn cute, and look so smart in a neat littlestack or row, that probably you'll want to buy a whole bunch to give as gifts toyour entire staff or department. --Timothy Murphy ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Do I have to?
I would much rather have someone else give the presentation, to be quite honest. So, I am giving this book to my husband. I thought the information in the book was practical and it enourages preparation. There is a section on how to reduce your fears of speaking in public.

Knowing your audience, dealing with logistics, knowing your location, clarifying objectives, finding material, structuring material, writing a presentation, using audio-visual aids, rehearsing, preparing yourself and enhancing your body image are all good points. The avoiding bad habits section was especially good. I mean, if you stand in front of the baord, who can see it? If you slouch, it looks unprofessional.

It all sounds so complicated...can't we just all head for the beach. ;> But seriously, this is a fun book filled with basic information for those who have to make presentations to keep others informed about business decisions.

Things I learned in Architecture School & The Military
This books isn't a bad purchase for the price...it's a low cost, handy reference. It is worth the cover price, but most of what it teaches, I have already learned through attending that High Priced University and by joining the Military (Death by Power Point!) I guess it always helps to have a refresher course, and something to refer to in a tight spot. Design, remembering your audience, and how to speak in front of people...maybe I could have saved the college tuition if I had this book 10 years ago! Enjoy it when you get your copy! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

This Style Guide Has Everything!
This book tells you how to do everything! It can be used by both students and professionals. This book has everything from how to properly use a comma to writing bibliographies; from how to use photographs in presentations and documents to writing resumes. This guide gives you hints on how to manage meetings effectively. I use this book at both work and home. People come to me to borrow this fantasic book constantly. I have the CD installed on my computer and love using the program - it is very user-friendly. I don't think any student or office should be without this wonderful tool.

Covey's CD doesn't work, neither does customer service!
I recently purchased the Covey Style Guide with CD Rom. The CD rom, after installation, wouldn't come up. I phoned Covey's 800 number and got bounced around to several people who said I had to go online for help, or else give my credit card up front for a minimum of $20 service charge. Their online system supposedly has a technician online, but I kept getting the message "Sorry, sometimes the system cuts of the reply. Please resend."

This is was too weird for me. This is not my idea of customer service!

Stephen Johnson
editor@healingpath.com

Great book to improve technical writing skills!
This book was great for improving my technical writing skills. I used this book as a required textbook for a masters degree program and felt it was great for my first class.

The most helpful style guide ever!
There are a number of useful style guides for technical and business writers on the market; this is my most favorite!

It is easy to understand, has great examples, covers all imaginable aspects of written communication, and - the best - it comes with exhaustive coverage on a CD.

Finally, it is definitely the best bank for your buck!

Great desktop reference for Technical Writers
This is a great reference tool for anyone starting out in the technical communications field! This book is very user friendly. It's apparent once you start flipping through the pages. All the topics, such as, "Editing and Proofreading," "Page Layout," and "Word Problems," are organized in alphabetical order and printed on the outside edge of the page's header in large easy-to-read font. I also appreciate the way each topic has the keypoints summarized at the beginning with numbers that corresponds to an in-depth discussion of the keypoints. The enclosed CD-ROM was also a great addition to this book. This book is a worthwhile investment! ... Read more

Book Description

Never Be Boring Again is unlike any other book on speaking skills. It teaches a breakthrough method that can help you make dynamic business presentations in front of any audience, anytime, anywhere.

A powerful story - well told - is your secret to connecting with clients, colleagues and customers. With Doug Stevenson's Story Theater Method, you can become a "magnetic" speaker with the power to attract and hold any audience's attention.

You'll learn how to: use strategically chosen stories to sell your idea or product; use a nine step formula for crafting compelling stories; get your point across to insure maximum "buy in;" brand your message with a "Phrase That Pays;" incorporate humor so people laugh while they learn; get out of your own way and "Stand in Your Power;" and make dull and dry technical information come alive.

Whether you are speaking to five or five thousand, these easy-to-understand-and-apply techniques will immediately enhance your professional credibility. Are you ready to be more motivating, memorable and magnetic? ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Outstanding!!! Breakthrough guidance for speakers.
Doug Stevenson's book is superb! As a keynote speaker and author of the Amazon bestseller "How Great Decisions Get Made," I've read many books and listened to dozens of tapes. This is the best. Doug guides you through the steps that will take your speaking to a higher level. If you want to experience putting his guidance into action, be sure to sign up for his Story Theater Workshop. I read the book, attended the workshop, and now I'm conveying my message much more powerfully.

Written by the creator of the "Story Theater Method"
Never Be Boring Again is a solid, 352-page guide to spicing up business presentations in such a manner so as to fully captivate attention, inspire and motivate action, and bring about tangible, practical results. Expertly written by the creator of the "Story Theater Method", speech writer, and presentation consultant Doug Stevenson, Never Be Boring Again focuses on stories as power for getting and keeping the audience's full attention, peppered with tips, tricks, and techniques to keep 'em coming back for more. If you are charged with speaking in public, then Doug Stevenson's Never Be Boring Again is enthusiastically recommended reading for you!

Power-Up Your Presentations
People love stories. That's why the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books are so popular. But even better than reading a great story is the experience of seeing and hearing a story performed by a skilled story teller.

Doug Stevenson knows how to make a story come to life, and in 'Never Be Boring Again,' he shows you how you can do it, too. He makes the process (almost!) painless, even if you are not a natural story teller.

This is not a book about how to give a speech. It is a detailed how-to about making powerful connections with your audience through vivid and engaging stories. And it's not just 'rah-rah.' Doug walks you through the nine steps of story structure to help you craft stories that will engage listeners and get your point across. He shows how to incorporate The Phrase That Pays-a message that your listeners will remember and take with them. Then, Doug helps you use your body, voice and emotions to deliver a presentation that will hold the attention of any audience.

If you have ever watched a gifted speaker hold an audience in the palm of his hand, and wanted to know how you could do that, too, this is the book you have been waiting for. Don't wait any longer. Put Doug Stevenson's powerful Story Theater Method to work for you.

Cathy Stucker
Author, Speaker and Consultant

Highly Recommended
Doug Stevenson's book "Never Be Boring Again" makes a pretty bold claim. One thing that I learned in my childhood is if you are going to make a bold claim you had better be able to back it up because someone will call you on it. Then again you can get away with making a claim like that when you can back it up and Doug Stevenson does exactly that. If you've done much public speaking at all you know that it is easy to tell if you have an audience eating out of your hand or if you are losing them. The problem is finding a way to consistently keep your audience interested.

This is the same problem that has been around forever in the theater industry. How do you get your audience involved in the story? Well, actually that is the answer. People get involved in stories. Lists of numbers are useless unless they can be converted to an illustration that points out their effect. Using his "Story Theater Method" as the base on which to build, Stevenson takes the reader on a trip into the world of preparing powerful, effective presentations that lead people to action. Stories involve the audience and once it is involved the audience will pay attention. When the audience pays attention they remember the phrases you use and your "phrase that pays" has the effect you desire.

I had the opportunity over the last few weeks to try a presentation to various groups. So, I tried to redo part of it using the techniques in the book. The bottom line was that a great deal more of the people remembered much more of the presentation in the group where the techniques were used. They also asked more and better questions because they had been listening throughout the presentation.

"Never Be Boring Again" deserves the highest recommendation that I can give and should be required reading for anyone who is not a hermit because we are always speaking to an audience, even if it is just one person.

Awesome book . . . Just what I needed to make my story work!
This book gots me going in the right direction from the very beginning. It not only describes what to do, it showed me how to do it to make my presentation better. The clear and concise descriptions, through the use of examples and stories, made it easy to relate to. The book provided the steps needed for me to develop and craft my story. Then I learned how to make it come alive. The book is an excellent teaching tool for those of us who love a "show me how" book. It's easier for me to make the connection with my audience now that I understand how to do it. The added value I received of developing a powerful presentation was well worth the investment of time to read it. ... Read more

Book Description

A book that addresses the need for skills-building in today’s competitive business environment, Business Communication Today has been completely revised and reworked to provide the most cutting-edge information available on the market. Combining a solid foundation of communication fundamentals with practical advice and insights, readers will be effectively prepared for the challenges they’ll face when entering the job market. Thorough coverage and thoughtful integration of business communication technology sets this book apart from the competition. Every essential technology is covered, successfully demonstrating the importance of  business etiquette, teamwork, proper short communication (memos, email, instant messaging, etc.), and effective business reports and proposals. An especially useful tool for those entering the job market, this book is also a must-read for corporate trainers, office managers, and others that need to utilize effective communications on a day-to-day basis.

Book Description

Basic Business Communication (BBC), 10/e by Lesikar and Flatley provides both student and instructor with all the tools needed to navigate through the complexity of the modern business communication environment.At their disposal, teachers have access to an online Tools & Techniques Newsletter that will continually keep them abreast of the latest research and developments in the field while providing a host of teaching materials. Exciting new student resources, including a subscription to the Merriam Webster Collegiate website and an enhanced CD-ROM, allow students to practice and master concepts in fun and interesting ways. BBC attends to the dynamic, fast-paced, and ever-changing means by which business communication occurs by being the most technologically current and pedagogically effective books in the field. It has realistic examples that are both consumer-and business-oriented. ... Read more

Book Description

This text provides a concise and in-depth look at the elements that comprise all basic forms of human communication.With an emphasis on Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Small Group Communication, the text also explores key issues and topics in interviewing, organizational communication, and the mass media.Cultural and gender issues are covered in depth. The text also focuses on learning through technology, and the nature and effects of new technologies on human communication. Public speaking is covered in depth (5 full units are devoted to public speaking) to provide readers with the skills for informative and persuasive speaking. Four additional units Emotional Communication, The Special Occasion Speech, Criticism in the Classroom, and Mass Media enable instructors to cover topics that are not always offered in other texts. For anyone interested in improving and understanding key issues of human communication. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

comunication in our world
althought this book gives off important info, it leaves us w/ a desire to want and know more. our minds are expanded and challenged we discover a new way of thinking and comunicating with others. ... Read more

Book Description

Want to publish your book?

Learn how—it’s easier than you think!

Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learned—through trial and error—how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can’t resist. Now you can benefit from their hard work and publishing savvy. In this new edition, they offer guidance and advice that will inspire, educate, and, most importantly, give you the necessary edge to get your book published. They explain:

• How to shape your idea and create a title

• Ways to get to know the market and competition

• Tips on writing an effective outline, query letter, and sample chapter

• The art and science of fiction and nonfiction book proposals

• How ten actual proposals (included here) were successfully sold to publishers—and why

"A submission from Jeff Herman always gets moved to the top . . . his new book will show you how to move to the top."—Frederic W. Hills Vice President, Simon & Schuster

"This book will take writers to the highest level of proposal writing and success."—Roger Cooper Quality Paperback Book Club

"If you want your proposal to ignite a busy editor’s interest, read this book."—Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, AMACOM Books ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A must have for those who are serious about selling their wo
Write the Perfect Book Proposal: Ten Book Proposals That Sold and Why is one of my all time best books for writers. Writing a good book means next to nothing if you can't write a great book proposal since that is what editors need to get the process rolling.

I love this book because it gives solid examples of what to do and how to do it. The book is well written, easy to use, and filled with suggestions. This book will help you no mater what type of non fiction book you are writing.

Jeff Herman is a successful literary agent who has lots of experience in putting together proposals. The book also discusses cover and query letters as well as some on Fiction proposals.

I used this as the model for my first proposal and sold the book in record time. Since then I've gotten an agent but the book continues to be valuable. I recommend it on all my writing classes.

Got me a contract with a publisher
This book is the definitive guide on how to write a strong proposal that will grab publishers attention and keep your book out of the slush pile.
Like most writers I own tons of books on writing and getting published. I followed the guidelines suggested by the authors and my book proposal for Teen Goddess was accepted by the first publishing company I tried!
I also highly recommend Deborah Levine's other book Spiritual Writing. If you write inspirational, new age or spiritual books it contains a wealth of information to steer you in the right direction.
Write the perfect book proposal is the one book I would not be without -

Strong introduction to proposals
This is a great book by a top-notch agent with ten notated book proposals. However, they tend to be authored by top-notch professionals and/or experienced authors rather than folks with a certain amount of everyday experience. If you want to see how two unknown first-time authors sold their books for over $100,000, I'd recommend Mahesh Grossman's "Write a Book Without Lifting a Finger."

This is a fantastic book
If you want to be an author- you must buy this book now. I have turned on hundreds of people to this "bible" Read it- digest it-learn and then you will become an author. Learn from Jeff- He is a pro!
Rick Frishman author "Guerrilla Marketing for Writers" and Guerrilla Publicity". President of Planned TV Arts www.plannedtvarts.com and www.rickfrishman.com

Not for fiction
This book is for non-fiction books only. There is one short chapter on fiction and I knew that one tidbit of information already. Don't waste your time or money on this book if you are a fiction writer. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

If you buy one book on Managerial Communication, buy Munter
This is a great book for people working in industry, or teaching business communication. Short. No b.s. Full of good hints, do's and don'ts, and references. News you can use. Buy it.

One of the best books on business writing
Munter's work clearly and concisely leads you through making your message effective. She gets to the heart of communicating: what form should it take, how to structure it, and how to execute it so that it has the best chance of achieving your purpose. In particular, I was helped immensely from her discussion about how to analyze your audience and choose the best strategy for relaying your message. She not only covers writing, but also presentations and speaking. To top it off, she includes advice about whitespace, word choice, effective sentence structures, outlining, and more. An all-around great book that every purposeful writer should own.

Disappointing
The theme of this book is to fit every individual to a specific framework that the author claims proven. The result is robotic communicators. I personally believe that good communicators are those who brings out the best in themselves, creative and charismatic. This book advocates the other way around.

I also feel skeptical doubt the author's communication skills. The book is incredibly dry, too organized, too structured. Don't buy this buy unless it is required to pass your MBA exam.

Best communications book I've seen!
This book is required for a communications class in my MBA program. It is excellent. Although it is very detailed, it is easy to read and to the point. The book itself is an excellent example of how to communicate in the business world.

Highly recommended.

An essential for anyone in business
I studied management communication with Mary Munter as a student at Tuck in the late 80's. At the time, it seemed like a fluff course and of little value. I have grown to realize over the years that strong communication skills are of paramount importance. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you can't communicate it, you may not go far. If you only have one reference book for help in effective written communications, this is the one to have . . . really! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

*ESSENTIAL* for Managers & those considering 360 feedback
Chris Argyris' work is essential reading for the executive who truly wants to leverage his/her organization's culture and workforce capability into the ultimate long-term competitive advantage.

Like it or not, unsticking "stuck" cultures is what stands between executives who ultimately deliver versus those who merely ride the gravy-train for the first 2 years of a 5 year contract before getting fired. So listen up: with Knowledge Workers the "soft stuff" IS the meat & potatoes!

Also, Argyris is also essential reading for anyone who is considering the use of the 360-Feedback tool. In my book, 360 is a powerful tool that is *dangerous* in the wrong hands; particularly if it's used in an unhealthy culture. The effective manager for the Information Age has to have atleast "some" competence in organizational psychology --in addition to having an external O.D. (Org Development) professional on retainer to get the org initially "unstuck" and keep it that way until things are back on track.

Argyris is an Industrial / Organizational Psychologist (I/O P) and OD guru with heavily sociological and cognitive psychology leanings. Argyris is the "OD person's OD person"; his career goes back to the 1950's. Argyris has devoted his life to these 2 key goals: (1)understanding what is required to integrate the individual into the collective (highly relevant in the era of the Knowledge Worker) and (2)how to monitor & measure progress in this regard in a way that produces "ACTIONABLE knowledge" for continuously improving this integration process. With Argyris -- the rubber meets the road and traction is imminent.

Argyris' later work can be grouped into a "quartet" of books. However the reader should be cautioned because Argyris writes under 2 potentially frustrating assumptions: (1)that the reader is atleast a Master's Degree level person in I/O P; (2)that the reader has read his previous books and is thus ready to tackle the new material at hand. However, I'm delighted to point out that -- with the proper reading approach -- a non-OD everyday-manager-type can read and understand The Argyris Way without too much difficulty. The secret is to read atleast 2 of Argyris' books in the proper order. I prescribe 2 approaches to tackling Argyris: 1 for non-OD people (managers & executives) and 1 for OD people (the propeller-heads who actually know this stuff). Here they are:

(BOOK 1) Argyris "Overcoming Organizational Defenses" c1990. This is a McDonald's drive thru version of the much more involved 1985 release cited as book # 4 below. This is the starting point for everyday managers & executives who are thinking about engaging an OD person for their organizations but do not plan on being I/O P people themselves. The price to understand the Argyris way will be paid here -- and it is a price very much worth paying. If you're new to I/O P, plan on 5 full evenings of reading to get thru this 1st book -- and in the process you will have read the book thru twice. Don't have that kind of time you say? Either MAKE the time or The Law of Darwin will soon be awarding your job to someone else!

(BOOK 2) Martin Seligman's "Learned Optimism 2ed" c1998. Get a high-level understanding of the difference between cognitive versus behavioral psychology. Otherwise, to not read this book in tandem with the Argyris work will leave the reader open to error by assuming outdated behaviorist psychology norms (which is the error that presently pervades Human Resources' thinking in the areas of performance management and compensation). This book can be read in 2 nights.

(BOOK 3) Argyris "Knowledge for Action" c1993. This takes the reader through a complete, comprehensive real-life diagnosis and intervention process using the tenets presented in book #1 above. This book can be read in a couple of afternoons assuming that the price has already been paid by reading book #1. Non-OD people can stop their reading here.

(BOOK 4) Argyris "Action Science" c1985. This is the full scholar's version of his I/O P approach and will take 2 weeks of evenings to get through. For an OD, I recommend reading this 1st before Argyris "Overcoming".

(BOOK 5) Argyris "On Organizational Learning, 2ed" c1998. Note that this is a different book from "On Org Learning 2: Theory, Method & Practice" c1995. Strictly for OD people, this is a comprehensive survey & critique of present literature and approaches in the OD field. Of particular value is his treatise of Edgar Schein's work and re-emphasizing the value of sociology in the science of psychology.

I'll close by paraphrasing the Argyris model here as a teaser. There are 2 states of Human reasoning:
Model 1 = intra-personal BEFORE inter-personal (defensive / independent)
Model 2 = intra-personal .AND. inter-personal (productive / synergistic)

I'll also add in a 3rd state as my own corollary:
Model 3 = intra-personal AFTER inter-personal ( "Divine" )

Model 3 is beyond man's capability, Model 2 would be Stephen Covey's 7 Habits in action at rung 6 on the effectiveness ladder, and Model 1 is the actual/default "selfish" pattern of most people today -- thanks to the psychological conditioning of countless centuries prior to the Information Age.

Borrowing from Seligman, the younger Baby-Boomers and later generations are the 1st in the history of the world to "have the choice" to be knowledge workers. This throws people together into complex social systems that require a new level of communication ability that's new to man as a species and is currently not taught in schools. As a survival mechanism, mankind's default behavior is Model 1 -- even though he will verbally claim Model 2 or even Model 3. Overcoming defensive Model 1 behavior is an effort that requires years of committed work -- BUT IS THE VERY GATEWAY to functioning in the more mature organizational structures that lay beyond command-and-control (such as empowered workgroups); and that offer so much promise to knowledge-intense organizations.

A final caution: moving the organization from Model 1 to Model 2 is a project that should be treated with the seriousness of any other project -- as a set of value-based deliverables that are defined ahead of time and whose ultimate realization is preceeded by the conscientious commitment of resources. And because of the emotional aspects of the project early-on -- for the 1st 1 to 2 years the OD interventionist should be a person completely external to the organization -- or else the project is guaranteed to fail. Executive sponsorship alone will not be enough.

A classic in the field of prganizational Learning
Chris Argyris presents a classic in organizational learning. Some of the concepts explored and researched here form the basis for some of the priciples of the Learning Organization. Argyris discussion of theories-in-use, social virtues and skilled incompetence is a fascinating and eye-opening exercise.

However, the book is written by an academician largely for academicians. If you want 'easy' reading this is not the book for you. If you are, on the other hand, serious about organizational learning, change and human performance, then this book should definitely be on your book-shelf.

The Book is organized into 9 chapters:
1. Puzzles.
2. Human Theories of Control: Skilled Incompetence.
3. Organizational Defensive Routines.
4. Fancy Footwork and Malaise.
5. Sound Advice: It Compounds the Problem.
6. reducing the Organizational Defense Pattern.
7. Making the New Theory of Managing Human Performance Come True.
8. Getting from Here to There.
9. Upping the Ante. ... Read more

Book Description

Business Communication, 6th Edition, presents basic business communication fundamentals by using practical applications. It is designed to assist students in achieving academic and career success through the development of excellent communication skills. In depth discussion of current communication topics include: workplace diversity, electronic technology, correspondence applications, proposals, business plans, special reports, visual aids, teamwork, interpersonal communication, listening and nonverbal messages, presentation skills, and employment communication. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Basic
Book is very simple. If you have any exposure to the business world, this will be easy ad simple to understand.Good points and gives simple business communication tips. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A wise investment
For those who write business letters and emails, this is a great help.

Eric Bollinger
Publisher
McKenna Publishing Group
Publisher of "Two Dozen Lessons From An Editor" by Jim Woods

A valuable writing guide
Remarkably concise and informative, The Elements of Business Writing: A Guide to Writing Clear, Concise Letters, Memos, Reports, Proposals, and Other Business Documents by Gary Blake and Robert W. Bly is more than just a tool for business people. Taking a common sensical approach, as opposed to a lofty educated tone, Messrs. Blake and Bly do not restrict themselves to business writing, in spite of the title. For the most part, The Elements of Business Writing is a valuable writing guide for just about all forms of writing. The book is strong on: knowing your audience; clarity; precision; and persuasion. When you think about those four elements, you're thinking about effective communication in general. This is something everyone--not just business people--can use in their daily lives.

Very useful
If you write letters, emails, business proposals or marketing plans, this book will be useful to you. It is very easy to follow. The book offers a number of suggestions for writing clearly and with style, and explains each point in detail. I used this book for a graduate level class, but it would be useful to anyone!

Too simple and sufficient coverage.
Too simple and some rules may not apply to real problem, not recommend. But if you want to get the first book in writing intensive or want to have a quick look, you may leave it on your desk. ... Read more

Book Description

Wouldn't it be great to have x-ray vision into other people's personalities - to know what they are thinking, what they care deeply about, their likes and dislikes? With x-ray vision you'd know how best to approach people, how to pique their interest in your ideas, how to strike a bargain, resolve a conflict, or simply help others feel more at ease relating to you.

A salesperson pitching a customer. A manager trying to motivate an employee. A teacher attempting to make a point with a student. In each of these situations, how do you determine what strategy is best? Should you joke around? Stick to the facts? Make small talk? Cut to the chase? The right approach can spell the difference between getting what you want from people and getting your signals crossed.

In THE ART OF SPEEDREADING PEOPLE, Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger show how easy it is to identify key personality characteristics and how you can use this knowledge to communicate more effectively and achieve faster results. Filled with real-life examples and easy-to-follow directions, their book draws on the same scientifically validated Personality Type model that most Fortune 500 companies use. It will help you:
* Instantly identify the preferred communication styles of othesr
* Present ideas in ways more likely to lead to "Ye"
* Recognize the natural strengths and weaknesses of other people (and also understand your own)
* Identify the 4 different temperaments and 16 different personality types

Whether your goal is dealing more successfully with coworkers or employees, friends or family members, prospective customers or clients, THE ART OF SPEEDREADING PEOPLE offers you a powerful advantage in communicating with all types of people. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Wonderful Guide
I had heard about personality typing and such before from Psych classes, but this book puts it to practical use. They first give an introduction to personality typing, it's history, and modern implications. They then help you understand the differences in type as well as dispelling some common myths and connotations of terms used in typing.

The book introduces various methods of assessing a person's personality type (using preferences vs. temperment) as well as giving some exercises at the end of each chapter to help put what you just learned to use. Of course, the stress is on *Speed* reading people so they give tips on how to quickly asess someone's type so that you can put what you learned to use in the real world where you can't sit down and have a therapy session with everyone you meet.

The later chapters in the book delve into the 16 different types, grouping them by temperment, and gives detailed descriptions on common behaviors and responses of these types. Additionally they give tips on how to interact with particular types in order to communicate with them most effectively.

Note: they are VERY careful to state that typing does not equal stereotyping and always caution that people won't always fit neatly in these man made categories. Plus they are very careful to stress that this book is not intended for someone to learn how to "control" others, but rather develop a system of effective interaction with friends, colleagues, bosses, etc.

If you always felt you never really "got" people then this is a definate must read. If you always kind of "felt" people out and reacted from what you sensed (like me) this is still a must read because it takes this method and lays it out explicitly so you can use it as a tool rather than merely intution.

A Good Read!
Move over, Evelyn Wood. Instead of speed reading text, Paul T. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger tell you how to speed read the personalities of those with whom you work and play. This book ably explains the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. With a little practice, you can quickly identify your own personality type and that of anyone you meet. If you are already familiar with the Myers-Briggs model, much of this book will be old news. If you aren't familiar with it, and if you want to learn how to "SpeedRead" people according to this theory, this book will benefit you. The authors go into great detail about the four temperaments and the sixteen personality types within them. We from getAbstract recommend this as a book for purposeful study. However, even if you only read it once, you will learn something about yourself or the people around you.

This book offers a practical yet fun way to look at people
This book, as opposed to other books concerning "Temperament Typing" offers a less official, more relaxed and practical way of harnessing this theory. I think it is worth a read for everyone who feels he wants or needs to know people more, on both the personal or impersonal level

EYE OPENER-BRILLIANT book!
How many books have you read that cause you to never view the subject the same way again? I can count them on one hand & I read plenty. This book gives you insight & as you read it you will find yourself remembering many encounters with various people in the past that with the knowledge THIS book provides, you could have turned around, even turned to your advantage.
Don't waster another moment floundering with the mysteries of human behavior! If knowledge is power, then knowing how to "handle" people is definately a power-booster.
Read this book and change how you perceive human relations forever! If you that certain someone in your life that rubs you the wrong way, we all have them, then this book is for you.

The Art of Speed Reading People
This book is an excellent companion to "Type Talk at Work". It digests the theory and applies it to logically grouped type components. If you are looking for a formula to both understand and communicate effectively with specific Personality Types, this book does an excellent job. People will not realize you are using a formula because the techniques are playing into their personality preferences. The results can be reduced stress, faster agreement, and improved understanding. The key is taking the time to step out of your personality preference to plan a presentation or communication session that steps into the other person's personality preference. [This book serves as an excellent reference book] ... Read more

Book Description

It?s here! An all-new edition of the handbook that started the active training revolution.

You'll learn how to:
* Assess training needs and participants
* Develop active training objectives
* Create practical opening exercises
* Prepare effective lectures
* Design active training exercises
* Provide for back-on-the-job application . . . and much more!

Silberman is synonymous with active training. Thousands upon thousands of trainers look to Silberman for sage advice on teaching adults the way they learn best: by doing.

Now Silberman presents an all-new edition of his runaway bestseller, Active Training. This handbook shows you how to design and conduct experiential programs in private and public sector organizations from beginning to end. Silberman has augmented the first edition, with a wealth of new training exercises and updated case studies, along with information on emerging training technologies and ways to substantiate the ROI of training. Plus, a new section entitled Introducing Active Training explores in greater depth the reasons why adults learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.

You get over 200 real-life designs and case examples distributed over 35 subject areas including:
* coaching
* communication skills
* team building
* performance appraisals
* customer service
* problem solving
* time management
* leadership . . . and much more!

The index to the case studies enables you to find a training example that suits your current need. Checklists and assessments reinforce training topics and enable you to plan for action.

I'm 'Gung Ho!' about Active Training. All trainers should find it a valuable reading experience. It is loaded with sound concepts and practical ideas.
--Ken Blanchard, co-author, The One Minute Manager and Gung Ho!

Within the covers of this book is all the material you need to make a course or seminar a success. Silberman?s guidebook is loaded with practical, original training tips and a whole host of ways to incorporate these ideas into your training. Experience the second edition of this training classic and you'll never face an audience the same way again. Active training starts here! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wow!
Great book with plenty of practical comments and ideas which allow you to design a truly active session that both, your audience and you, will enjoy.

The best book in training i have read since i am training
I have pleasant meetings with you book Active Training at the last weeks. I am very impressed from it. The book is the best book that has been written about active teaching and learning. The book taught me new active ways as well. The book could help you diagnosis your faults at training and remind you what you forget to do. The book is very friendly. Active Training make it clear that you can be the best trainer if you just work for it. "Active leaning" might hurts but it helps you to grow. I am very grateful about the adventures. The book function like a mirror that tell you where your lipstick is not polished , so you can correct it. The book gave me new insights even I am teaching for 10 years already . The book is like a mentor If you like you can give your hands and travel at a virtual exelent training class.

Many good ideas on how to make your training more active
This book has many good ideas on how to make your training more active. For example, it give one ideas on how to turn a mundane one-way lecture into a lively interactive discussion so that the participants not only enjoy the learning, but retain and use the knowledge gained. In addition, there are many activities that a trainer can use to make his or her training more lively. I strongly recommend this book to all trainers. ... Read more

Book Description

Phyllis Mindell, an acclaimed expert on professional communications, shows women how to transform themselves by transforming their language; shed weak words, phrases, and gestures; empower themselves to win attention and respect; and get their ideas across with confidence and power.

Perhaps the best teacher of how the power of language can transform is an unexpected one: Charlotte the spider of E.B. White's, Charlotte's Web. Mindell demonstrates how Charlotte communicated messages that gained national attention and saved a friend's life. As a model, she combines female strengths of wisdom and compassion with the determination and power to make a difference.

As part of Prentice Hall Press's highly successful How to Say It tm series, How to Say It tm for Women is packed with practical tips, techniques, and examples that arm women to grapple with every communication issue, from choosing the right word or sentence to speaking, reading, writing, leading, dressing, and interviewing effectively. Readers will learn how to: shunwords that weaken messages and make women invisible; sail through interviews; assess and develop leadership skills; say NO, kindly but firmly; respond appropriately to slurs, insults, and harassment; say the one winning word thatgets people to follow directions.

True stories about women in every field, along with quotes from Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Carla Hills, Amelia Earhart, Elizabeth Dole and others, enable women totapthe power of words to persuade, motivate, establish authority, and make a difference-- without sacrificing their integrity, their compassion, or their femininity. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Insightful!
Martin M. Broadwell and Carol Broadwell Dietrich expertly guide you through learning how to be the boss. They cover adjusting to your new role, acquiring the skills you'll need and coping with becoming a supervisor - from planning and organizing to directing and controlling. There may be just too much about stress and not quite enough about daily processes and follow through, but the information is solid across all subjects. The authors get right to the point, never sacrificing warmth, context or detail. Each section ends with thought-provoking group or individual exercises to reinforce what you've just read. We recommend this book to people who are taking their first supervisory positions, to those aiming for that goal and to anyone who has to train either of them.

This book delivers on its promises
Dr. Phyllis Mindell begins her work with an openin