Book Description

A proven approach for readers for marketing themselves and their ideas where and when it matters most

All successful people excel at selling at least one important product: themselves. Without the aid of PowerPoint or flip charts, these movers and shapers can impress key decision makers almost instantly even in everyday settings, such as elevators, hallways, and washrooms. In Get Them to See it Your Way, Right Away, top communication consultant and executive coach Ruth Sherman shows readers how to cultivate the communications skills needed to market themselves and their ideas in any setting and get the results they want. Taking a systematic, real-world approach, she coaches readers in how to:

• Make people want to listen to what they have to say
• Eliminate distractions and get an audience to focus on their message
• Pick up on verbal and nonverbal feedback
• Know which question to ask when there's time only for one
• Know when to back off, retool, and live to pitch another day

Reviews (3)

Get Them to See it Your Way, Right Away
This book is terrific. It is extremely accessible and easy to read. Each chapter relates back to everyday situations that we've all been in and disects them in a way that makes the subject matter understandable. From that it's easy to translate the practical advice into day to day situations. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to further there self awareness or their interpersonal skills. Amy Wilfert

Great Guide on How to Be a Persuasive Communicator!
I just picked up this book because I am always interested in being a better communicator. While it covers some really basic guidelines on effective communication, it is a terrific refresher for me. The best part is Ruth's Truths, which summarize the author's practical and extremely down to earth points in each chapter. The book does a wonderful job of covering everything someone needs to know about communicating with other people in any situation. I highly recommend it!

I'm Going to Buy This Book for My Boss and Co-Workers!
Hooray! Someone has finally hit the nail on the head regarding practice and preparation. I can't tell you how affirming it is to hear that. According to the author, you just can't over-prepare and I think she's right. More often, it's the other way around - little to no preparation. And Sherman makes it simple with her easy-to-use templates and logical formats. I've already used a number of her ideas and made some significant progress where I had been struggling before. I'm going to buy this book for my boss and all my co-workers! ... Read more

Book Description

A groundbreaking guide to mastering the most important leadership skills

Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders gives anyone from managers to executives an unparalleled opportunity to do just that. John Baldoni explores the communication styles of many of the world's most influential leaders and extracts powerful lessons that leaders of all stripes can use to improve their communication skills and overall leadership effectiveness. Drawing upon his years of experience as a top leadership consultant, visionary and coach, Baldoni:

• Reveals the communications secrets of Jack Welch, Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell, Peter Drucker, Winston Churchill, Steve Jobs, Katharine Graham, and many other influential leaders
• Distills the proven communication techniques of today's greatest leaders into core strategies and step-by-step solutions
• Develops guidelines for making the most of computer-aided presentations, videoconferencing, and other new technologies

Reviews (1)

AN INTRIGUING "HOW-TO" OF LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS
Baldoni's "Great Communication Secrets Of Great Leaders" is a well-researched and highly readable "how-to" of leadership communications. This author knows his material, and presents it through the interesting device of linking principles to some of the world's leading communicators. It was refreshing to read a business-centered book that focus specifically on the communication aspects of leadership, which Baldoni obviously understands quite well. As a former professional actor, I also enjoyed how the author links dynamic presentations to effective performance. This book is well worth the modest cover price. A definite "buy!" ... Read more

Book Description

Using real case studies to emphasize the principles introduced in the book, Management Communication is an exciting and useful approach to better business and organizational communication. It discusses the fact that all communication processes in successful businesses of this new century will be fully integrated, and prepares interested readers to understand and use the techniques described for their benefit in the workplace.Taking a strategic attitude, this book comprehensively explains communication in transition, communication ethics, listening and feedback, nonverbal communication, intercultural and international communication, managing conflict, performance in business meetings, and dealing with the media.A powerful tool for readers employed in fields where successful communication skills are necessary, including executives, managers, and others in leadership positions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Words to Work By...
This is a terrific resource for business today and I recommend it highly.Some years later, the only piece that I review on a regular basis from my graduate studies are O'Rourkee's notes on LISTENING - and it has certainly paid off. ... Read more

Book Description

Duane Davis teaches students and managers how to develop ways to efficiently and effectively plan, collect, organize, and assimilate information to make informed business decisions. Reflecting the ever-increasing changes in the tools and technology available today, the book includes recent advancements in the field of business research such as the use of the Internet, qualitative research, and modern analytical tools (SPSS and Excel). Overall, students and managers learn the fundamentals of conducting research and making good decisions based on the results. This new edition is available packaged with the SPSS Student Version Software. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Book
As I found this Book very useful for our studies. Actually this book was designed for senior level Business and Research students. I myself studying MBA in electronic commerce manage to see this book from my Tutor for few days. It contains lot of real time examples and large source of research information for everybody. Its wonderful for all of us. Yes I do recommend this book for all interested , I mean all fellow colleagues and other senior level maangers and academics as well.

Dinesh ... Read more

Book Description

The new media industry needs the producer who manages, the director with creative vision, and the writer who documents the development process.This comprehensive book is a practical, skills-oriented book for the producer, director, and writer of multimedia.It provides readers with a sound grounding in the concepts of interactive design, and then takes them through the step-by-step process of developing the multimedia product. Written with a professional orientation, this book teaches readers how to create multimedia faster, better, and less expensively.It also can act as a procedure manual for the reader's company. Topics include: Interactive, non-linear, multimedia design; the development process; games and educational products. For any multimedia professional, in particular CD-ROM developers and publishers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

So-so book
Out of all the books I read for my digital media degree, this one was by far the best- and that isn't saying much. This author as well as other are making it all entirely too complicated. Straightforward writing is all that is needed and this book missed it by about 1/2 a mile. ... Read more

Book Description

With all the razzle-dazzle technology around, there’s still no more lively, informative, and audience-friendly way to make an impact than with flip charts.But using flip charts well is a skill. Here’s a book that provides you with the proven techniques that will make you shine. You’ll learn the basic design principles and artistic "tricks of the trade" that give a flip chart a professional look: Selecting and arranging lettering that makes an impact all the way to the back of the room … Transporting and setting up flip charts … Arranging the presentation room … Finding the best, most dependable equipment--including easels, paper, masking tape, and markers … Jazzing up your flip chart with "ready-to-copy" graphics … Devising flip chart activities that lead to brainstorming and team problem-solving. Soon, even the least artistic presenter will know how to develop pro-level flip charts that can make every presentation come alive. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Best one there is
Don't even consider any other flip chart book, they don't come close. This one has it all.. designing flip charts, arranging them, writing them, making them visually interesting. Tons of useful and helpful information.

This book, together with Picture's Worth 1,000 Words: A Workbook for Visual Communications by Jean Westcott and Jennifer Hammond Landau are all you need to become an effective visual communicator, even if you can't draw anything! If you think you're just not good with flip charts, buy these two and prepare to amaze yourself with the transformation!

Easy to read and comprehensive
I bought this book expecting to get a couple new ideas...boy was I surp rised. I got dozens of new tips that I'd never seen anywhere else. This guy knows his stuff related to flip charts!I'd highly recommend it to new and seasoned trainers and presenters.

The Big Book of Flip Charts: A Comprehensive Guide
The graphics and content are easy to follow, well organized, and practical.

A Great Resource for Dynamic Flip Charts!
'The Big Book of Flip Charts' is absolutely a great resource for preparing interest catching, energizing flip charts. I have been a trainer for 10 years and I can't wait to try some of the ideas. I especially like the information on group facilitation which will enhance the following modules we are delivering: Supervisory Skills, Teambuilding, Participative Decision Making, and Visioning. ... Read more

Book Description

Beat out the competition for the best jobs

Create an image of accomplishment, professionalism, and competence that today’s employers are begging for! Job-seekers have paid hundreds of dollars for the expertise in these dynamic guides — and regarded every cent as well spent! With these job-landing tools on your desktop, you’ll have the same savvy working for you, for far, far less — with the same great results.

101 Best Resumes packs tried-and-proven advice you’ll use to:
*Create a resume that gets you in the door
*Target your resume for a specific positions - over 70 different categories are covered
*Experiment with traditional and new formats
*More!

101 Best Cover Letters shows you how to put together compelling letters to accompany your resume. Learn how to:
*Ignite interest with the first two sentences
*Turn references into endorsements
*Send your cover letter online
*Pick up smart interviewing tips...negotiate a higher salary use the Internet in your job search...work with recruiters... and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

GREAT Book, BUT NOT in Digital Format
Great examples of cover letters with explanation of what makes them great, but I only know this because I bought the printed version after not being able to read the examples AT ALL in the downloaded digital version. I even tried reading on a 19" high resolution monitor using the PC version of Microsoft Reader, .

The problem is that even though Microsoft Reader allows one to change the fonts of the print to suit the reader, scanned images like ALL the cover letter examples are not scalable, so it is impossible to distinguish an e from an o, l from an i, and so on.

Amazon should not sell books with graphics and fixed images in digital format, or at least should warn customers of the issue before they pay to download a book in digital format that has over 70% in unscalable, unreadable format.

GREAT FOR THE NEWBIES or EXPERTS OUT THERE!
This book was a great investment! The cover letters give you examples to use in your own letter and show you the strengths found in each cover. I actually took a highlighter to this book and highlighted my favorite lines and ideas out of certain letters. I then implemented them into my letter. Great for everyone, the professional or the inexperienced. YOU NEED THIS BOOK!

I was very disappointed with this purchase.
I was very disappointed with this purchase. The only subject the letters cover is for use in getting a job. If I had known that it was strictly targeting getting a job I would have never purchased this. I was looking for a book that had a variety of letters you would find useful in the business world, not getting a job.

Best on the market
This is the best book of its kind on the market. It's letters were varied and covered more topics than I needed, but will use in the future. Definitely worth the [money]!

the best letter which is ever readed?
ya this is good book and i can tell that everyone should read this ... Read more

Book Description

A practical guide to developing and writing winning business and marketing proposals, this book covers all the basics, from picking the right projects to bid on, to doing initial research to producing the document to following up.

Reviews (1)

One of the Best Books Available on Proposals
This is one of the best books available on proposals. As the managing partner of a global consulting firm, I was particularly pleased to see that co-author L. Sue Baugh served six years as senior editor at Booz, Allen & Hamilton developing, writing, and producing proposals. This instant credibility was borne out by the quality of the material -- really top notch. One of the best things about this book is that it includes numerous excerpts and samples from various proposals. Many proposals books fail to include sufficient examples and excerpts. The only thing that I really didn't like about the book was that it spends so much time discussing RFPs. My firm tries to avoid RFPs. Why? Because we believe that we offer truly unique service solutions (and our approaches have been trademarked to protect these unique service solution). We certainly don't want to be one of several consultancies competing for a "commodity" project. However, despite this focus on RFPs, this book is still one of the best available. Strangely enough, the best book I have found is a member of the "For Dummies..." collection: Bob Kantin's "Sales Proposals Kit For Dummies." If you work in consulting or other business services profession, I'd recommend that you purchase both books. Overall grade: B+/A-. ... Read more

Book Description

Broadcast News Writing, Reporting and Producing examines the skills, techniques, and challenges of writing and reportingfor broadcast. Along with complete coverage of the fundamentals, the text presents up-to-date examples and issuesthrough actual scripts and interviews with the people who bring us the news. Ten out of twenty five chapters focus on reporting topics, ranging from basic skills to specialty reporting to ethics. This new edition features such timely topics as the Jonesboro and Littleton shootings, the Clinton sex scandal, the CNN Tailwind story, the Elian Gonzales story, and other contemporary examples.

Broadcast News Writing Reporting and Producing emphasizes real-life situations;the problems that reporters, writers, assignment editors, and producers face every day are discussed in detail, as well as such topics as ethics, investigative reporting, the job market, legal issues, and interviewing techniques. Each chapter contains exercises for writing, review, and discussion so that students can learn and apply what they've read.This edition also includes new insights in civic journalism and computer-assisted reporting, and the impact of the Internet on news gathering.Broadcast

The text also contains writing samples from famous broadcast journalists like the late Edward R. Murrow, Charles Kuralt, Eric Sevareid, Paul Harvey, Charles Osgood, Susan Stamberg and Richard Threlkeld and others, all of whom not only offer examples of quality news writing, but also discuss how they write and report.

Features many examples of major recent news stories
New chapter with on computer-assisted reporting and the impact of the Internet on news gathering
Expanded chapters on producing and ethics in reporting ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Useful, timely resources!
I use to think that a business writing book would be boring and outdated. However, this book did provide a good resources for the executives during their day to day job.

I would have no doubt to recommend this book to everyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Turn Random Chance Into Runaway Success!

"Luck is only ‘automatic’ when you know how to create it. Susan RoAne provides you a proven road map to make your own luck. I feel lucky to have read this book because one little paragraph saved me from ruining a major business relationship–and friendship. You deserve the luck this book will bring you–read it."
–David Bach, New York Times bestselling author of The Automatic Millionaire

"The harder you work, the luckier you get–but what kind of work encourages this ‘luck’? Susan RoAne’s story-filled guide to making good things happen in your career and your life will be a great kick-start to anyone determined to succeed."
–Jeff Taylor, founder and Chief Monster of Monster.com

"I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to achieve success! It offers both great anecdotes and valuable lessons–compulsively readable, with all the tools you’ll need to take your luck to the next level."
–Ivan R. Misner, PhD, founder of BNI and coauthor of Masters of Success

The eight traits of people who create their own luck:

• They talk to strangers
• They make small talk
• They "drop" names
• They eavesdrop and listen
• They ask for and offer help
• They stray from their chosen paths
• They exit graciously, without burning bridges
• They say YES when they want to say NO!

Book Description

As the cycle of change increases its speed, leadership communication is becoming more important than ever. Since the original publication of Leading Out Loud in 1995, the development of a leader's message has become as critical to success as the delivery of that message. In this new and revised edition of his highly praised work, Terry Pearce explains how the events of recent years, including the information revolution, worldwide focus on terrorism, and the revelation of corporate scandals, have significantly increased the importance of authenticity in leadership to build loyalty in organizations.
This new edition focuses on the source of a message for change, its development as a platform for leadership communication, and its many forms of expression from speeches to e-mails, memos, and even informal "water cooler" conversation. Pearce shows leaders in business, politics, and nonprofits how to communicate their values and vision to inspire commitment; he provides tools and examples from well-known leaders as well as less-known but effective change agents. Leading Out Loud gives readers concrete methods for improving their own communication by guiding them to do the internal work necessary for creating an honest and compelling vision, and by demonstrating how readers can find their authentic voice and articulate their messages with confidence.
People make commitments, says Pearce, to causes they value and to people they respect and trust. An authentic voice and an inclusive perspective are requisites for any leader who would inspire change. Trust is built by communicating from both the mind and the heart, speaking directly to the minds and hearts of others, listening to their response, and respecting their points of view. All leaders will benefit from Pearce's wisdom, as will anyone else who wants to inspire positive change through others.

... Read more

Reviews (23)

powerful insights regarding authenticity and connection
Leading Out Loud provides powerful insights into the challenges of communicating and living authentically. Who would have thought it would be so hard to have our "own voice" resonate fully for ourselves and others?

Pearce poses the questions that help us do the thought provoking work necessary to develop and refine our personal perspectives, communications and actions. I approached this book as someone interested in leadership and finished it with insights into all aspects of myself - business person, spouse, child, and friend.

Throughout the book, Pearce offers rich examples (from world renowned public figures to students preparing themselves to enter adulthood) that illustrate the struggles we all face with being authentic. The messages in this book will help anyone who has a passion to make things happen.

Fittingly Pearce doesn't speak from stage left. He is unafraid to use his own life, both its successes and struggles to illustrate and affirm his perspective.

We can hear you fine Mr. Pearce.

A wonderful book of wisdom for every Leader
Thank you Terry Pearce for your wonderful book of wisdom. For me, Leading Out Loud is a framework for meaningful and authentic living. It is that simple and that profound.

Terry shares his wisdom, drawn from his own experience with executives and students, and his keen observations of the world in which we live to give us a framework for addressing the important and age-old questions: "Who am I?" "What do I fundamentally care about?" "How can I express what I profoundly care about to inspire and move other people to action?"

Terry shows us that Leading Out Loud is at the very least a two step process. The first step focuses on the Leader. Me. I need to have the courage to engage in the reflection and the introspection to come from a place of authenticity and conviction before I can ever hope or aspire to lead anyone else. I need to be solidly grounded in who I am, what I believe, what I care about and why I care. This is perhaps the most difficult part, but it is also the foundation for any and all future speak and action.

Terry then shapes a very practical and useable communications framework to help me understand how I can connect with others (this is the Out Loud piece) by speaking to both their minds and their hearts - to engage the whole person, not just a part of them - to seek to inspire the whole human being. I use Terry's communications framework in my everyday conversations, especially the tough conversations - both personal and professional. It helps me to reach a much more profound level of clarity and depth in the quality of my conversations. I use the framework in my work as a coach and consultant to senior managers and executive to help them build their skills to lead and engage the people whose efforts they rely on for success. It is the most effective material and set of tools I work with. I trust it will be for you as well.

Insightful!
Business coach Terry Pearce teaches you how to put the personal perspective back into your professional communications. With a credible and authoritative voice, he explains how authentic human connection is missing from today's communications, even though people crave it, especially as they evaluate who they trust to lead them through rapid change. He maintains that leaders who communicate authentically and passionately will inspire loyalty and make their mark. While Pearce is clearly convinced about the importance of inspiring your constituents, the pace of his book won't exactly move your spirit. He walks you slowly and carefully through the discipline he uses to help clients rediscover their authentic voices and craft messages that resonate. His corporate and political client list is quite select, but we find his communication strategies relevant for anyone who is leading change - whether you are building a small community or a large company.

Leading Out Loud
"Leading Out Loud" sets the standard for what it means to be an effective communicator in the 21st Century. If you're a leader, and ever hope to be a great one, this book is a must-read. No more slogans, hype or spin. No more dry forgotten commentary. This book is about how to find your voice and have more impact on the world than you ever thought possible.

This author walks and talks the talk
In Leading Out Loud, Terry Pearce highlights the critical nature of consistency between what people say and what they do. Effective leaders communicate clearly and they match their behaviors with their words--they walkthetalk. Consistency between actions and words is at the heart of building credibility and communicating with authenticity. It is essential for enlisting the hearts and minds of people in order to move them to take strategic actions. Terry Pearce walksthetalk and he can teach you how to do it as well.

Walkingthetalk is not a simple matter of imitating best practices or speaking in equations associated with effective communication. It is an internal process of self-reflection and strategic personal growth that is more important than ever in leaders and team members at all levels of an organization. In Leading Out Loud, Terry Pearce presents a compelling reason and process for people to embrace the internal changes that will ensure their effectiveness and integrity as powerful, compassionate leaders who can enlist hearts and minds--their own and those of others.

Pearce's message is compelling in large part because it is delivered from his heart and mind. That's because Terry Pearce himself walks the talk.

After decades of consulting as a psychologist in medical settings (including fourteen years as an Adjunct faculty member at Dartmouth Medical School); competitive sports arenas with elite athletes, teams and their coaches; manufacturing floors; and corner offices with competitors seeking the edge and mindsets for winning with values, I have seen the power of walking the talk for any leader seeking to build credibility with team members and others. Terry Pearce understands this and he practices it.

Read this book if you want to learn how to access your internal force and authenticity that will enable you to walk the talk and touch the hearts and minds of those around you to move people to take the strategic actions that will ensure success--with values. ... Read more

Book Description

In today's dwindling job markets, people who rely on want ads and headhunters succeed about 5 percent of the time. But those who have mastered the art of networking find new positions nearly 66 percent of the time. Writing for job seekers and career builders alike, networking superstar Diane Darling shows how to cultivate a rich network of professional contacts and use it to find success.

Reviews (6)

Excellent Advice for a Novice Networker
I received this book as a gift since my friend knows that I'm continuing to refine my professional "soft" skills. Networking has always been one area that I've been terrified of. I've never been able to strategically meet new people and build upon the relationships that I had. Diane's book breaks down networking to the bare essentials and makes it very easy to understand. The important thing is that this book makes it easy to make small successes every day and soon enough, you're a networking maniac!

I've been successful using her advice in a very short time. Ultimately, you have to make the change and be more positive about meeting people and enhancing your professional and personal relationships but Diane's book is a great coach! I would recommend this book highly to anyone looking to build this very important skill.

The Complete How -To on Effective Networking
In the nineties, business people discovered the importance of relationships: it was easier, safer and more reliable to deal with people you knew and trusted. The evolution of this ninety's insight is the explosion we see today of networking groups. Businesses and business people alike understand the importance and potential of networking. Unfortunately for most of them, it is potential unrealized. For the truth is most business people don't know how to effectively network. They view networking as nothing more than showing up to an event, shaking some hands, handing out business card and waiting for the business to flow. It rarely does.

Networking, however, works and can be a fecund source of new business and new opportunities- if one knows how to do it effectively. In "The Networking Survival Guide" Diana Darling teaches you how to do just that. In 237 pages, Ms Darling covers not just the ABC's of effective networking but the complete alphabet on effective networking. What is networking? How do I get started and where do I go? How do I prepare to network and what tools do I need? How do I start, stop and transition a networking conversation? What are some of the best practices when I'm face to face and when I'm not? How do I follow-up on my networking opportunities? What do I do if I'm uncomfortable about networking? In a style that is easy, engaging and economical , Ms Darling addresses all of these questions and more. In doing so, she provides not just the know-how, but the how-to. You can open her book up to any page and gain value, a rare accomplishment even for a self-help book.
If you want to learn how to network, or if you are already networking and want to do it better, pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.

This book will make you look forward to networking
I have enjoyed hearing Diane speak on this topic in the past and have eagerly awaited the release of her first book. As I expected, it is a superbly pragmatic approach to refining a business and life skill that everyone needs, but few truly embrace, and even fewer maximize to its full potential. Diane empowers the reader through such practical, easy-to-follow advice, that one would almost have to feel silly to be intimidated in networking situations after reading this book. It's not rocket science, but a set of wonderfully helpful reminders and tips that take the anxiety (and mystery) out of networking. Read this book and you will actually look forward to networking events in the future.

Everyone Needs Somebody Sometime
It has become apparent in today's challenging times that the person with the best networks wins. The days of the "Lone Wolf" are far past and being able to tap into the advice and resources of others is the key to thriving today. Ms. Darling's excellent treatment of this subject can benefit anyone. The book is filled with practical tips on how to connect with other people and extablish a network that will be mutually productive. As I read the book there were constant "Aha's" on every page. To sum it up: networking is core to success today and core to networking is doing the myriad little things that are so easy to forget or overlook. an excellent piece of work which sets the standard for this type of book.

Fantastic, Easy to Read and Not Just For Job Seekers
This book is a treasure trove of great advice about building, sustaining and leveraging a network. It goes way beyond the standard suggestions about joining the right organizations and buying coffee for well-connected people, giving dozens of ideas that are new and refreshing. In particular, Diane Darling's expertise in the interpersonal aspects of networking -- how to introduce yourself, how to push without being a pain in the neck, and so on -- are really relevant for any professional in today's business environment. After all, success in the technology age is less about what you know and more and more about who you know and who is willing to help you. ... Read more

Book Description

Ever wonder what makes us buy from a certain salesperson or preferone TV news announcer over another? In each case, a human voice is subtlycaptivating our ear and commanding our attention.

Now celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams reveals the trade secrets behindthose persuasive voices and shows readers how to apply positive vocal techniquesto business and personal situations. Much more than a guide to proper breathingor voice projection, this is a life-altering "owner's manual" to unleashing anddirecting the powers of communication within one's speaking voice. By exploringthe rich connections between singing and speaking, Grant-Williams helps readers:

* Evaluate their "VoicePower" quotients * Literally breathe new life into their voices* Tap the amazing power of consonants--and silence * Deliver sales pitches virtually guaranteed to sell * Turn a voice mail message (incoming or outgoing) into a personal calling card * Become more confident, persuasive presenters and public speakers. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Public Speakers Should Read This Now
I was impressed that the author sought to train and not to impress.

You will learn what you do wrong and then you learn how to correct it. Without recognizing your speaking problems (ALL of them, not just one such as a fear of speaking in public), you won't be a better speaker.

Forget the resume & wardrobe - check your voice!
Ever wonder why, with the perfect resume and polished appearance, you're passed over for the promotion or don't get the job? This book is a real eye-opener - your voice has so much to do with how people perceive you and how they react to you, yet rarely do we consider how we sound. Renee's style is easy-to-read, like an interesting conversation, full of entertaining anecdotes, useful info and helpful exercises. She makes you realize that delivery is as important as content (ask any comedian!) and gets you on the right track to first, being aware of and then, controlling this powerful tool and perpetually using it to your advantage.

(((((ROAD WORTHY)))))
Before you take your voice to the road read this book. Be prepared to sing/talk with more poise and consistecy in every environment encountered. Feel knowledgable enough to apply and protect the voice mechanism, damage can cost gig's and career's. Bottom line, been in the music business for over 20 years and have never come across a book that allowed me to understand my voice as an instrument more than this one.........thanks!!

Hear This!!
The book was OK, but somehow I was expecting more. I did learn some things to improve my speech, but thought the book would have been nicer with a few more exercises and a little less levity. Easy read -- 1 to 2 nights.

Finally a chance to strengthen my voice
I was amazed at how much deeper and stronger my voice sounded, after trying this approach for only a few minutes! I have always had a soft voice, and often had trouble projecting over the background noise in the architecture studios I teach. In spite of wishing for a more effective speaking voice, I don't have time to spend on laborious exercises. The approach presented in this book is easy to understand, and can be done in spare moments, in the shower, etc. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants their voice to sound more professional and confident. ... Read more

Book Description

Fresh insights and practical guidelines peel away the mystery behind the elusive art of persuasion.

There's really nothing mysterious about getting people to change their minds. No special, inborn gifts. No subliminal tricks. Instead, the best persuaders--advertisers, salespeople, politicians, spin doctors--depend on the fact that everyone responds to messages in just two ways: thoughtfully or mindlessly. And they know how to manipulate these two persuasion routes to make even the most doubtful say "yes."

Jam-packed with fascinating case studies and surprising examples, this comprehensive, entertaining how-to guide puts the powerful tool of persuasion at anyone's disposal. It explains: * How the master persuaders--the Churchills, Lincolns, and Roosevelts--create powerful, memorable messages that convince people of their arguments' logic and rightness * How successful persuaders exploit the psychological triggers that cause people to subconsciously move from "no" to "yes." ... Read more

Reviews (22)

PUT THIS ONE IN YOUR COMMUNICATIONS TOOL KIT!
Engrossing! This book is not just for corporate negotiations; it is for anyone who interacts with others. The author lists specific tips for inspiring confidence. For instance, your body language and tone of voice can be just as important as your words. The book is loaded with real-life examples of persuasion in action, and public relations strategies that anyone can apply to their lives. Read it and empower yourself. Norman Vincent Peale gave us "The Power of Positive thinking. Harry Mills now offers us "Artful Persuasion." Update your communication skills folks, Why not?

Artfully Engaging How-to
Artful Persuasion is hard to put down. Highly instructive and most engaging, it distills the key thinking on the art and science of persuasion - including the conscious and unconscious factors people base their decision making on. Everyone can learn something from it.

Even for those who don't often need to sell to or negotiate with others, there's lots to learn about how others try to persuade YOU.

Each chapter concludes with a handy bullet list of key lessons. Mills draws upon a rich and eclectic trove of witty, sometimes salty, real-world examples from business, politics, history, and elsewhere. To his credit, he reminds the reader throughout about the unethical uses of persuasion; there's a handy section on how people and organizations (like the media) mislead through graphics.

This is a book that will be on my desk, within reach - as long as I have clients. (And a husband. And a family. And neighbors. You get the point.)

Since rating scales are relative, and I'm not familiar with all the leading books on the subject, I can't rightly give the book 5 stars. So consider my 4 stars an absolute rating of "terrific."

Persuasion secrets
Artful Persuasion is jam packed with practical tactics on how to influence and persuade the toughest of people. It really is one of the most insightful persuasion books i've ever read. I really enjoyed the persuasion IQ test!
I gave a copy to all my sales force - they loved it.

One for the Trivia Collectors
There is a common misconception that "knowledge is power".

It isn't.

Just 'having' knowledge merely qualifies you to play Trivial Pursuit.
Knowledge only translates into power, or in this case "persuasion", IF you know how to USE that knowledge effectively.

This book leans heavily on the "knowledge=power" misconception for it's appeal.
It is a typical example of what I call "sweeper" writing. That is to say, though it claims to be offering to tell you "how" to do something (in this case, "How to command attention, change minds, and influence people") it actually only tells you "what" to do. It covers the gap with a stream of brief stories of the "Wow, I never knew that!" variety, "swept up" from a whole slew of books on more or less the same subject.

It is my perception that *anybody* who has read the same set of source books, and has a reasonable grasp of written English, could have produced this book, regardless of whether they had any prior knowledge or experience of the subject.

For beginners (in any subject), especially those who set more store by what they "know" rather than by what they can actually "do", this "canned knowledge" approach can be very attractive. Indeed, it may well lead them to assume that the book itself is of some value.

For the more discerning reader - one who wishes to be able to put their knowledge to work - this favourable impression lasts just about as long as it takes them to find a more pragmatically-oriented text.

If you *really* want to be well-informed about "the new psychology of influence" I'd recommend Robert Cialdini's classic "Influence", and for an introductory handbook on the effective and responsible use of influence/persuasion, Andrew Bradbury's "Develop Your NLP Skills".

Both books are well-written (that is, easy to read) yet contain far more *practical* information than "Artful Persuasion".

Comprehensive
This is definitely one of the most comprehensive books on "persuasion". I will certainly buy other publications by Harry A. Mills. ... Read more

Book Description

This popular text takes a unique and time-proven approach to understanding the Fundamentals of English.Through logically organized concepts, short explanations, and an abundance of skill practice, users will gain confidence and skill in all English areas.This user-friendly edition motivates with activities that promote attention to detail, methods for remembering specific grammar rules and activities that can be completed using technology. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

English the Easy Way by Schachter & Schneiter Williams
Sorry authors but this book sucks...excuse the grammar.I really couldn't understand what the other reviewer meant by "answers", but now I do.There is no answer key.I looked everywhere for it.The only way you can get one is from the publisher and if you aren't a teacher, forget about it.If this is the case then why isn't it somewhere in bold so you don't waste $40 and precious time.The lady I spoke with at Thomson-SouthWestern said that they do it this way because they don't want school kids to get the answer key.She never could give me a reason why they offer this book to the mass public.Anyway, the book is well written but if you are not a teacher and need it for reviewing basic English don't waste you dough (money). Now I see why the 2nd reviewer gave such a good review...She/He's a TEACHER! DUH!*Happy Hunting*

Very clear and well-organized
I'm using this book to teach an English grammar class, and it has been very helpful.It's easy to follow and logically laid out.I've found it better than a few other English grammar books I've seen. There are plenty of exercises.

western -south basic english review 7th edition
where is another answer tryout execises more application score summary following this book before pass test. i readed this book few report tryout execises for application score summary. would you give me that another more answer following important! thanks then ... Read more

Book Description

Communication within many organizations has been reduced to email, electronic file transfer, and hasty sound bytes at hurried meetings. More and more, people appear to have forgotten the value of wisdom gained by ordinary conversations.

But, at different times in history, conversation has been regarded as an art form - a crucial component of human relations. Conversation has the power to solve a problem, heal a wound, generate commitment, bond a team, generate new options, or build a vision. Conversations can shift working patterns, build friendships, create focus and energy, cement resolve.

The Art of Focused Conversation convincingly restores this most human of attributes to prime place within businesses and organizations, and demonstrates what can be accomplished through the medium of focused conversation. The first Part describes the theory and background of the conversation method, which has been effectively used for group consensus making in: 1) problem solving; 2) troubleshooting; 3) coaching; 4) research and 5) interpretation of data. It also discusses how to prepare a conversation, how to lead a conversation, and what the common mistakes are. Part two then provides 100 sample conversations designed for use in many different situations, including:
1) reviewing and evaluating;
2) preparation and planning;
3) coaching, and mentoring;
4) data and media interpretation;
5) decision making;
6) managing and supervising; and
7) personal reflection and group celebrations.

Developed, tested, and extensively used by professionals in the field of organizational development, The Art of Focused Conversation is an invaluable resource for all those working to improve communications in firms and organizations. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Solid Model
Ultimately conversations are the working process of most leadership. This book expands upon the conversation techniques presented in "Winning Through Participation". The model is simple and useful. When distilled down, a focused conversation proceeds through four stages:
- objective / data
- reactional / feeling
- interpretive / meaning and
- decisional / action.

The model takes about 50 pages to explain and is followed by about 150 pages of examples of its application. Many will find that the 10 pages in "Winning Through Participation" had enough information to get going.

Simple and Powerful Concept
Brian Stanfield and colleagues have written a meaningful book that provides a profound, yet simple method to help groups effectively grapple and address any kind of issue.

In the book, they say, "For whole systems to operate effectively, information must flow in every direction, up, down, sideways, and diagonally." They go on to describe leaders as askers of questions and state that "the participatory principle requires the art of asking questions."

Canada's Institute of Cultural Affairs developed the focused conversation method as part of its Technology of Participation, which leads people through certain phases of reflection, enabling them to process their experiences as a group. A leader/facilitator asks a series of questions to elicit responses that take a group from the "surface of a topic to a topic to its depth implications for their life and work."

The focused conversation uses questions at four levels:

1. The Objective Level- questions about facts and external reality. 2. The Reflective Level - questions to call forth immediate personal reaction to the data, an internal response, sometimes emotions or feelings, hidden images and associations with the facts, when we encounter an external reality (data/objective) we experience an internal response. 3. The Interpretive Level - questions to draw out meaning, values, significance, and implications. 4. The Decisional Level - questions to elicit resolution, bring the conversation to close, and enable the group to resolve about the future.

The first third portion of the book provides an understanding of the concept of focused conversation and is followed by 100 meeting topics with specific examples of questions at the four levels that would be appropriate.

The book has helped me to re-think the types and the order of questions that I address to a group. ... Read more

Book Description

Create an effective, comprehensive communications strategy in an age of information overload

Fax, e-mail, 1-800 numbers, the Internet, infotainment—with so many new and traditional media available, it should be easy for a nonprofit to connect with its constituents. Yet each new technology brings new challenges, adding more messages, more voices, and more information to the clamor. Nonprofits now have to compete harder than ever to win the attention of a media-jaded public. That's why it is crucial that today's nonprofits develop comprehensive, coordinated communications plans that are detailed enough to cover all the bases, yet flexible enough to compensate for the unexpected. Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organizations shows you how.

In this book, Janel Radtke introduces all-important communications concepts and issues in plain English. Taking a wholly practical, in-the-trenches approach, she combines expert insights, real-life case studies, and clear, step-by-step instructions to demonstrate nonprofit communications strategies that work. She provides:

• An easy-to-follow, 7-step program for developing a comprehensive, multifaceted communications plan
• A disk containing all the worksheets, forms, surveys, and self-assessment tools you need to create a total communications plan
• Techniques for matching the message with the medium and for adapting both to specific purposes, such as fund-raising, advocacy, public education, PR, and more

Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organizations helps you coordinate and streamline communications efforts. It provides proven techniques for guaranteeing that you send the right message to each constituency group or audience, and that you hit your mark every time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Radtke hits the mark
Radtke takes a generally vague term "P.R" and makes specific, detailed entry ways that prove essential in the creation of a public relations framework. The text concentrates on breaking up tasks into manageable units from the creation of the perfect mission statement to completion of an internal audit. The internal audit is a great example of the way Radtke approaches every angle of the P.R. question; Radtke isn't just focused on demographics (or psychographics or geographics--all are explained here) or target audiences but she also encourages readers to investigate the inner workings of their specific organization. By examining the specific organization (from the number of phones to the personality of the staff) Radtke helps you design the most appropriate plan for your non-profit group. The accompanying C.D. helps you utilize the detailed models in the text and it's terribly easy to use, making the learning process much more fun. My only complaint would be that the information presented is a bit dense, making steady reading somewhat difficult. However, I reccomend Lawrence Wallack's straight forward "News for a Change" as an aid to Radtke's detailed vision. However, Wallack doesn't tackle as many issues as Radtke and her text still stands alone. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive guide to planning, preparing, marketing, and selling gourmet foods for the takeout market, a natural extension for caterers, food retail stores, and restaurants. This book discusses everything from planning to opening and operating, designing a "store" concept, setting up displays, marketing the food, equiping the kitchen and display area, and training sales and kitchen staff. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Invaluable Tool
I have been working on opening a specialty food shop/cafe and got stuck on the logistics of planning. After using several guides and books I randomly found (and getting NOWHERE) I decided to buy Gourmet to Go on a recommendation. It is THE best thing I could have ever bought, hands down. It seems that all the questions I had were answered in the book, and the structure of the book leads readers down a logical path through the maze of planning for this type of business. If you are to buy any book on this topic, this is the one. The money spent on this book will save you thousands later on. Two thumbs up!

Good for starting stores or providing to stores.
This is an excellent treatise of starting a specialty food store or, perhaps is even more beneficial to one who wishes to wholesale food products to place in food stores or delis..

People wanting to cash in on the current trend towards take-out convenience need this book, as well as From Kitchen To Market and How To Get Your Product Into Supermarkets.

The three books are invaluable for overlapping reasons. A prospective store operator needs to understand how to setup his or her store and, just as important, how their competition operates. Beginning store operators also need to understand their industry in detail not merely from the viewpoint of their competition and from their customers, but from their suppliers position.

Gourmet To Go does a great job from a narrow viewpoint. Probably the only topic not suffriciently explored is the hands'-on advice. Perhaps the next edition will detail the possibilities for including rollergrills, microwaves and how to earn what the industry refers to as "Plus-sales." I'm speaking of the technique in all fast food chains and convenience stores to get customers to spend more money.

Other hands-on topics that should be discussed are controlling theft and the experience of many store operators who have lost significant chunks of money in providing lottery tickets. I know of a feww whose losses exceeded $10,000. Adding insult to injury, lottery only reimburses stores from one to three percent of gross sales and pay-outs for winning tickets. Despite such a poor return on investment, many stores consider it mandatory to provide lottery.

Further, computerizing the store could be considered, as well as installing UPC readers. It is not uncommon to see even the smallest store using such equipment. Yet, those installing such systems all seem to have to reinvent the wheel.

Again, buy this book but augment it with From Kitchen To Market and with How To Get Your Product Into Supermarkets so you can keep up with and, perhaps, improve upon your competition and keep customers, suppliers and yourself happy!

Primer on Contemplating Gourmet Store Venture
Having some experience with new product projects for major corporations, this somewhat smaller scale, but nonetheless similar principled look at the operations and craft of specialty food store biz is well-done.

It is full of relevant and cogent thoughts for anyone interested in this market niche. What I found very well done is the sections of writing the biz plan and the steps therein critical to putting together and then implementing such.

Also included are fairly thorough lists of resources such as consultants, trade journals, suppliers, etc.

What could possibly have been additionaly useful was stress on two key areas: concentration on obstacles and their probability of happening (i.e. scenario plotting) and finding and use of two key players from the outset: attorney and accountant/tax specialist.

Don't even think of opening a gourmet food store without it.
Although, as the name suggests, this book is geared mainly towards gourmet to go operations (specialty food stores with emphasis on catering and gourmet take-out) it is an invuluable resource for anyone thinking about entering the gourmet food industry.

I wasted all kinds of time and money on general business start-up books and learned little more that nothing about starting a gourmet food store (or any business for that matter). The business plan section alone is better than a whole book I purchased on the subject. I found every bit of Gourmet to Go to be extemely useful and after reading it couldn't believe I had even considered going into business without it.

The book you must read before starting your gourmet store
You will find in this book the best advices for anybody who wants to endertake a Gourmet food business. From the design of the store (including Kitchen equipment) to the day to day operation, from a theorical business plan to its practical application, Robert Wemischner and Karen Karp provide the reader with the best support and the best methodology to succeed in this business. "Gourmet to Go" is a book that leads step by step the Gourmet food entrepreneur to a real and durable success in this field. Most of the subjects are treated with an obvious professional background. We would like to find some more informations on the product by itself (type of food, type of gourmet product) and maybe some ideas on possible future development... This is a very hepfull manual. ... Read more