Book Description

Inside, find helpful advice on how to:Give polished presentations with confidence and credibility.Prepare your presentation, from research and organization to connecting with your audience.Add power with body lanuage, eye contact, and movement.Use humor to score points and diffuse controversy. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good
This is filled with good tips for speakers. As past president of Toastmasters in Monticello, I highly recommend this as a good review for polished speakers and a good introduction to the basics for beginning speakers.
I would have liked to know alittle bit more, however, how speakers can connect with different kinds of audiences..that could have been explored a little bit deeper.

Basic messages are be prepared and know your audience.

Offensive title, not enough on various formats
First off, I just HATE the use of the word "Dummies" in this highly successful series of books. Dummy carries such a negative connotation! I am using this book as one of my resources in putting together curriculum for teaching people with disabilities how to be more effective at speaking in public, which in turn empowers them by giving the disabled a voice to be heard by politicians, policy-makers, service providers and others. Some of the content in this book is good, but because of the title, I keep the book hidden in a drawer in my desk. I don't want my clients seeing the book and thinking that "dummies" applies to them! Also, the emphasis on the book has to do with giving a speech, though there is a small chapter dealing with panel discussions and other situations. People perform public speaking in a variety of formats besides the "typical" stand at a podium and give a speech. Speaking up at a 12-Step meeting, speaking from the audience during a public hearing, and speaking as part of an organized "protest" or other public advocacy format are just three examples. The book's value lies in four chapters that cover organizing your material, building the speech, getting off on the right foot, and how to wrap up a speech. There are some topics there that can be generalized to any speaking situation, and those are useful. But, by and large, this book has been a bit of a letdown. If you are giving a formal speech before an organization, this would probably be helpful. The tips for dealing with panel discussions are also helpful. But for anyone who wants to participate in other public speaking situations, this book falls a bit short. It's helpful, but not thorough -- and, again, the title is just downright offensive...

Helpful Guide to Public Speaking
I am new to this Public Speaking business! In my new position, I must make lots of presentations. Public Speaking for Dummies is a very helpful manual. Lots of good tips and suggestions. I also really liked the book called, Speech Communication Made Simple: A Multicultural Perspective. Both of these books have given me a lot of confidence when public speaking and have helped me to overcome much of my nervousness when speaking before groups.

From mediocre to DAZZLING
I have been giving speeches for the past 16 years, and am well acquainted with the ropes. I was looking for a book that wouldn't just tell me "how not to be nervous" etc., but a book that would sharpen my speeches and make me a more polished speaker. Well, that's exactly what happened. I took Malcolm's ideas and started incorporating them into all my talks, classes, and speeches. It seems that overnight, I was being complimented more and more, and I myself feel that my speeches have much more "pizzaz" - but not only. They also are more well-built, educational, and get my points across fast. Malcolm Kushner's book is also very humorous. Perhaps sometimes the humor is just a little bit TOO much, but the easy, informative way he writes is a real treasure. Recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

The role of the secretary has blossomed into many different roles with the advent of new communication tools and the many changes in the workforce. This book has been revised and updated to blend the idea, the tasks, and the roles of the secretary and to show how the standards and professionalism that the secretarial role embraced can be modernized and shared throughout an office.

Learning Objectives:To help you position yourself as a professionalTo discuss techniques for enhancing your professional image.To provide ideas for expanding skills and responsibilities.To describe practical ways to communicate for better results.To provide tips for building relationships and networks. ... Read more

Book Description

Cradle-to-grave security is gone. Building relationships is your key to controlling your destiny. More than ever you need to hone and enhance your networking skills to make your interactions meaningful and memorable. DISCover your networking style. Understand the importance of your personal/printed image. Learn myriad tips from how to develop a powerful verbal business card to how to really work a room. Break the ice more effectively at conferences, meeting and workshops! The time is now! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Lots of great new netowrking ideas!
Lillian Bjorseth gives you more than just "tired and true" networking tips. What's more, the author helps you understand how and why networking works in both business and interpersonal relationships, and provides real insight about interacting with one another. Her background and experience in personal and corporate communications is quite apparent in the knowledge and advice she shares with the reader through the pages of "Breakthrough Networking." I picked up quite a few new ideas and have used them to build my own network of contacts increase my client base and expand my market. No matter what business you're in, this book can help you uncover new business and customers. Bjorseth's book should be right up there on the bookshelf with all your other business reference books!

Networking at It's Best!
Breakthrough Networking provides practical ways to effectively network your business. Just discovering your networking style is priceless. Lillian Bjorseth introduces us to Networking Bingo which is a very effective way to get every type of personality involved in networking. Building lasting relationships is a must and this book shows you how!

For aspiring and practicing free-lancers in any vocation
Now in an newly updated and expanded second edition, Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last by syndicated columnist Lillian D. Bjorseth is a truly "user friendly" guide to building networking skills in order to control one's own career path and uncover bright future prospects in an era where corporate cradle-to-grave job security is a thing of the past. From presenting the best possible personal image; to staying in touch; to engaging in ice-breaking activities; to dealing with gender-specific discrepancies, and a great deal more, Breakthrough Networking is particularly recommended reading for aspiring and practicing free-lancers in any vocational category or job level.

Networking at its best!
Breakthrough Networking offers many practical, hands-on suggestions for building on networking and communication skills. I have found it a highly useful and informative resource.

A Must Read for All Professionals
Breakthrough Networking is an excellent starting point for all professionals who seriously wish to improve their interpersonal and networking skills. Ms. Bjorseth covers all the bases in this interesting book. I particularly found enlightening her sections on Learning Your Networking Style, Impression Management and What Body Language Says. ... Read more

Book Description

The Springboard: How Storytelling Ignites Action in Knowledge-Era Organizations is the first book to teach storytelling as a powerful and formal discipline for organizational change and knowledge management. The book explains how organizations can use certain types of stories ("springboard" stories) to communicate new or envisioned strategies, structures, identities, goals, and values to employees, partners and even customers.



Readers will learn techniques by which they can help their organizations become more unified, responsive, and intelligent. Storytelling is a management technique championed by gurus including Peter Senge, Tom Peters and Larry Prusak. Now Stephen Denning, an innovator in the new discipline of organizational storytelling, teaches how to use stories to address challenges fundamental to success in today's information economy.

* Provides innovative and powerful tools which can effect organizational change
* Helps organizations share knowledge critical to success in the information economy
* First book on a major emerging trend in organizational change and K.M. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A simple concept - a powerful idea ...
On the surface, "Storytelling for organizational change" seems like a simple tale of a simple solution to a vexing problem. It is a tale of a journey into the uncharted territory of knowledge management, but it is also a tale of how telling stories enabled major organizational changes to take place. Again on the surface, it seems deceptively simple - just tell a story and the organization will change. Therein lies the paradox: on the surface, it is a simple story. Beneath the surface, though, it is a story of Denning's quiet persistence on the given strategy, of shepherding, coaxing, coercing and guiding others over whom he had no authority to go in the direction of that strategy. Throughout the book, Denning shows how he combined the vision and strategy of sharing knowledge with his search for ways and means to make people in the organization understand what this meant and to get them to buy-in and join the journey. His sensitivity to his audiences' reactions and subsequent deep introspection leads him to question the established ways of communicating about change. This is the real power of "Storytelling for organizational change": it is his introspection, his questioning and research, that led him to uncovering the power of telling stories - and not just any story, but a specific type of story that not only has all the components of the changes being introduced, but also has the power to transport the listener to a place where he or she can actually see their own organization working in the way described in the story. Denning gives specific ideas and tips for finding, creating and using springboard stories for organizational change. What the reader must develop for him- or herself is the ability to emulate Denning's quiet but relentless persistence in the face of both overt and covert resistance - which runs as a second strand throughout the book - in seeking out and using the stories to show how the organizational change is both valid and successful. This book has value to anyone trying to introduce any type of organization change, as well as for introducing knowledge management itself.

An eye-opener, must-have for change and KM projects
As someone involved with leading change in my organization as well as knowledge management programs, I found this book really helpful. It is not a "how to" book, although the author does give you some step-by-step guidance with the appendix, but rather a "why you should" type of book.

It advocates the use of storytelling for leading change and it uses the World Bank as the example. The comparison with greek philosophers and other classic works may sound a bit boring at first but it just gives you more food for thought on why storytelling has been used for such a long time. And it also gives more credibility to the text, you know that this guy is not a hot-shot consultant who is just trying to sell an idea.

One of the best things about the book is that the author also shares what went wrong and what he should have done differently. Very difficult to find such a thing among other business books (they all seem to be claiming to be the silver bullet).

Finally, it is a great eye-opener and can give you some insights on how to use storytelling in your day-to-day activities. If you're into knowledge management, this is a must-have.

A Masterpiece
I have read a few books and articles about the importance of storytelling in business. This book finally makes sense of it all, and provides useful explanations for why it works where other more traditional approaches simply do not. Well written and highly informative. Simply, a masterpiece!

The good, the bad and the ugly
For inspiration and understanding the concept and power of storytelling, Dennings book is excellent. As a guide on using storytelling in your daily work - it is somewhat less so.

Still, the book has a very valid point. Storytelling really works. If you do not know the concept - get this book! Along the way Denning has several interesting points on why storytelling works. He also offers some advice on how you can build your own stories.

Amazingly, his first story reflects excatly my own first try at using storytelling to bring about major change in the face of stiff opposition. In short top-mangement asked me to prepare and present Plan A within a week. Looking into it I quickly became convinced that Plan Z was the only way to go. Having read about the power of storytelling I placed my bets. At the next meeting I simply told my story of Plan Z - and it was accepted on the spot. No-one even mentioned or asked about what happend to Plan A! It was a defining moment in my career. Today I teach storytelling both within my own (large international organisation) and to professionals from several other organisations.

Because Denning clearly is a "self-made-man" within storytelling he misses some important points. He is not the only one - and far from the first - to use storytelling as a strategic tool.

Denning and I had our first professionel succeses with storytelling at about the same time. However, back then I already had a clear vision of storytelling as a powerful tool - ready to test the rough waters of reality. IMD in Switzerland was teaching storytelling, and I had looked into storyboarding for presentations. I had read studies on which environments and situations that are esspecially favorable to storytelling. and heard about why visualisation sometimes is essential to the story. As well as studying how storytelling - once mastered - can be used to ensure short, crisp and winning business writing. Denning does not cover these aspects.

Stephen Denning has an important story to tell, but it should have been kept much more to the point. He seems so much in love with his own succes at storytelling, that he "must" give us the full unabridged version of his own story - and frankly very few professionals have time for that.

To sum up, the basic story and main point is good, the writing is bad and the end result ugly - because it could have been so much better than it turned out to be.

Great KM journey
'The springboard' is one of the most unique books about Knowledge Management I've read. Denning has successfully used story-telling writing style to illustrate the power of story-telling in implementing Knowledge Management (KM) initiative. There are large number of books in the market about KM tools, framework, and technologies, that are focusing on the strategic or scientific side of KM, 'The springboard' offers a rare and refreshing view on the soft barriers side (employee behavior, cultural difference etc) of it. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Well researched and practical
A really well rounded book about the many dimensions of management....of particular interest is the chapter on understanding and building trust.

Real help for real issues
Dr. Caproni hits the nail on the head with this very practical book based on real knowledge (not just supposition). Developing the best in the people in our organizations (easy to want, and hard to do) will help leaders do more with less -- fewer people, less unnecessary change, less "blow it up and start again". Those are the hidden costs that will eat our lunch in competitive environments. I'm glad for the help this book offers.

Management development gurus take note
The book is first rate in its relevance, freshness of approach, organization and presentation. The combination of exercises, self-assessment tools, current research and statistics, and realistic perspective on the diverse, global, technology-driven workplace makes the book an extremely valuable tool. No fluff or fill here. This book is packed with information and useful tools for managers, executives, consultants,educators, and trainers. This one has legs, folks. Buy it, read it, and use it.

For the past six years, I have used Caproni's materials and ideas in executive and professional education programs with groups of managers from throughout the globe. They really respond to the way she organizes material, presents important ideas, and brings together critical management knowledge from several domains that are usually treated separately.

21st Century Reality Rules
I loved the fact that Ms. Caproni utilized a decididly non north american white male perspective. From the delightful family picture on the back cover to the diverse source material she really understands how the changing landscape of our world, both personal and workplace impacts the skills needed to manage. As an experienced consultant,fronline workplace warrior, digerati and MOM, I can tell her advice is obviously imformed by experience and her critical mind. Read it just to impress your friends with my (and I predicte soon to be the worlds) favorite new word Bricolage. Sould be required reading for all first time managers as well as anyone who aspires to work, live and love well. The practical free and credible assessments are worth the price of the book. ... Read more

Book Description

This combination book/workbook/reference provides a well- rounded overview of the procedures to follow in producing legal documents in six areas of law, general legal correspondence, and miscellaneous documents.Readers gain hands-on experience formatting and producing documents using any software package, word processor, electronic typewriter, or standard typewriter. The book provides a realistic approach to the procedural process required in the court system; features a wide variety of hands-on projects that focus on the documents themselves — i.e., the projects are suitable for any word processing software used with a computer, electronic typewriter, word processor, or standard typewriter; includes projects that highlight the documents from a variety of states, including specific features of California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Doing more in less time and more; as promised.
This book is more then a time efficiency book but a how to book on managing all aspects of the office from scheduling and pructing meetings to effective communications. This is good starting and improving your SOHO (small office / home office) operations. It starts off each chapter discussing popular beliefs. I loved the chapter on "work tapes". People have different beliefs about work from being "good for you" to "the harder you work the more successful you are". The truth regarding discipline. The difference between being efficient and effective. Doing the right job (efficacy); doing the job right
(effective). Handing disruptions; papers; goal planning; the right way to use a TO DO list. The only problem is the material is dated to 1979. (Before email, teleconferencing and Intenet) My copy had a printing error on page 267 the publisher missed printed the pages and started over with page 33. Missed "efficient Communications") This continued for about 40 pages before picking up with last chapter of the book. Even though dated and with this defect I enjoyed the book. It's an easy read and I highly recommended it.

The best book on time management I ever read.
This book is best book on time management I ever read. I'm sure I squeezed out an extra half hour each workday with these principles. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A useful introduction for the dreamer...
I thought this was a great book for introducing the basic steps involved in starting a non-profit organization. It clarified some simple issues for me. I have ZERO experience in starting a non-profit organization and wanted to get an idea of what it takes to do so, and this book was a great starting point, although you will clearly want to move on to more "meaty" books if you actually get your organization off the ground. After a few hours, I had solid drafts of my mission statement, articles of incorporation, and bylaws, and I knew what I needed to do next. It might be too simplistic for large organizations, but it was perfect for my itty bitty dream!

Duh!
Talk about restating the obvious! The author reminds you that when you're about to hire somebody it would be a good idea to interview them rather than rely on their resume. Under the subtitle "goals" of the organization we are told that goals are the intended outcomes of what you intend to do. Gosh, that's a pithy insight! I should have known not to buy a book by an academic, as opposed to somebody who actually ran a non-profit in the real world!

Very informative
This book was extremely helpful. However, it was not as good as the book by Ted Nicholas. The information contained in this book is a valuable resource tool and should be an addition to your professional library-compliments the book by Nicholas extremely well.

Not an easy thing to do
I guess that when I bought this book I was looking for the quick and easy route to starting a non-profit. Well, this book sure didn't make it easy, and I resorted to working with some non-profit verterans to help me get started. There really is no easy way to start a non-profit, but this book could have been a little "nicer". You may want to look for a book more relevant to your state if you're not from Minestoa. However, it is very in-depth, if you have the time and energy.

A great book for those wishing to start a nonprofit!
When I wanted to start my nonprofit organization, Finches With Wishes , I wanted a quick, easy refrence to navigating the legal and business aspect of starting a nonprofit. This book provided me with all the information necessary, and although we're up and running now, I still refer to this book quite frequently. A great buy! ... Read more

Book Description

So what is schmoozing?According to Webster's unabridged dictionary, schmoozing is a Yiddish word that means to chat or to converse idly.But today there is a common misconception that the word has come to suggest a con or trickery.It's not.

Schmoozing is the Golden Rule at full throttle.It's a thrill and an art form that encourages people to say, "you've made my day" instead of demanding "make my day".It's a technique for turning others on, not taking others on.A schmoozer is someone who talks to people as if they really mattered-and they do!

Read by Penn Jillette, who has been called the most wired magician on this planet, and is the more gregarious half of Penn & Teller—the world’s most famous magic duo. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Schmooze Me?
I loved The Golden Rule of Schmoozing, The Authentic Practice of Treating Others Well, by comedian and author Aye Jaye. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much that after borrowing it from my local library, I went out and purchased it. This is unusual for me, as I rarely even keep books I have read through.

The Golden Rule of Schmoozing reminds me of Dale Carnegie on steroids. It's an entertaining, easy-read book filled with examples of how to lay on schmooze anytime, anywhere. I'd have to say that the purpose of schmoozing is to just enhance the quality of life; to make The Road more bearable, if not enjoyable. Schmoozing is all about respect, being nice and taking the extra step in relationships.

I liked the way Aye Jaye defines schmoozing in such a positive light: "Schmoozing is The Golden Rule at full throttle." "It's a skill and an art form that encourages people to say, "You've made my day..." "A schmoozer is someone who talks to people as if they really mattered..." To my mind, this book reminds us that what goes around, eventually comes around. Well-placed schmooze can result in good Karma and good fortune, albeit random, but I'd take random over nothing!

One thing that threw me was the Foreword written by Penn and Teller. Not being a fan, I was glad that it was short. It didn't even hint at the quality of content to come.

The extensive Table of Contents illustrates the far-ranging arenas for schmooze.

(four pages of) Acknowledgements
Foreword by Penn and Teller
Introduction
Chapter 1: The four laws of schmoozing
Chapter 2: Come Bearing Chatch Never come empty handed
Chapter 3: The "Make What You Say Pay" Schmooze
Chapter 4: The "Make It Happen" Schmooze
Chapter 5: If The Schmooze Fits, Care for it.
Chapter 6: Schmoozing for a Job
Chapter 7: Schmoozing the boss
Chapter 8: Managing with schmooze
Chapter 9: The Schmoozing Ninja Salesperson
Chapter 10: The Matchmaking Schmooze
Chapter 11: Schmoozing for Love
Chapter 12: Making up Schmooze I was a Jerk, but I'm better now
Chapter 13: The Impulse Improve
Chapter 14: The Traffic Schmooze
Chapter 15: The ABCs of Kid-Schmoozing
Chapter 16: Teen Schmoozing Saving the Rebels Without a Clue
Chapter 17: Schmooze Yourself to Good Health
Chapter 18: Oozing Schmooze on Yourself Proactive Inner Thinking
Chapter 19: Relationships are Everything We're all in this together
Chapter 20: Schmoozing Friends and Neighbors
Chapter 21: Tricky Schmicky Schmooze
Chapter 22: The Name Schmooze
Chapter 23: Winning by Grinning Schmooze



I particularly enjoyed Aye Jaye's examples, rendered from his own life experience and those of friends and acquaintances, which drive home the point of each chapter. It was also fun to learn of the unintended (and sometimes intended) reciprocating schmooze by schmooze-recipients.

I've learned that even shy and introverted people can schmooze. This book enables the charm and charisma in otherwise inhibited people, by explaining how natural it is and illustrating the positive effects on both the schmoozer and "schmoozee". If more people were aware of the schmooze-effect it would lead to happier and more satisfying relationships across the board.

This book is recommended for all.

Great Read
I was very impressed with the advice I received from this book.It was very directand was an easy read.I've used many of the tactics discussed in the book with much success.

A Solid Effort!
Whether you're trying to close the sale, woo the girl, or just strike up a conversation, nothing works better than simply making the other person feel great. Author Aye Jaye describes his techniques for doing just that, by bestowing compliments, planning surprises and doling out gifts. The Schmooze is effective at everything from improving your standing with your boss, to getting a better hotel room or talking your way out of a speeding ticket. The book is written in an easy-to-read style, which very much expresses Aye Jaye's own personality, as if he is schmoozing the reader, too. And therein lies the only problem. Some of Jaye's favorite lines seem long and hokey, and some of the suggestions he offers - like sliding a waiter a dollar bill at the start of a meal while saying, "You are number one with me and there's more coming at the end of dinner." - bring to mind another Yiddish word, "Schmuck." But you needn't resort to such extreme schmoozing, and we [...] recommend that you read this book for its original take on the power and method of the world's oldest business technique. But please, tone it down.

Inspiring
I am fascinated by ‚The Golden Rule of Smoothing'. A real page turner. Aye Jaye wrote a book for everyone. Not only in business but also in many private and personal situation it can make your life easier and more pleasant. The principle of treating other people well is simple. Schmoozing is a buzzword. But to analyse the motivation of schmoozers and to explain the advantages and benefits for your family, business partners, neighbours, etc. is important. The author explains the different kinds of schmoozing and gives a lot of examples and stories. Even if you are familiar with schmoozing, this book will expand your horizon in a funny way. You will gain new ideas concerning various kinds of schmoozing, like schoozing your boss and schmoozing your family. Furthermore, you will read the secrets of name schmoozing and health schmoozing. This book creates a new proactive inner thinking of the reader. It is easy to read, funny, serious and helpful. This book is a must. Buy it!

A Great Book
One of the most inspiring books I've read in a long time.I firstborrowed it from the library, but then purchased it because I want to keepit for many years, re-reading it at least a couple of times per year.Itoffers so many highly creative and fun ways to get one's attention off ofoneself and onto others, making others' lives so much happier and therebymaking oneself an inherently enjoyable person to be around.I highlyrecommend this wonderful book to anyone who wants a better life forthemselves and/or others.In an unconventional way, the author is, in myopinion, a Great Man in the true sense of the term. ... Read more

Book Description

In businesses across the board, success or failure is often determined not simply by what we say but how we say it. The voice is our single most important communication tool. It defines who we are and affects how others respond to us. Voice expert Jeffrey Jacobi, who has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and USA Today, now shares his proven strategies for developing a voice with the power to command attention and get respect; a voice that can in a sale, close a deal, impress an employer and motivate people. Chockfull of self-tests, skill-building exercises, and sample speeches, this comprehensive resource gives anyone who speaks on the job the practical tools to send a clear and persuasive message. Step by step, speakers will learn how to pinpoint and overcome common problems such as "sloppy" pronunciation, "rapid-fire" pace, "child-like" lilt, nasal whine, monotonous tone, and off-putting accents. Then, they'll master the secrets to building vocal strength and variety to keep each listener's interest, and speaking before a crowd with poise and confidence. Tony Randall succinctly sums it: "For all of us, each new day is composed of a series of performances. And that means voice-and how we use it. If you ever want to impress, convince, sell, amuse-or have that special someone feel that you're special-I recommend Jeffrey Jacobi's applause-winning How to Say It With Your Voice." Jeffrey Jacobi is a nationally renowned voice coach trained at Juilliard. The director of Jacobi Voice Development, he has worked with executives from the cream of Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, American Express, DuPont, and IBM, as well as entertainers and public figures. A member of the Speech Communications faculty of New York University, he is also the author of The executive Voice Trainer (Prentice Hall). He lives in New York City. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It was ok, not really ground breaking stuff.
Save your money and go to the library.

NOT VERY GOOD!!!!!
I have always admired people who spoke with charisma, confidence and seemed as if they have had voice coaching. Thats what I wanted to do too!!!! Sadly though, this book/CD is not for that, the CD bored me completely, I have no problem pronouncing words but I wanted to know how to project it to get power, confidence etc. this book didnt show it- it is for people who have to learn how to use each sound properly.

So if your'e looking for a book which shows you how to PROJECT CONFIDENCE, POISE AND POWER ITS NOT FOR YOU!!

Very happy
Congratulations for the way you do business. I am very happy for the way you handled my purchase. On time, well packed, the datail of book mark and the request for feedback.
The book is very good, ease of understand and a must for thouse who sing or speak a lot.

An essential guide for developing a dynamic speaking style.
Packed with self-tests, skill-building exercises and sample speeches, How To Say It With Your Voice is a splendid book/CD combination that will enable anyone who speaks on the job to do so in a clear and persuasive manner. Step-by-step, speakers will learn how to pinpoint and overcome common problems such as "sloppy" pronunciation, "rapid-fire" pace, "child-like" lilt, nasal whine, monotonous tone, and off-putting accents. They will also master the secrets to building vocal strength and variety to keep their listener's interest, and be able to speak before groups and crowds with poise and confidence. How To Say It With Your Voice is a "must" for anyone needing to develop a dynamic speaking style of power, reliance, and effectiveness. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive Coverage

Completely Up-to-date!

Turn your expertise into a highly paid speaking career!

Getting Started in SPEAKING, TRAINING, or SEMINAR CONSULTING

Superstar speakers like Tom Peters get $30,000 or more for a one-hour keynote address. Other top speakers earn $5,000 to $10,000 or more per day. The market for speakers, trainers, and seminar consultants is huge: U.S. companies spend an estimated $55 billion annually on workplace training. And you don’t have to be a Tom Peters to earn a good living as a professional speaker. There’s a demand for experts in every area from how to reduce stress, organize time, and manage people to how to write a business letter or troubleshoot a local area network. People from all walks of life successfully do it: Teachers, consultants, authors, executives, entrepreneurs, and training professionals have all built lucrative second careers as speakers.

Getting Started in Speaking, Training, or Seminar Consulting shows you, step-by-step, exactly what you need to know to become a polished and highly paid speaker (or, if you already are one, a better one). You’ll learn how to:

• Create a presentation that audiences want to hear
• Identify your market
• Establish yourself as an authority in your field
• Effectively sell yourself and win speaking engagements
• Set fees, write contracts, and handle other financial and legal aspects of the profession
• Promote yourself on the Internet
• Work with bureaus, agents, reps, and office assistants
• Boost your speaking income with information products

Imagine yourself as a successful speaker: You get to stand up and talk in front of an audience . . . you help others with your knowledge . . . you’re sought out for your expert counsel . . . and you’re paid very well for it! It can happen–with the straightforward, podium-proven advice in the book you’re holding in your hand. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Some good info...
If you've not had any exposure to the process of managing a speaking career, this would be a good overview book for you. Good information, easy to read, and some practical examples. The last 100 pages or so are sample letters, lists of associations, etc. which may or may not be useful to you.

Not much help.
This book will not lead you to a single speaking engagement. If you are serious about the speaking business contact the National Speakers Association.

Low On The List
Bly used a lot of fluff and padding throughout this book'such as lists, ultra simple forms, notes on other peoples presentations. Finally, the last 100 pages are filler lists that have little to do with the advertised purpose of the book. It is extremely easy to read as the thought content is low. To many topics are covered and with little substance. A good editor could cut the text to a third its size and lose little substance. After cutting the text to a third and dropping the near frivolous lists you would be left with less than 50 pages of material worthy of a competing book.

For me one paragraph was worth more than the price of the book. I have read and reviewed on Amazon 35 books on speaking in the last 18 months. That qualifies me as an obsessive learner or researcher. When Bly pointed out that professional speakers are more about intense up-to-date research than platform skills, it is an awakening. You get paid to study provided you find a market for your subject. One of the most famous motivational speakers said that he still spends more than 50 hours preparation for each client speech. Clearly, a speaker based on specific expertise would prepare considerably more. The fee per hour expended would be an unromantic number for most professional speakers.

Two books that are better for getting started in higher level professional speaking are as follows: Speaking for Profit and Pleasure by William D. Thompson. Speak and Grow Rich by Dottie Walters. If you are lacking in a topic for developing expertise and likely to spend considerable time in the training market for a public seminar company Bly's book may be the place to start your study.

Getting Started in Speaking, Training and Seminar Consulting
Another WINNER! This is an excellent resource for starting and establishing a career as a professional speaker.I've read most of Bob Bly's books (and continue to do so) and I'm never left disappointed. He consistently gives you practical, down to earth information that you can immediately put to use.The advice he gives in this book enabled me to land a number of lucrative speaking engagements. Through his advice on writing and publishing (an important section in the book), I was able to get a monthly column in Fund Raising Management magazine (Hoke Communications Inc.) and Publishers' Auxiliary (National Newspaper Association).I can honestly say that I cut my teeth on Bly's books. His instructions have proved profitable for me in too many ways to mention. This book on public speaking is one I'll cherish and continue to recommend for years to come.

Great book!
Robert Bly does it again with his latest book. It's full of solid information on exactly how to get into the speaking and training field. He gives hype-free realistic advice on self-sponsoring public seminars, boosting your income with products and has extensive appendices at the end with sample documents and web sites, etc. It's a reference book you'll use over and over again. Cathleen Fillmore ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

A good read!
This book contained an abundance of intelligent and practical information. Having read other books in this genre, I found Latz to have a unique and interesting style of presenting information; the book not only kept my interest, but kept me smiling as well. I have made it madatory reading for all my purchasing managers.

Good and Practical Resource
This book is filled with helpful tactics and real world applications and examples. I appreciated the lack of "ivory-tower" lecturing and theory. The concepts are clearly explained and practical. They are also easily conveyed to others. A must-purchase for personal and professional negotiating.

Several ways to enjoy and use it!
I enjoyed this book on three levels:

(1) It presents five guiding principles ("Golden Rules") that seem useful for conducting negotiations, and tells how to adapt them to your own personality;

(2) It offers specific strategies for four types of negotiations; and

(3) It has many examples of negotiating strategies and advice by well-known individuals.

Excellent advice for all types of negotiations
I'm one of those "negotiate by the seat of my pants" people, and that's probably the reason I haven't always done well in the past. Like many people, I've concentrated on leverage and the offer/concession process, both of which I understood pretty well. But now I understand them even better.

For instance, several years ago when I bought my present car, I went to the dealership late in the evening, pretty much ensuring I wouldn't close a deal the same day. That forced the salesman to have to call me for a follow-up and by that time, my excitement about the car of my choice was in check, and I sensed that he really wanted to sell me the car, even more than I wanted to buy it.

But "Gain the Edge!" suggests researching not just what various dealerships are asking for the same car, but finding out what they paid the manufacturer, what their markup is, and how much room they have to "move" on price. And then it suggests doing most of the negotiating over the phone, so you're less likely to feel pressured. It's a lot easier to hang up than to walk away from a determined salesman.

The salesman I dealt with actually called me back three times during the next few days, and each time I did my best to lower the price. But again I made a strategic error. I wasn't patient enough (summer was here and the A/C in my old car had died). I decided to "cut to the chase." I told him the absolute highest amount I could afford for a monthly payment. I now know that that's absolutely crucial STRATEGIC information. It's a mistake I won't make again!

I bought "Gain the Edge!" because I'm going to want to trade in my old car soon. I'm going to do more research this time. And I'm going to follow some of the other great advice in this book -- like setting and sticking to my own agenda and not talking about trade-in until we've settled on a price for the new car.

"Gain the Edge!" is easy to read and has lots of good examples to help you understand the points the author makes. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who plans on making a major purchase, asking for a raise, etc.

Amazing
First off, I believe it must be stated that I have not finished this book. In fact, I have only just begun. I am at page 100 or so.

Wandering around the bookstore with a general subject in mind (communication), I was drawn to this book. As I began reading it, every issue discussed seems to be concise, however, it does not lack the details needed to fully understand the concepts. The book has a flow to it that keeps the reader interested. The author also includes case studies to back up his information as well as increase understanding. As I progress though the book, I often find myself thinking of personal situations where I could apply the concepts covered. It has also made me aware of the advantages of being prepared in every aspect, including mapping out alternate directions that the negotiation could go and managing those situations to fit your schedule.

If the subject is of interest to you, I am fully confident that you would be very happy with your purchase. I have not read any other books dedicated to negotiation so I am speaking mainly to the beginners. I do not feel that I have enough knowledge in this very in-depth subject to speak to those who have more experience than I. ... Read more

Book Description

How to use humor and other professional techniques to create alarmingly good business presentations. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Useful
An excellent book full of immediately useful tips to turn any business presentation into an interesting presention.Trying to put to death the idea that if the presentation isn't boring no one will take it seriously.Tom shows readers that even important topics can benefit by interesting presentations.A must for every business library!

Audiences Love Humor
This book will not help you tell jokes. It describes how to make your presentations more entertaining. Tom Antion's secrets on room setup and how to open a speech are worth more than the price of the book. Whether you are speaking to a large group or to a small sales meeting, the tips in this book will help you get your point across.

For coverage, click on Table of Contents in the left-hand column of this page.

Tom Antion is a marketing genius who teaches speakers how to speak and how to sell themselves. A gifted professional speaker, he shares his years of experience in these pages.

As a professional speaker and the author of 113 books (including revisions and foreign-language editions) and over 500 magazine articles, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has to get their point across to groups. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com.

For anyone who makes presentations, THIS is the foundation.
If any American leader is known for using wit and humor in difficult situations, it is John F. Kennedy. He knew that ANY situation can be made palatable with the proper use of humor. I approached Tom Antion's book (andvideotape) with the same skepticism I use in all such purchases and wasvery pleasantly surprised.Tom has produced a basic reference work thatwill serve in any situation.I'm sure it would have been in JFK's personallibrary, just as it is now in mine. In preparing JFK and leadershipspeeches for delivery anywhere in the world, I routinely consult TomAntion's reference works. I recommend them in any format as the foundationfor a professional approach to communicating with others.

Francis G.McGuire, Director, John F. Kennedy Leadership Series (tm)

A 'must read' for anyone who speaks before audiences.
Wow! Tom Antion did it."Wake 'em Up! is a masterpiece.This is a 'must read' for anyone who speaks before an audience, regardless of the size. His tips will both keep you out of trouble and guide you towardmastering the art of public persuasion.Be careful, if you do what hesuggests, you might start getting 'too many' speaking invitations. -EdwinRichard Rigsbee, Professional Speaker

The only book I'll ever need on making a great presentation.
Wake "Em Up is a complete source for everything you will ever need to know about making a great presentation.Whether you are a professional looking to move to the next level or just need to make a great presentationto your boss this is the book to get.Easy to read.Easy to use.Easy tolove! ... Read more

Book Description

Positive change can happen in sudden and profound leaps. Quantum Leap Thinking provides the foundation for breakthrough thinking that will trigger astonishing growth in your personal and professional life.

What if it was possible to break through fear and make positive changes in your life in an instant by a simple shift in your thinking? What if you could lower your anxiety in a matter of seconds by changing your perceptions? How would your life change if you had unshakable motivation for whatever you chose to do? Quantum Leap Thinking is the key to unlocking the door to new-found potential and peak performance. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

How Much of an Expert is he Really?
I bought this book and then did some background checking on the author. Seems Mapes's PhD is from a "diploma mill" - a phony and now defunct outfit that purported to be "San Moritz University," but is really just a printing shop. In fact, San Moritz is one of a group of unaccredited "universities," many of which were closed in an ongoing effort by the FTC. Since San Moritz claimed a UK address, it is not a recognised body as described by the UK Education Reform Act either. San Moritz was famous for giving out academic qualifications, transcripts and phoney reference letters to anyone, sight unseen, just for a few bucks. Do a Google search on San Moritz University, and you will see what I mean :-).

Not an ordinary self-help book
This is a book that can be viewed as two complementary ways:
1) It is a summary of a lot of ideas from a great number of other self-help books. It adds valuable quotes and phrases from other books, and tries to make a unified view from suc different subjects and areas as NLP or (Neuro Linguistic Procesing) to Yoga, self-meditation and even hipnosis.

2) The author creates theorems (valid truths) that can help you realize how you can relax and see your life more transparently, like if you were seeing yourself through the eyes of another person. He creates 14 steps to accomplish this - so that you can gradually become more daring and more self-controlled at the same time.

This is a book that is not a revelation... Far from that.
However is a good reading and can help anyone to get a different view of themselves, guiding you to get a more fullfilling life, and become happier with themselves, by changing somethings or by letting you know how to stop and just relaize how you are doing today.

You Create a Reality That Adaps to Your Point of View!
The principles of quantum physics (and all of its 'relations') has finally made its way into the realm of human behavior and thinking through the easy to read and apply book by Mapes. This book will appeal to those whose center of control is located within themselves. For those with a center of control external to themselves, or those with a locus in reciprocity--as in the form of some 'System', i.e., ...isms of any nature, or formal religions, it would be more of a struggle. Precisely because 'You create a reality that adapts to your point of view', is a fundamental principle on which the universe is based. Challenging to some, breathtaking to others, this is fundamentally one of the finest books to ever spell out the functioning of human behavior based on a taking of personal responsibility. A 21st Century jump-start!

A wonderful primer for creativity and new possibilities
Sometimes it seems that every self-help book is 20% content, 80% inspiring stories. Mapes has reversed this ratio, filling his book with a rich and practical array of how-to-do's.

Quantum Leap Thinking concentrates on those areas that most trip us up: fear, lack of motivation, risk-aversion and self-imposed limits. These topics are treated in an easy-to-read style, with easy-to-follow guidelines.

If you're interested in personal change, this is a must read ... Read more

Book Description

Never again pay the sticker price, accept what is given or engage in an unproductive argument—when you could negotiate the outcome you really want.

With The Everyday Negotiator, even beginners can learn to understand the negotiation process and how to use it in everyday, real-life situations.

Practical tactics for work and life

The author presents two practical negotiation models: A quick model you can use in friendly, less involved negotiations and a comprehensive model you can use in complex, detailed negotiations in which the stakes are high.

The book is one of the most empowering you’ll ever read. It walks you through every aspect of the negotiation process, providing proven tactics from beginning to end:

Preparation
Choose a strategy
Initial offer—getting started
Counteroffers—the give and take
Pressure bargaining
Key methods: Achieving progress
Reaching agreement

Each tactic is briefly defined and presented in both a work and life situation. The tactics can be learned quickly and applied immediately. You can read a few tactics in the morning and negotiate the deal you want that afternoon—that’s how easy-to-apply the strategies presented here are.

Includes a self-assessment quiz and exercises to help you recognize and take advantage of every situation in which the ability to negotiate can enrich your life. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Union Negotiations
During a recent labor contract negotiation between an IBEW Union and Utility Company, this book was a tremendous help.Our union came to the table with a new Business Manager, new Assistant Business Manager and most of the bargaining committee being first timers.To prepare ouselves we each read tactices from "The Everyday Negotiator" and discussed our strategy.We met with our constituents in the districts, looked at what other unions were coming away from table with and established our must have, could have and don't need list.This book is an excellent resource for negotiations and we utilized several tactics during our months of meetings with the company.We came away with a contact that was well received by our brothers and sisters.This is a must read book when preparing for negotiations.

excellent practical guide to success in the real world
This book provides wonderful insights and guidance on successfully negotiating just about anything with anyone.It is worth the modest cost.I have tried some of the recommendations with considerable success.The authors certainly have real world experience and wisdom.It is loaded very practical and useful material for any business, organization and individual.

Easy to understand and quickly apply.
The book is great for a beginning negotiator. The first chapter provides a model which explains the negotiation process, then the rest of the chapters include 50 easy to understand, practical tactics. Not a lot of stories about "how I did it", but well-written, "real world" examples. A great reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

This concise, 64-page text offers everything required to teach the basics of touch typing.It teaches proper key reaches for the letter keys, top-row keys and symbols.A variety of drills that increase speed and accuracy and improve keying techniques provide reinforcement and build keyboarding skills.Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, A Brief Course textbook can be used alone in a short keyboarding class, or in conjunction with any version of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing software for a complete keyboarding solution. ... Read more

Book Description

This self-study manual is part of the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS®) Examination Review Series which provides valuable assistance to anyone preparing for the CPS Examination. The Series focuses on key topics test-takers must know in order to pass the exam. It is the only examination preparation series produced in conjunction with the International Association of Administration Professionals (IAAP™).Content is based on the current CPS Examination Review Guide published by the IAAP™. Each chapter contains: An overview; text, in outline form, with examples highlighted in italics; illustrations; review questions in formats similar to those found on the CPS Examination; solutions to review questions--with some explanation of correct answers, where needed, and references to the portion of the outline that explains the answer more fully; term review; glossary at the end of the manual, with references to the chapter where the terms may be found in context. An accompanying Self-study Guide enhances material in the manual.For Administrative professionals preparing for the CPS Examination. ... Read more

Book Description

Quantum Leaps is a how-to book for creating fundamental change in both ourselves and our organizations. Charlotte Shelton's basic premise is that organizational change happens one person at a time. Our workplaces simply mirror our individual and collective beliefs. Therefore, we change ourselves, our workplaces, and the world by changing our minds. As our beliefs change, we not only see the world differently, we begin to be in the world in a different way, thus creating a new reality.

Shelton uses the basic principles of quantum mechanics as the foundational metaphor for a new quantum skill set that recognizes the highly complex, constantly changing, totally unpredictable nature of life. She demonstrates the inadequacy of our time-honored skills of planning, organizing, directing and controlling. She shows how these skills are directly tied to an obsolete view or reality ignoring the now fundamental requirements of extreme imagination and radical innovation.

Quantum Leaps introduces seven new skills: skills that are compatible with life and work in the twenty-first century. These seven Quantum Skills enable us to see, think, feel, know, act, trust and be radically different ways. Collectively they form a comprehensive model for change.

These skills integrate quantum mechanical principles, state-of-the-art-psychology, and universal spiritual practices. They balance the traditional left-brain business skills with a new skill set that more fully utilizes both hemispheres of the brain. As we master these skills, Shelton states, "We create balanced lives and whole-brain organizations and we become authentic change masters, changing ourselves and our organizations from the inside out."




The Seven Quantum Skills are: Quantum Seeing, Quantum Thinking, Quantum Feeling, Quantum Knowing, Quantum Acting, Quantum Trusting and Quantum Being.These 7 skills introduce a new way to access underutilized brain capacities as they acknowledge the role of intention, intuition and interconnectivity.

· First really practical application of "new science theories" to the workplace¦visual models, anecdotal examples, and application exercises
· Quantum Leaps introduces 7 quantum skills necessary for surviving and thriving in a highly complex, constantly changing, totally unpredicatable world
· Integrates quantum mechanical principles, state-of-the-art psychology and universal spiritual practices into behavioral skills for individual and organizational change ... Read more

Reviews (3)

READ THIS BOOK!
I sincerely wish that everyone would read "Quantum Leaps". If so there would be a "Quantum Leap" in individual and universal consciousness. She explains new scientific technology in a clear and easilyunderstandable way. Her examples and explanations are excellent and clearlypoint out the necessity for a change in consciousness from the oldNewtonian mechanistic to the world of today's Quantum Physics. This book issimplistic enough to be read by someone unfamiliar with current technologyand it is also able to captivate the mind and imagination most erudite. Warning - pleased be advised that you may find yourself buying copies foryour friends and stopping strangers on the street telling them to read thisbook.

great for business & academia
As both a business executive and an MBA professor, I found Dr. Shelton's book to be extremely helpful. The blend of science, psychology, religion and organizational development created a solid research-based theoreticalfoundation, and the action-oriented exercises at the end of each chapterwere helpful for practical application. I highly recommend this book toleaders, managers, academics and those desiring to better integrate theirpersonal values with their organizational life.

A welcomed and practical intro to changing the workplace
This highly readable and usable book introduces us to the world of quantum mechanics as underlying principles of our personal and business lives.Quantum Leaps actually presents hard science simplified with plenty ofexamples to show that the theories work.Quantum Leaps goes way beyondcheerleading readers toward bold acts.Because each of the seven skills isactually based in the new science of quantum mecha