Reviews (5)

The Most Important Thing to Learn in College
Many college students go to school filled with the idea that they will learn the subjects they chose to study.No one tells them that the most important thing in their life is going to be the ability to communicate. Even Einstein with all of his brilliance worked at a low level in the Swiss patent office until he published his famous papers.
Great Communication Theory Book... to start off with
This book is not really orientated at making you a better interpersonal and intercultural communicator (although it could be a start towards this), it is more of a book on interpersonal and intercultural theory. This book was the basis of my Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication Studies course at UQ in Australia. It is very simple to read, a high school student could easily understand this. I think this is a good thing, however, because as some of my lecutures demonstrated, interpersonal communication theory can be very dry and dull at some points! So I am giving this book five stars because althoug simplistic, I believe it tells you the basics of interpersonal comunication theory, and is a great starting book if you are interested in this!

Too Much Theory and Not Enough Substance.
I read through this book as part of an Interpersonal Communication class I took. I'll admit right off the bat that I have a biased view about the book because I read it in a class where I was the only person over 21 in a room full of freshman. With that said, I'm really glad I had the life experiences I've had to protect me from the leftists propaganda contained within. I'm also very thankful that I was never forced to read such dribble when I was a freshman in college because it can really mess you up. Most of the book is based in and upon interpersonal communication theory and there isn't a whole lot of practical information given. Not only that, but the book almost totally ignores the moral and ethical issues that are inherently apparent in interpersonal communication. Instead, the author has taken a humanistic (and fairly Machiavellian) approach and illustrates the power that good interpersonal communication skills can give a person.The book does have some good things to say, but overall it's more of a tool in brainwashing freshmen with useless knowledge than anything else. There's a lot of theory, but not much substance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Interpersonal Communication    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Psychology    6. Communication Studies    7. Performing Arts / Theater / General    8. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (6)

A practical guide to speaking like the boss
As a television news anchor for 20 years, author Suzanne Bates understands the importance of communication. She takes a practical approach to this well-worn field, using examples from her own experience and stories about famous people. Some of her suggestions have appeared elsewhere, so the subhead saying that she is revealing top executives "secrets" may be somewhat of a stretch, but she succeeds in boiling down the information to several series of rules. Then she provides many numbered lists to help you remember the guidelines. We recommend this book as a good place to start if you are nervous about public speaking or new at making speeches, chairing meetings or standing up in front of a crowd.

THIS BOOK HELPED ME WITH BOOK MARKETING TOO!IT'S GREAT!
I wish I had had this book when I owned my own newspaper.There are uncountable leadership tips and lots of wisdom between these pages.
Inspirational and Pratical
Bates does a great job of reviewing the basics of great leadership and how to portray your character to the listeners.It's a great step by step book on the "how to" of getting people's attention and then getting their respect, their admiration, and hopefully the results you want! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Communication - Meetings & Presentations    5. Business presentations    6. Business/Economics    7. Communication in management    8. Leadership    9. Management    10. Management - General    11. Oral Communication In Business    12. Oral communication    13. Business & Economics / General    14. Business communication & presentation    15. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (3)

One of a kind book
This book is one-of-a-kind in its sensitivity to cultural difference, and it provides a solid explanation of sociocultural perspectives on literacy instruction.I don't know of other books of this kind out there that are even comparable!

Fantastic
This book gives voice to a viewpoint that is desperately missing in the dialogue of education and educational reform.Anyone who works within the institution of education needs to read this.It is insightful and as unbiased as a work can be when dealing with the topic of students from cultural and ethnic backgrounds that have been educationally, politically, and socially marginalized (oppressed) within American society.Those who find fault with it should take a more unbiased viewpoint of American history and politics.

Not worth the paper its printed on...
A very unmoving books, totally biased and slanted against american culture and the English language. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. General    5. Language arts (Elementary)    6. Multicultural education    7. Reading (Elementary)    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    9. Writing    10. Communication Studies    11. Education / General   

Reviews (3)

A very mixed bag of articles to read with eyes wide open
"Basic Communications of Intercultural Communication" is a collection of thirteen essays on a variety ofcross-cultural topics, mostly those affecting people of different nationalities or speaking different languages. The quality of the articles is very uneven. Basic Concepts of Intercultural Communication
This is a must read book, especially for those dealing with intercultural communication, both in the areas of foreign language learning and business management. I read some of the articles twice even three times and found the them very inspiring for my teachings as they provided a strong foundation on cross cultural understanding; moreover they have helped me a lot in highlighting the sensitive matters in intercultural communication to my class. I assume anyone dealing with people from different cultural background need to know the arts of intercultural communication, as misunderstanding might result in losing the business. I am quite positive that this book will also be of great help for managers, business people who have to deal with their foreign partners.

A fundamental reference I return to again and again.
This book was my initial introduction to the field of intercultural communication and I seem to return to it often as a reference point in thinking about new intercultural works that I wish to more deeplyunderstand.The chapter on marginality by Janet Bennett is particularlythought provoking and helpful around personal identification issues relatedto biculturality. I strongly suggest this book to anyone seeking tobetter understand intercultural relations.I can't seem to keep it off mydesk and get it back on the shelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Anthropology - General    3. Communication    4. Cultural And Social Anthropology    5. Intercultural Communication    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Communication Studies    10. Cultural studies   

Reviews (8)

listening behavior
Classic guide to understand and improve your listening behavior.
No-nonsense guide to listening for business
No academic cloudy language.Madelyn writes with perfect clarity, organizes her material usefully, and knows what she is talking about.The exercises are excellent.I use this book in my seminars and workshops on listening for business and government people.I give it my highest recommendation, and have no ties whatsoever to the author or publisher.Enjoy!

A Good Guide
An easy to understand and implement guide to the art of listening.Some great advice and I recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their listening skills. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Careers - General    6. Listening    7. Motivational    8. Business & Economics / Motivational    9. Business communication & presentation    10. Cognition & cognitive psychology   

Reviews (56)

Simple, quick reminders of your purpose
OK, this is not the most earth shattering advice you will find but it addresses how to make a difference in your technique from multiple angles. There are many topics covered in two to four pages, each. These are simple concepts that require little explanation but bear remembering as they impact your ability to close.
waste of money
I can't believe I'm being told how to dress, where to put the ball point pen, and not to talk while chewing food. Is he suggesting this program is for professional, intelligent adults? I read the reviews before I bought it, but got the CD audio version from Nightingale Conant thinking it was expanded in some way, but indeed, the negative reviews for the book are applicable here. Save your money, if you are under 14 years of age, just ask your Dad for common sense tips... it's probably better.
Maybe the author meant "Pain-maker"
Obtuse: a : lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect : INSENSITIVE, STUPID b : difficult to comprehend : not clear or precise in thought or expression
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Customer Service    5. Customer relations    6. Marketing - General    7. Sales & Selling - General    8. Sales & Selling - Techniques    9. Sales management    10. Selling    11. Success in business    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Sales & Selling   

Reviews (1)

A FIELDBOOK OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Central to this work is the Skilled Facilitator approach (TSF), a systematic, values-based approach to group facilitation; at its core is the idea that the way we act and the consequences we create begin with the way we think. Chapter one delineates the 10 key features of TSF approach. It is used to help groups and entire organizations address issues and make significant change, as well as in coaching, training, and conducting HRD/OD initiatives of all types.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Communication In Business    6. Communication In Groups    7. Communication in management    8. Communication in personnel man    9. Communication in personnel management    10. Group facilitation    11. Group relations training    12. Leadership    13. Sociology - General    14. Business & Economics / General    15. Personnel & human resources management   

Reviews (3)

Pocket Wisdom
Simple, yet powerful.A fun way to learn and very effective for group discussion.

An excellent resource!
I really enjoyed this book! The author's clever sense of humor and the great illustrations make a difficult subject--mental models--fun and easy to learn about. I think the book would help any company, family, or evencouple get better at exploring why they think the way they do, and how tocommunicate better with colleagues and loved ones. The discussion guide atthe end of the book makes it easy to start using the ideas in yourday-to-day life.

Should be required reading if responsible for company growth
David Hutchens brings new insight and twists to an age old metaphor.This book begins with a humorous tale whose analogy, to the world in which we live and the mental models which we hold, will hit you between the eyes.The writer quickly points out problems every organization battles with toimprove performance and grow.While the business culture has become sooverwhelmed with change, many leaders have embraced their current state ofaffairs.Holding tight to what we have, we spend much of our energy tryingnot to lose market share.This book gives insight into why and when thishappens and how to move from there. "In a world of chaoticinformation, the mind instantly locks onto that which it already knows--andsimply filters out other data."(from Shadows of the Neanderthal) I'mglad I bought it. Thom Hazelip,Arthur Andersen LLP ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business & Economics / Business Communication    3. Business & Economics / Management    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business Communication - General    6. Business communication    7. Business/Economics    8. Creative ability in business    9. Leadership    10. Organizational learning    11. Management    12. Models    13. Organizational change    14. System theory   

Reviews (20)

A must for the library of any business person
Reviewed by William E. Cooper for Reader Views (4/06)
United Professional Sales AssociationRecommends
I bought this book from Amazon.com because it is Recommended Reading by the United Professional Sales Association.
Readers will discover the many expansive possibilities generally not seen by the novice entrepreneur in starting a business
In Cracking The Network CODE; 4 Steps To Priceless Business Relationships by progress agent Dean Lindsay, readers will discover the many expansive possibilities generally not seen by the novice entrepreneur in starting a business of their own. Cracking The Network CODE enables the mastery of many skills, going about the matter with the varying angles including: "37 Questions for Defining a Powerful Networking Plan", "9 Strategies for Opening Face-to-Face Relationships", "16 Examples of Proven Places to Network", and a great many more. Cracking The Networking CODE is particularly recommended reading for those engaged in business, sales, and marketing, as well as corporate-level management responsibility or engaged in career development.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business & Economics / Business Communication    3. Business & Economics / General    4. Business & Economics / Marketing / Direct    5. Business/Economics    6. Development - Business Development    7. Marketing - General    8. Sales & Selling - General    9. Sales & Selling - Techniques    10. Business Communication - General    11. Career Development    12. Marketing - Direct    13. Networking - General   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business communication    5. Business writing    6. Business/Economics    7. Technical Writing    8. Business & Economics / Business Communication    9. Business communication & presentation   

Reviews (1)

Good Basic Information on Improving Communication
Communicating for Results is a good primer for the student or person who wants to improve his/her communication abilities.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Communication in management    6. General    7. Speech    8. Business communication & presentation    9. Language Arts & Disciplines / Speech    10. Management & management techniques   

Editorial Review

If you pick your books by their popularity--how many and which other people are reading them--then know this about Read more

Reviews (64)

Excellent Material On Search History & Google
Extremely readable book. Good history of early seach companies like GoTo and their business models, in addition to Google

Half the Battelle's book zips! Then journalism settles in
"The Search" by John Battelle is a casual and mostly entertaining walk through the last 10 or so years of digital search, mostly but not entirely centered around the phenomenon of Google.
History of Google, Not Search Engines
Though I'm coming to a review of The Search a year too late, I can explain why. I bought the book on its release, very excited to read some good journalism about the hottest business topic of the day. I was sure that Battelle, who had been chronically his progress on the book on his own blog, would deliver. Halfway through the book (in a matter of three days - a possible sign pointing to its lack of depth) I'm realizing that this is not the case.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Computer Industry (Economic Aspects)    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. E-Commerce - General    7. E-Commerce - Internet Marketing    8. General    9. History Of Specific Companies    10. Infrastructure    11. Online Services - General    12. Business & Economics / E-Commerce / General   

Editorial Review

Jack Griffin argues that it's vital to sell yourself--and your ideas--every day. In Read more

Reviews (10)

Is this a vocabulary review?
I was more interested in reading about different perspectives in the business environment, and the most effective way to communicate between different roles. I did not buy the book to memorize long lists of words and phrases - the "good" ones and the "bad" ones.
Excellent and essential book for everyone
I started teaching people to make PowerPoint presentations around 1992. Around 1995, I realized that many people were talking about themselves, so I suggested that the most important word they could use was "You." In 2003, I realized that people who wanted to be accepted by their audience should use the word "We." And then I picked up this book and read that the the three most important words in a business person's vocabulary were "we," "us," and "our." And that was on page eleven. At that point I was sold.
Good ideas for the tongue-tied.
This is an excellent book for anyone who thinks of the right response about three days too late.This book also provides a good framework on which to base verbal communication.It is especially useful for anyone that is shy, non-assertive, non-confrontational, or simply wants to put forth a professional image.I use it as an example in my Customer Service and Career Search classes and the students love it!Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business communication    5. Business/Economics    6. Communication    7. Communication in organizations    8. Oral communication    9. Business communication & presentation    10. Language Arts & Disciplines / Communication   

Reviews (2)

Great for beginners and experts alike!
This book is great for people of all ages and experience levels! It combines the information from Robert's Rules of Order with the author's own tips to deliver one of the world's best reference materials. It presensts strategies for using each motion and gives examples that make writing a meeting script much easier!...

Robert's Rules of Order Simplified and Applied
I used this book extensively this year.It is extremely easy to use and follow.When my other copy and edition failed me, this edition was always useful.The index in the back makes it very easy to find exactly what point of order you are looking for.Also, the book gives real life,present day examples.I highly recommend this version of an old standby. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dictionaries - General    2. General    3. Parliamentary practice    4. Reference    5. Rules of Order    6. Institutions & organizations: general    7. Reference / Dictionaries    8. Reference works   

Reviews (8)

Watch out troublemakers!
This book has it all.Good sound advice for dealing with all those Pain in the a*#!I wished I'd had this book years ago ...it would have saved me from many sleepless nights.It has given me the tools to identify and overcome the many challenges of corporate life.

A Great Reference Book To Keep In Your Business At All Times!!!
How many of us have worked with people who drive us crazy--many of us.
This Book Saved My Sanity (and my job)
I had seriously thought about quitting my job because I work with every personality in the book. The level of stress I was under having to deal with these people nearly drove me to quit.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Life - General    5. Business/Economics    6. Industrial Psychology    7. Interpersonal Relations    8. Interpersonal communication    9. Personal Growth - Success    10. Psychology, Industrial    11. Workplace Culture    12. Business & Economics / Business Communication    13. Popular psychology   

Reviews (1)

An excellent primer for facilitating group work
For people who lead and/or work in groups, this is a terrific little how-to book, practical and readable.I sit on a number of non-profit boards, and I've given it as a gift to all my board members to help us have more effective meetings. I also gave it to everyone in my department -- the book's advice on groundrules and agenda-building has helped us cut our meeting times in half.The book is so well-organized that I can take it into meetings with me and access information and tips quickly and easily.It doesn't load the reader down with theory and jargon.I'm an experienced meeting-manager, and I've read lots more advanced books on the topic, but I still like The Compleat Facilitator the best of all the facilitation books I own -- it's just so useful! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business    2. Business & Economics    3. Business & Economics / Business Communication    4. Business Communication - General    5. Facilitated communication    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Work groups    8. Communication in management    9. Group facilitation    10. Meetings    11. Teams in the workplace   

Reviews (11)

A Great Resource for the Service-minded Process Analyst
I cannot say enough about this book - I first read it a few years ago and gave my copy to a client.I re-purchased the book last year and read it for the third or fourth time and it only gets better.Don't hesitate to buy any ofMichael George's books, as he has a very fluid writing style that makes very technical subjects very interesting and entertaining.
Efficient Consistent Services - No LongerImpossible
Until lately it was generally accepted that services should be less efficient, less consistent and more wasteful than production type operations.
Solid, heady stuff
Lean Six Sigma defends the doubtful proposition that higher quality, higher speed and lower costs can be simultaneously designed into the key business processes of any company. The focus of this book is service companies, though many examples are from manufacturing companies. The author elegantly makes the argument; but adds a great deal of content that is more-or-less a technical HOW TO manual for doing Lean Six Sigma in the reader's own service organization. If you are more of a philosopher than an engineer, these passages may make you impatient. If you're an engineer, you will almost certainly want the companion handbook that the author has also published, focusing on the analytical tools. Through his very logical, thorough, precise and methodical narrative, the author transforms a doubtful proposition into an arguable one. Given the importance of the goal, that's a major accomplishment and well worth your devoted attention. It will have to be devoted, rather than casual, because the book is rather too long for philosophers like me. I learned more than I needed to know. Most of that length is for left brain people who are needed to implement Lean Six Sigma for Service. However, the right brain reader can get nicely grounded thanks to this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Management - General    6. Manufacturing    7. Production Engineering    8. Quality Control    9. Service Industries Management    10. Service industries    11. Six Sigma (Quality control sta    12. Six Sigma (Quality control standard)    13. Statistical methods    14. Business & Economics / Management    15. Production & quality control management   

Reviews (12)

First Impressions
If first impressions are lasting impressions, the points made in this book should last a lifetime for its readers.
Thin
I like reading "How-to" books.So obviously I couldn't miss this one.As far as I liked what was inside, the problem is that there wasn't much of it.The book is extremely thin and for that reason I cannot give it 5 stars.Out of other "how-to" books my favorite are "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegi and especially"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi

***
Simple advice, but that's often the best kind. I've been told I'm quite socially adept, so I read this book mainly because I liked Brian Tracy's other books, and this had a few helpful pointers I hadn't considered before. I do think the authors put a land mine near the beginning of the book by holding Bill Clinton as an example of a charmer worth emulating!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, but I've read Christopher Hitchens' paperback edition of NO ONE LEFT TO LIE TO that includes the chapter about Clinton's history of rape. So Clinton is very arguably a sociopath and so right off the book gives the impression of perhaps being a guide for snake oil salesmen, or worse. But it actually preaches being genuine for the most part. I do know people who could use this book. And heard of them. A relative of mine knows the owner of a video rental store in the heart of a very wealthy Silicon Valley neighborhood. This neighborhood is filled with computer millionaires. And these millionaires are largely computer nerds. This video shop owner was complaining that his business was doing poor. Someone told him, "This neighborhood is filled with millionaires, BUT THEY ARE ALL COMPUTER DORKS WITH NO SOCIAL SKILLS. So their love lives are nil. Stock your store with porno and your business will go through the roof." And he was right. After the owner changed his inventory, busines sky-rocketed. This video store was many of these wealthy computer nerds' main sexual outlet. Even though they were filthy rich, their love lives were zero! That shows you how important charm and social skills are toward obtaining a full life! For people like that this book would be very valuable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Charm    6. General    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Interpersonal communication    9. Interpersonal relations    10. Personal Growth - Success    11. Skills    12. Office & workplace    13. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (11)

Delivers
Unbelievable that no one taught me these principles years ago. This guy has been around a long time! Excellent, easy to read and incorporate.

speaking like churchill
This is an excellent book for speakers os any level who wish to make small yet noticeable improvements to their speaking performance. Churchill and Lincoln both mastered the skills necessary to be great speakers. The greatest secret that I took from this book is the power of the ..... PAUSE. To stand in front of a group of people saying nothing , with poise and confidence , is a skill the truly seperates great speakers from the rest.
worthwhile reading
Good book. Nevertheless the author could make it better by cutting off some of the quotes that here and there become excessive in number and extension. This is particularly true for the chapters "power wit", "power poetry" and "power line". They are tiresome -- even boring -- when prolonged beyond the necessary. This only proves that you can have too much a good thing. When it happens good becomes less good and enticing becomes exhausting.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business Communication - General    3. Business/Economics    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Public Speaking    6. Public speaking / elocution    7. Reference / General    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (35)

Easy Read.Useful Tips
This is a great book.I bought this book because I attend many work functions during the year and I find it hard to keep conversations going after the initial introduction.This book made it easier for me.I love that the book is thin and the advice is succinct.I was able to use his techniques at a black tie gala right after reading only half of the book. Even though it's a thin book, the author asks you to read one section and then go out and apply it before reading the next section.It really works.It's easier for me to start conversations now and to steer conversations to new topics when I feel like a topic is drying out.Very useful.

Very Good Basic Info
I ordered this book about 3 months ago and, as recommended in chapter one, I've been reading a chapter at a time, then trying out the suggestions. So far, with very minor changes in my behavior, I've seen very positive results.
Not perfect, but definitely good
I found this book very helpful, albeit not perfect. It is written in a somewhat academic, dry style, but once you get over that you will find the information is worthwhile. The book is short and has many facts and skills packed into it - so if you want to actually adopt or fully utilize the information, I think a good amount of independent reflection on the material is needed. One thing I enjoyed was that this book is based on actual research - not just one very sociable person's life experiences (which is the basis for other conversation books I have browsed through). Garner reveals many interesting insights into human nature, which are encouraging to the shy and socially awkward! Overall I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to learn how to speak more easily and warmly to others.
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Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Conversation And Discourse    3. Conversation analysis    4. Interpersonal Communication    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Oral communication    9. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    10. Self-Help    11. Speech    12. Communication Studies    13. Self-Help & Practical Interests    14. Self-Help / Self-Esteem