Reviews (14)

The summaries make it worthwhile
I bought and read the books of Tufte and Cleveland (The elements of graphing data). Tufte is pushing things too far, there are certain expectation people have about what they want to see in a graph, but his analysis of the "lie factor" is great and it's a beautiful book. Clevelands book is becoming outdated; the use of colours is really helpful and other than two glued-in pages he does not mention it at all. The analysis is cristal clear and it's full of good and bad examples. Someone ought to rework it, it's invaluable to me.
Not Very Practical
I work in finance and create many charts and graphs. I figured a book like this would help me to design them better. I was really looking for a practical guide rather than a long, rambling academic textbook, but that's how this book reads.
Good supplement to Tufte
For someone like me, a programmer interested in creating better user interfaces, this is a really good book. I have no formal training in creating better visual displays, and this book has helped me understand decent graph layout. I've read the Tufte books, and while I really like them, they are often more qualitative than quantitative (no pun intended) in their descriptions. This book spells out how to make a good table based on the type of data, the number of fields being used, the relationship of the fields, etc. It's very hands on and very usable. My one complaint is I think he strays too far in to the cognitive aspect of how we see and understand data than he needs to given the focus of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business Communication - General    3. Business Research    4. Business/Economics    5. Communication In Business    6. General    7. Graphic Methods    8. Mathematics    9. Business communication & presentation    10. Mathematics / Graphic Methods   

Editorial Review

Nearly everyone responds to a good yarn, and that's precisely the point behind Read more

Reviews (48)

Timeless classic...
I am thrilled to see a second edition of Annette Simons classic book. As a group process facilitator she lays the ground work for organizational practioners and individuals alike to discover the power of stories. My work has been inspired and guided by this book. The book is short on theory and vague promises and rich in compelling examples. Annette's understanding of stories elucidates a life (organizationally and personally) richer in reflection and full of surprising intersecting connections to each other. And best of all, as the book guides us to rediscover the joy of stories it delights and entertains us along the way. Add this book to your library today and don't let it collect dust!

Great Book!
Very practical and very entertaining.This book made me think a lot about how I communicate with others!

Convincing Throughout
What is so special about The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling? It brings together three trends that have belonged together all along. First, the rebirth of the storytelling art around the developed world and the subsequent appreciation for the mental and emotional processes it unleashes. Second, the emerging realization in the business community that thriving organizations need whole persons working for them-that anything less cheats both the individual and the firm. Finally, the successes of practical psychologies in helping us achieve lasting influence through respectful relationships.You will learn a thousand secrets for influencing others in lasting ways.you will find yourself forever changed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Communication - Meetings & Presentations    5. Business/Economics    6. Folklore & Mythology - Storytelling    7. General    8. Rhetoric   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Communication    4. Communication, International    5. Intercultural communication    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. United States    10. Communication Studies    11. Interdisciplinary Studies    12. Language Arts & Disciplines / Communication    13. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business communication    5. Business report writing    6. Business/Economics    7. Commercial correspondence    8. Communication In Business    9. Leadership    10. Skills    11. Business & Economics / Business Communication    12. Business communication & presentation   

Reviews (4)

my favorite reference
I really like this book. it not only helps answer thing but makes suggestion and gives real world scenerios at end of a chapter. I use it mostly for a reference tool as chapters 1-11 pertain to CR XI report creation part, which is what I need refresh on the most. I do wish there was a good tool book that gave more on crystal syntax if anyone knows please email me, but this book helps get me thinking on the right track.
A Solid Reference - But Poorly Organized
This is a solid book and a worthwhile reference.Unfortunately, the content organization is somewhat confusing--and the sheer size of the book makes it fairly difficult to find what you're looking for.
Did not answer my question.
I purchased this book with the hope of figuring out how to produce a table of contents. Since database publishing tools are no longer produced I was trying reproduce the effect in Crystal Reports. I have 18 years experience using the Oracle Reporting tools and know how to produce what I need, however Oracle will no longer be supporting it's report toolset. There is an article on the Business Objects knowledge base on how to do this but it is written for SQL Sever and not Oracle. I was hoping that this book would go into this real world situation, it does not. I have also gone to the book's web site and asked for help, but no reply after 2 weeks.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Writing    5. Business report writing    6. Business/Economics    7. Computer Books: Database    8. Computer programs    9. Database Management - General    10. Microcomputer Database Management Software    11. Seagate Crystal reports    12. Written Communication In Business    13. Computer Software Packages    14. Computers / Database Management / General   

Reviews (3)

Good Book
I liked this book and it does help with expressing my opinion in a professional manner especially during a staff meeting, where there are always a few critics.But, I like the other book I bought along with it better: "The Power of Positive Confrontation"....because it had a lot more information in terms of how to confront people in every imaginable scenario, whether work, life or home.

A portable behavior coach
Being a passive personality, I went looking for some kind of guidance after a recent confrontation. It goes through many basic terms and concepts of human relationships and behavior. The author wants us to understand assertiveness before trying to put new ways of thinking into practice. The important part of the author's lesson is reminding us that assertiveness is part of a person's behavior but is not the person. It builds up to the ten steps of preparing for a confrontation. The written exercises are useful, the diagrams and check boxes not so much. Some terms were basic but many times when things are not working right, we have to be reminded of the basics. Personally, I would not choose to use the assertiveness scorecards in my regular day-to-day routine. It goes over what a DESO script, Describe, Express, Script, Outcome; could mean to anybody's personal and work relationships. How one can change a few steps in giving criticism to create positive feedback. The Assertiveness workbook makes you take a breath, and think before speaking. Clear, easy-to-read, straight-to-the-point chapters are there to help when needed.

A practical Book
This book was easy to read, easy to understand and very easy to apply immediately to life circumstances.I particularly found useful the chart of behaviors and the aspects of appearance very well written, vivid and clear.This book was full of accurate user friendly information that anyone would be able to apply in their lives whatever their circumstance or job. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business Communication - General    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Social Psychology    7. Coping with personal problems    8. Popular psychology   

Reviews (1)

How to motivate people
The person who reads this book will be the most likely to succeed in any endevor where other people are involved.The ability to mirror someone's behavior and thus earn their confidence and trust is the skill that the reader will gain, if they take the concepts in this book to heart.All of the interpersonal skills a person has accumulated come together when applying the concepts of 'versitility'.It is the morter that holds everything together.Read the book that lays the foundation for all human behavior techniques and you will be able to effectivly motivate others to reach THEIR potential and help YOU get what you want. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Fashion/Image    3. Human behavior    4. Human relations    5. Interpersonal relations    6. Management - General    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Personality    9. Social psychology    10. Business & Economics / Management Science   

Reviews (17)

Good Resource for All
My publisher recommended this book as I prepared to write my second non-fiction book.I was looking for guidelines for proposal writing, and was not disappointed.I found something helpful in each of the ten proposals the Hermans chose to illustrate their guidelines. The list of elements that need to be included in any proposal, no matter the genre, convinced me I'd do well to follow their advice.I recommend this book for new authors looking for help getting their foot in a publisher's door.

Success Breeds Success
Many unpublished authors have never seen a successful book proposal that landed a book contract. In simple, straight-forward language, Jeff Herman and Deborah Herman provide would-be writers with TEN different examples of book proposals which sold--combined with their analysis of why they sold.
A Perfect Resource for Anyone Writing a Nonfiction Proposal
I recommend this book to anyone who tells me they need help with a nonfiction proposal.Literally.I can't think of a better resource on the market in terms of giving concrete examples and explaining what a proposal should accomplish, and how precisely it should be organized.A MUST for anyone looking to nail down a nonfiction proposal! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authors and publishers    2. Authorship    3. Book proposals    4. Business Communication - General    5. Composition & Creative Writing - General    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    9. Reference / Yearbooks & Annuals    10. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (5)

Essential for every marketer and sales pro
This book jumpstarts the creative juices in your head and gets you unstuck fast. I highly recommend it to you and attendees at my creative marketing and copywriting conferences.

Fantastic resource - bigger and better than ever!
I've owned this classic reference book for probably 15 years and used it continually at my desk. I recently bought the new edition to replace my tattered copy. Well worth it - the book has already repaid its cost, and then some, in a few weeks. It's much more comprehensive than the original while still easy to use. The language has a more up-to-date feel, yet the author seems to have kept the classic response-getting words and phrases that still pack a punch. Definitely worth the small investment even if you already own the old edition! Look into More Words That Sell, too - its emphasis on niche markets works nicely in conjunction with the all-purpose nature of Words That Sell.

Sometimes cliche's help
As someone who's spent more years writing copy than anyone should, I assure you these books can't make you creative, so they aren't much help with high-profile advertising. What they can do is help jump-start sentences for more prosaic marcom needs such as brochures, websites and DM letters. For that, they're handy tools...like a good wrench set for word mechanics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising    2. Advertising & Promotion    3. Advertising copy    4. Business & Economics    5. Business / Economics / Finance    6. Business Communication - General    7. Business/Economics    8. Sales    9. Sales & Selling - General    10. Terminology    11. Vocabulary    12. Word Lists    13. Written Communication In Business    14. Business & Economics / Reference   

Editorial Review

We're constantly negotiating in our lives, whether it's convincing the kids to do their homework or settling million-dollar lawsuits. For those who need help winning these battles, Roger Fisher has developed a simple and straightforward five-step system for how to behave in negotiations. Narrated soothingly by NPR announcer Bob Edwards, Fisher adds the meaty portions of the material with a sense of playfulness. The blend of voices makes this tape easy to listen to, especially the real-life negotiating scenarios, in which negotiating examples are given. This is a must-have tape for every businessperson's car. (Running time: one hour, one cassette) Read more

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (107)

Managing Conflict using Getting to Yes, what a book!
Few books stand up from the crowd when we talk about conflict and negotiation. This book does and it serves companies a great deal to make it a required reading for professionals. When I recommend this book to trainees in all my training seminars people think I am getting paidcommission from the publisher :) hmmmmmmay be I should. Combine this book with 48 laws of power and turn your engine of influence on. Add NLP on top of it and guarantee winning every reasonable deal.Conflict, Power and Influence is it !

The content of this book is sound; however
First, a testimonial.When I was three-quarters of the way through, I had a whammy of a week.On Monday I negotiated in a job interview, Tuesday I negotiated with my landlady, and Wednesday I negotiated with my manager over new job routines (the cause of my activities on Monday). I found the methods, strategies, approaches and techniques in the book IMMEDIATELY helpful in these situations.
better than expected
this book was boring at first but the real meat is close to the end.I think this book not only be used on business but also with friends.I've tried using it to talk w/ people and it works.A good read and good asset! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Fiction/Suspense Thriller    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. General    5. Negotiation    6. Personal Growth - General    7. Self-Help    8. Unabridged Audio - Business/Professional    9. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (3)

More than an academic perspective
I'm an American based in Japan and working all over Asia. I found this book to be an outstanding analysis of the relationships between Americans and their foreign colleagues or customers. real-life examples of diversity in globalized business
In the past four years, I have used Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace with over 500 community college students interested in cultural differences from a business perspective.This book provides auseful structure for thinking and talking about both the theoreticalfoundations of global diversity as well as the practical implications ofworking cross culturally - -whether from a desk in the USA or travelingand working abroad. The book is well-organized and includes thoughtfullyselected, real-life examples of cultural differences (which I, as anoverseas expatriate of 20 years can verify). The real value of the book isin these multiple examples which give readers a sense of the rich diversityof our globalized world and the importance of encountering business peoplefrom other cultures (both within the USA and abroad) with an awareness of,and sensitivity to, cultural priorities. The case study in the chapter onnegotiations with other cultures is particularly well-conceived and useful.

real-life examples of diversity in globalized business
In the past four years, I have used Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace with over 500 community college students interested in cultural differences from a business perspective.This book provides auseful structure for thinking and talking about both the theoreticalfoundations of global diversity as well as the practical implications ofworking cross culturally - -whether from a desk in the USA or travelingand working abroad. The book is well-organized and includes thoughtfullyselected, real-life examples of cultural differences (which I, as anoverseas expatriate of 20 years can verify). The real value of the book isin these multiple examples which give readers a sense of the rich diversityof our globalized world and the importance of encountering business peoplefrom other cultures (both within the USA and abroad) with an awareness of,and sensitivity to, their cultural priorities. The case study in thechapter on negotiations with other cultures is particularly well-conceivedand useful. ... 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 Business    8. Communication in management    9. Intercultural Communication    10. International business enterpr    11. International business enterprises    12. Leadership    13. Social aspects    14. Business & Economics / Business Communication    15. Business communication & presentation   

Reviews (1)

Appreciative Team Building : Positive Questions to Bring Out the Best of Your Team (Paperback)
The book was fabulous!I found it really helpful - it is conceptually right on and it is a great and useful tool - Bottom line it fires up both sides of my brain!
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Leadership    6. Organizational Behavior    7. Business & Economics / Business Communication    8. Business communication & presentation    9. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (9)

Franklin Covey Style Guide for Business and Technical Communication
This was great just what I expected.

Unfortunate
This is a wonderful reference book.Unfortunately, it embodies a politically correct communication philosophy that makes it worthless.Don't waste your money.There are better reference books out there and they don't promote a polical/social philosoply.

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

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Reference - General    6. Technical Writing   

Reviews (1)

Good information.
This is a great source of information.I am very happy with my purchase.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business English    4. Business Writing    5. Business/Economics    6. English language    7. Rhetoric    8. Business & Economics / Business Writing    9. ELT: English for business   

Reviews (2)

Hits all the high points, doesn't dumb things down.
"Essentials of Negotiation" is the popular market version of "Negotiation," which is a texbook. This one is more of a handbook for actual negotiators.The advantages of "Essentials" is that it is streamlined (making it a better intro for beginners or refresher for experienced negotiators) and less expensive.It still includes all the major topics you want to see: distributive bargaining, integrative bargaining, psychology of negotiations (including some communications tactics), ethics, and some int'l stuff.It also has a good index, making it a nice reference tool.
Best general overview of negotiation
I have done my doctoral dissertation in negotiation and have read hundred of books and articles in this subject. "Essential of Negotiation" is the best general book dealing with negotiation. Great coverage of thesubject. No doubt it is a great investment for practitioners and academics.You will not regret! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Negotiating    6. Negotiation    7. Negotiation in business    8. Business & Economics / Negotiating    9. Business negotiation   

Reviews (4)

Solid and Insightful (as expected)
Didn't get five stars because some of the articles are a little dated.Updates from a time after e-mail was invented would be helpful.Fernando Bartelome's article is worth the price of the book all by itself.

Best Comunications Book Ever!
Talk about efficive.This book has increased my comunication effictiveness 110%.The articles are very inciteful.Before I read this book my meetings went terrible.I was rarely a project lead.This book showed me how terribily incompetant I really was.The book Effective Comunications completly undressed me.Then, I let its articals dress me with confidence.People pay attention in my meetings and they are productive in a new way.

Breadth of articles that help business communication work
Though the collection of articles may at first seem sort of old (the oldest is from 1957), the content is very apropos for today. While building a Training Roadmap for our company, I found articles that I think will be extremely useful for a wide range of positions.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business communication    5. Business/Economics    6. Communication In Business    7. Entrepreneurship    8. Business communication & presentation   

Reviews (11)

Why Employees Don't Do What They're Supposed to Do and What To Do About It
Lot's of effective hands on things you can use immediately.Great use of your time & enjoyable to read as well.

I'll tell you why
When our boss showed us that he was assigned this book to read by his boss, my response was simply, "because we have a union".The company is trying to make salesmen out of technicians, and they'd like for us to think that non-participation in their new program will result in lost jobs.Too bad for them we can't be fired for not doing something that isn't outlined in the working agreement.

A common workplace question definitively answered.
The truth is that in this book, as in others expressing simple truth, the value may be in the reminder.Others who have reviewed this book seem to think that its content may be somewhat simplistic, or maybe just basic stuff.My observation is that yes, for me, much of the information in the book is basic, the ideas are not new to me, nor are the recommended responses.The fact remains that in too many work places productivity is less than optimum and is not what it might be because of the specific reasons offered in this little book.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Human Resources & Personnel Management    6. Management - General    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Personnel management    9. Supervision    10. Supervision of employees    11. Business & Economics / Management    12. Personnel & human resources management   

Reviews (2)

Use This Instead of the 7th Edition!!
If you are taking a class that calls for the 7th Edition, you can use the 6th edition of this book.Not much changed except that a few chapters were switched around.I used the 6th Edition in a class that used the 7th Edition and got an A.: )I'm sure everyone can think of a lot better ways to spend $90+!
Foundational book for conflict resolution
Easy reading, with good examples of the various types and styles of conflict management, metaphors and escalation.Upon hearing the fate of Phil Hartman, I immediately thought of this book, and how its examples may have definately helped, as it has helped me to clarify issues in my marriage.However, the book failed to incorporate enough visual demonstrations of its "hands-on" ideas such as flowcharts or other types of process charts, thus probably causing the "visual-learner" type of audience to not be able to keep track of the "how-to" process.The book was used for a Public Conflict Resolution Ph.D course, however I would recommend it for any type of college course relating to conflict management. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Conflict (Psychology)    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Interpersonal conflict    5. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    6. Personality    7. Psychology    8. Speech    9. Communication Studies    10. Education / Students & Student Life    11. Management & management techniques    12. Violence in society   

Reviews (1)

good communication book
I bought this at Amazon.com from an Awesome Deal I found on DailyTool.com. This is a great book on communication theories. Also with the book you will have access to online learning center where you may find the chapter outlines and quizes over there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Communication in small groups    2. Discussion    3. Group problem solving    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Psychology    8. Small groups    9. Speech    10. Communication Studies    11. Language Arts & Disciplines / Speech    12. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (10)

PHRASES THAT SELL
This book is a great asset and reference for students in my role as an educator / lecturer in marketing

Great Copy-Writing Resource
This book is a great copy-writing resource because it provides a comprehensive thesaurus of phrases that fits various client objectives.
Great
The reason why this book is good is that it becomes the basis of the book you should write yourself.What I did is start with this and then add my own phrases and words as I went along in my job. The book I have now is about 50% my own terminology. Don't fall for the negative reviews - if you want to reinvent the wheel then go ahead.But take it from me, as a starting point, this book IS worth it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising    2. Advertising & Promotion    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Communication In Business    7. English language    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Language    10. Marketing - General    11. Sales & Selling - General    12. Slogans    13. Terms and phrases    14. Business & Economics / Business Communication    15. Sales & marketing    16. Writing & editing guides    17. Writing skills