100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses
by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries
Here are some examples of frequently misused words from the book. Continue reading “100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses”
TED Talks Storytelling
TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks
by Akash Karia
The premise of this book is that “the best speakers on the TED stage were the ones who had mastered the art of storytelling.”
The first 30 seconds are critical. “Opening with a story is a tested and proven method for grabbing audience attention and keeping your audience mentally engaged.” Continue reading “TED Talks Storytelling”
Life’s a Pitch
Life’s a Pitch: The Essential Guide to Presentations
by Terry Ward
Terry Ward uses a broad definition of the word presentation. “Every time you want to persuade, motivate, or inspire, you are making a presentation… The spoken word is a persuasive media… If you want to move people to action, speak to them.”
“The most important aspect of being an effective presenter is your state of mind… We are talking about adopting a state of mind that is listener focused…The more you disappear into your message, the more your audience will trust and respect you… The speakers we remember most are the ones who talked to us in plain English and with sincerity and simplicity. They were authentic in their intentions to bring value to the listeners.”
A recurring theme in this book is to keep things simple and concise. “Present only information that is CORE—concise, organized, relevant, and essential—to your listener… Make it simple and easy to understand… In fact all four essential elements of communication—behavior, content, interaction, and state of mind—benefit from a focus on keeping it simple.” Continue reading “Life’s a Pitch”
Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect: How to Say It Right the First Time, Every Time
by Bill McGowan
Bill McGowan was a broadcast journalist before becoming a media coach and trainer to executives, athletes, and celebrities. This book provides guidance on preparing for media interviews, speeches, conference panels, wedding toasts, eulogies, and other situations.
The Seven Principles of Persuasion are the foundation. Continue reading “Pitch Perfect”
Planner Pet Peeves and Supplier Pet Peeves
Planner Pet Peeves: Straight talk for meetings industry suppliers; how planners really think, act, and buy
Supplier Pet Peeves: Straight talk for meetings industry planners; what suppliers really think about how we behave
by Shawna Suckow
This is a unique pair of books aimed at educating buyers and sellers in the event industry about how they can work more efficiently with each other. Understanding the other side of the business helps to avoid conflict and streamline communications. Shawna Suckow has surveyed senior meeting planners and suppliers to uncover their biggest frustrations. Continue reading “Planner Pet Peeves and Supplier Pet Peeves”
The Lost Art of General Management
The Lost Art of General Management
by Rob Waite
In The Lost Art of General Management, Rob Waite shares practical insights from his career as a hands-on general manager for various building materials manufacturers in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Europe. Like a good executive communicator, he gets straight to the point.
Waite contends today’s managers have become functionally myopic. A general manager needs to take a broader view, while understanding how the company makes its money and how its customers make money. Continue reading “The Lost Art of General Management”
The Articulate Executive in Action
The Articulate Executive in Action
by Granville N. Toogood
This book is about the importance of communication skills in business, with a particular emphasis on meetings and presentations. “If you’re not competent with language, you’re not likely to connect, no matter how smart you are.” The main theme is what Toogood calls communication value added (CVA), of which there are seven principles: “Never bore. Give value. Rule your PowerPoint—don’t let it rule you. Talk from experience. Know whom you’re talking to. Tell stories. And be ready.” Continue reading “The Articulate Executive in Action”
Words That Work
Words That Work: It’s not what you say, it’s what people hear
By Dr. Frank Luntz
Frank Luntz is a communication strategist for corporate and political clients. Although he’s done a lot of work for Republicans (including the Contract with America) this is not a book about political ideology. It’s about persuasive communication in political campaigns, product marketing, and labor disputes.
Words that work do not happen by chance. Luntz uses market research techniques (polls, focus groups, dial sessions) to test how audiences respond. Continue reading “Words That Work”
