Customer Reviews

The Elements of Expression: Putting Thoughts Into Words

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Believe it or not I keep this book by my bed and enjoy reading the anecdotes over and over. The book is fun and a helpful tool if you are new to public speaking. Plotnik is a wordsmith who loves what he writes about. Sure, if you want a pedantic, academic, in depth, boring, "The Bible" of editing, writing, and grammar you should buy the Chicago Manual of Style. If you want to have fun with a good coaching on expressiveness this book will help. I know it made me change the way I did any public speaking. Plotnik made me analyze my speeches, and now I am aware of the sins which could make my speeches stink. Plotnik's sense of humor is a treat in the world of serious-language-salad-tossers, and he doesn't hold back any punches. In addition, his book entitled, Elements of Authorship, is one of the most depressing books I've ever read, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in writing. We mortals need all the help we can get to embrace expressive communication. Like spitting in the ocean; every little bit helps.

The Elements of Expression is a rarity--a book on language that's actually fun to read. If you're a words person, you should glom onto this book. Plotnik illustrates expressive writing and conversation with examples from Shakespeare to Don Johnson. There are two especially pithy chapters: "Grammar and Other Night Sweats" and "Make My Day: The Power of Tough Talk." The book concludes with a witty and original discussion of expressiveness in cyberspace--it's as fresh as today

I am an Asian who came to this country when I was 25 for a Ph.D. in science and I am in my late 30's. All these years I took my horrible English for granted --awkward, lifeless and monotone. This book was a positive answer after a long search for a solution and finally my English made a much needed quantum leap. Great book!

Reading the great quotations, the thesaurus, or anything else that features vivid expression is valuable advice. It almost makes up for the book's two fatal flaws. First, "Elements" is jokey, sophomoric, and superficial in too many places. Second, the book's main prescriptions are neither summarized for ready reference nor linked to any underlying principles of good composition. Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" is more systematic and a better choice for my money.