Eureka!: Discover and Enjoy the Hidden Power of the English Language [Paperback]

Walker Royce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2011

English has more than a quarter-million words. We have many, many options for word selections, sentence structures and paragraph styles. So much opportunity to be creative. So many alternatives to fine-tune your thoughts. So many opportunities to go astray.
English is a wonderfully diverse language. If you ask fifty different people to describe an object, an event, or an idea, you will get fifty different perspectives, each articulated with distinct words and style. There are no absolutes -- no best writer, best speaker, best style -- and no best words. However, there are patterns and principles of English usage that are generally persuasive, and misusage patterns that are generally ineffective.
Diversity of thought and communications are critical to teamwork, to achievement in the workplace, to teaching, learning, and parenting, and to growing our networks of friends and family. The perspective from which you attack a problem, tell a story, listen to someone else’s position, or write a message is important to understanding the solution, the moral, or the point. If you are capable of looking, reasoning, and hearing different perspectives, you can be far more effective at communicating and achieving progress in most endeavors.
"Eureka!" illuminates the communications power, the amusement, and the oddities to be found in the English language. Instead of highlighting all the mechanics and hairball rules of English, Walker Royce leads you through an educational and entertaining workout of your English knowledge and skills. Provocative insights into high stakes communications like speaking, coaching, selling, interviewing and romance are mixed with English language trivia, humorous anecdotes, and unique puzzles. This unique perspective will transform you into a better listener, writer, speaker and teammate, and it will stimulate some deeper self-observation -- a catalyst for improving your own communications proficiency.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

"Eureka!"  illuminates the oddities, the amusement, and the communications power to be found in the English language. Instead of highlighting all the mechanics and hairball rules of English, Walker Royce leads you through an educational and entertaining workout of your English knowledge and skills. Provocative insights into high stakes communications like speaking, coaching, selling, interviewing, and even romance are mixed with English language trivia, humorous anecdotes, and unique puzzles. His inspiring perspective will transform you into a better listener, writer, speaker, and teammate, and it will stimulate some deeper self-observation--a catalyst for improving your own communications proficiency.

About the Author

Walker Royce is an internationally renowned IBM executive and author of two books on software management. For more than 30 years, he has coached business leaders and technical practitioners in high-stakes innovations. He knows what it takes to communicate effectively, and he has a rare knack for observing communications styles and sharing the wonders of English with others. Deep down inside he is a language nut.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Morgan James Publishing (June 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600379443
• ISBN-13: 978-1600379444
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,469,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Author Biography: Walker Royce is an author, a mentor, a thought leader, and an executive at IBM. For more than 30 years, he has coached business leaders and professional teams in high-stakes innovations. He knows what it takes to connect with audiences and individuals, and he has a rare knack for observing communications styles. Deep down he's a language nut, a puzzle whiz, and a coach.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very pleasant surprise, June 27, 2011

By 

rle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eureka!: Discover and Enjoy the Hidden Power of the English Language (Paperback)

I was recommended this book by a friend and very glad I got it. This book is a real gem---it has everything from mind-bending puzzles, humorous discussions about the use of the English language, and very valuable and practical thoughts about management, presenting ideas and leadership. The section on Interviews is a must read for anyone participates in the interview process either as interviewer or interviewee. I had my college-age daughter read it as she is in the process of trying to get internships. Royce imparts some great wisdom that helped her prepare for the interviews.

Parts of the book hit close to home (like my habit of using parentheses too much) and thanks to the author, I now have a list of words I need to eliminate from my vocabulary since I now know they are not words at all! If you are a puzzle lover you will be treated some mind benders you have probably never experienced. My average scrabble score has gone up a few points thanks to two very small but powerful words tucked away in the last chapter.

More than anything though, this is one of those books that you always will want to keep within arms length---on the coffee table, in the briefcase, or that someplace special where you spend time every day. No matter where you enter the book, there is some gem of an idea or whacky observation that will give you a good chuckle (I never stopped to think that a building could burn up or burn down and the result is the same). The breadth of the book is amazing. Actually, IMHO this is like the very precise thing I was looking for in the cacophony of books out there (that will be like nails scratching a chalkboard to the author). I am very gruntled with this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful and entertaining book on the English language, June 25, 2011

By 

Thomas Capers Jones - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eureka!: Discover and Enjoy the Hidden Power of the English Language (Paperback)

This is a different genre for the author Walker Royce whose other book in on the economics of iterative software development. This new book, published quite recently, covers a pretty wide range of topics about English and its use in a variety of contexts.

Part of the book is interesting and amusing when it deals with puns, synonyms, oxymorons, and unusual words and curious word combinations. But the book also has a more serious theme. It has a great deal to say about the most effective methods of presenting ideas in words for technical writers, for marketing teams, and for effective group communication.

In a sense this book resembles Pirsig's famous book on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. In other words the surface of the book is entertaining, but there are deeper messages that make the book important. A number of companies might find Walker's book very useful for training employees in the essence of effective business communication.

For those who enjoy using English well, Walker's book would be a good companion to H.L Mencken's book on The American Language.

Capers Jones

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For All!, July 21, 2011

By 

Tyler Fruneaux - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eureka!: Discover and Enjoy the Hidden Power of the English Language (Paperback)

I became familiar with the puzzles in this book through Geocaching. The puzzles presented on the website were challenging and addicting. The author had informed me of his website and this book, and I became interested in what it might hold in store. I obtained a copy of Eureka and began the wild adventure. Royce expertly traverses through many different topics, ranging from the nitty gritty of the English language to characterization of personalities to interviewing skills to romance. This book provided insight to me in many of the chapters and will certainly help me become a more effective communicator. It contains numerous life lessons that should be taken to heart and practiced throughout life. This book has terrific opportunities for application too: solving mind stimulating puzzles with friends and family, knowing how to better communicate with and handle other people, using various exercises as icebreakers for business. The list goes on. The puzzles scattered throughout the book will undoubtedly provide me with countless hours of entertainment, and are definitely something my friends and family will appreciate. Eureka has given me an enhanced outlook on communication and the English language - one that I will cherish and notice constantly now that it has pointed out to me. Reading this book has been an invaluable experience that I would easily recommend to anyone and everyone interested.