How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Everything-and I'm about to tell you about it..." (more)
Key Phrases: message visual, Pre-Think Chart, Long Shot, Medium Shot (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

At a time when it's harder than ever to get and keep people's attention, we could all use some help. Enter Sonya Hamlin, author of the now classic How to Talk So People Listen (1988), and one of the country's leading communication experts. In this revised and updated edition, Sonya Hamlin, arguably America's leading communication expert, shows us how to successfully capture people's attention so that they listen, understand, and are persuaded by your message –– especially in the plugged–in, fast–paced, visually–driven atmosphere that is today's workplace.

Whether making a presentation to a large audience or dealing one–on–one with a client or colleague, or communicating by E–mail, Hamlin teaches us that one of the keys to making people listen is to think about and respond to what motivates them – namely, self–interest. She then provides tools to assess others' self–interest and use it to get them to listen to your message. Hamlin also explains how to capitalize on the latest visual aids we have at our disposal today. We learn to determine what information needs or lends itself to visual presentation, and how to make visuals active, so that they serve as an extension of the speaker. In HOW TO TALK SO PEOPLE LISTEN, you'll also find practical information on how to understand your audience, how to encourage your listeners to trust you, and how to be yourself when you're on the podium.

About the Author

Sonya Hamlin, an award-winning television talk-show host, consults and coaches America's Fortune 100 companies and executives including JPMorgan Chase, American Express, IBM, Lehman Brothers, Bayer Corporation, and ExxonMobil. She has taught at Oxford, the Harvard Law School, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and the MIT Sloan School of Management. Hamlin appears on network television as a communications expert and analyst and is the author of the best-selling What Makes Juries Listen TODAY.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (December 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060734078
• ISBN-13: 978-0060734077
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #278,636 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Desk Reference on the Topic of Speaking and Communication , October 2, 2007

By	Steven Kraner - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've tried to read everything written on the topic of speaking and communication skills, since I'm a professional speaker and sales trainer. I've fogotten a lot more than I have remembered, but Sonja's book is one I go back to on a regular basis. It's readable, where many are not. It's also full of sound, tactical and easy to implement advice and it covers all the bases on this topic.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide for workplace - regardless of your rank, January 26, 2006

By	Stephanie Leslie "PhD - Molecular Scientist" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace (Hardcover)

Wow-what a guide! How much more effective an employee, coworker, and supervisor I would have been in the past years had I had this manual at my side. The conversational delivery is so comfortable, and it helped me discover the places where I have been ineffectual, especially in communication complex issues. Thanks for putting into writing what so many of us need to know to be more effective in the workplace.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace, January 30, 2006

By	Neal A. Hartman "Professor" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace (Hardcover)

Sonya's book does an excellent job of identifying the different communication styles and strategies between Generation X and Y and baby boomers, all of whom are working together in today's diverse organizations. Yet the fundamental message is about the importance of face-to-face interactions and "How to Talk So People Listen" details simply and clearly the essentials of effective communication whether talking one-to-one or presenting to a room full of people. The book underscores the importance of listening and provides an outstanding section on leading successful meetings. "How to Talk So People Listen" is a practical guide for thinking strategically about a range of communication interactions. This book is a tremendous reference for anyone who values the art and skill of effective communications.