Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"What I especially enjoyed is that this book has something for everyone. Baby boomers, Generation X'ers and Millennials will learn how best to communicate with their own and different generations. Organized individuals will appreciate the clear structure that includes tools for planning ahead, while those that prefer spontaneous conversation will be better equipped to navigate through uncharted waters. There are great tips for how to improve everything from one on one conversation to large presentations in a friendly or hostile environment. My daughter is taking a course in managerial communication at college and I would love for her professor to see and use this book. We all can become better communicators by reading How To Talk So People Listen.

This book was a pleasure to read, with numerous examples of how to conduct yourself so that people, well, listen. Hamlin draws on her experience as a trial lawyer's consultant and in television, breaking down the communication process into an examination of the motivations of the participants.

Take away only a few tips from this book, and you are bound to get better responses from anyone you talk with - by phone, by email, in person.

The only downside to the book is that as it was written in 1988 there is no mention of Internet communications. Examples and tips specific to email, instant messaging, voice over IP, etc., would have been helpful, but it's easy enough to extend the ideas and lessons to pretty much any medium.

"Between the covers of this book, Sonya Hamlin has covered everything a person needs to know about how to communicate effectively in our electronic age. Whether you're at entry level, in middle management, an entrepreneur, starting your own business, or a senior executive in a Fortune 100 boardroom, Sonya's comprehensive analysis of how we understand one another will prove indespensible to anyone who wants to get ahead."
Marcy Syms, CEO, SYMS Corp

The author has a strong background in broadcast journalism, giving her an unusual but very useful perspective on communication techniques for business. Her suggestions are practical and her examples are true to life. If you're looking for help conducting meetings, attending meetings, creating and delivering presentations, or simply trying to become more effective in informal business communication, this is an excellent place to start.

"Sonya has done it again!! Sonya Hamlin, the communicator's communicator, tells everyone what she has long taught the pros. Written in clear format and style that itself makes her point, Sonya Hamlin talks to us. As we read, we smile, we scribble notes, and, boy, do we learn, even those who thought they already knew. Insightful, wise, intensely practical, unfailingly on target and a joy to read. Bravo! A must read for anyone who works and must therefore talk."
-Heidi Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Treasury and Securities Services JP MorganChase