How to Talk So People Listen: The Real Key to Job Success [Paperback]

Sonya B. Hamlin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1989

Whether making a presentation or dealing one on one, interacting at a meeting or just answering questions, do others listen when you talk? This book explains how to communicate successfully so people listen, understand, and are persuaded. It is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of communicating in the workplace and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Author of What Makes Juries Listen, Emmy winner for her Boston TV talk show, Hamlin here presents a variety of techniques and approaches to promote job success. In a breezy, informal discourse, she begins with a differentiation of three basic work personalities"achievers, affiliators and influencers." Suggesting ways that each of these types may conduct a conference, ask for a raise, lobby a client, solicit a would-be employer, Hamlin provides guidelines, insights and advice that are patently useful. There are many innovative strategies for the neophyte public speaker, for example, and for making presentations both verbal and visual. This is a compendium of tested techniques that can help readers to improve communication on the job and elsewhere. 30,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"How to Talk So People Listen is an invaluable guide to communicating simply and well in virtually any setting....essential to developing an effective management style....Sonya can write as she speaks: clearly and concisely." -- James W. Walker, Jr., General Counsel, CIGNA Corporation

"Sonya's book offers both insight into the communication/negotiation process and helpful, clearly illustrated examples on how to impove the prospects for success both for the knowledgeable practitioner and those just embarking upon their career. I recommend it to both." -- Chris G. Andersen, Vice Chairman, Paine Weber, Inc.

"This book should be read by everyone. There is an art to success: listening. No one articulates and reveals this secret more than Sonya. She is an expert in the field." -- Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill, Jr., Former Speaker of the House of Representatives

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (March 22, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060915730
• ISBN-13: 978-0060915735
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 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 

Steve Kraner - See all my reviews

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

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.