Listen. Write. Present.: The Elements for Communicating Science and Technology [Paperback]

Stephanie Roberson Barnard (Author), Deborah St James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 24, 2012

Even the best ideas have little value if they are not explained clearly, concisely, and convincingly to others. Scientists, engineers, health care professionals, and technology specialists become leaders in their fields not just by way of discovery, but by communication. In this essential book, two seasoned communication consultants offer specific, focused advice to help professionals develop, improve, and polish their interpersonal communication, writing, and presentation skills. The authors explain exactly how to manage multiple projects and interactions, collaborate with colleagues and others, gain support for ideas through presentations and proposals, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I have found it difficult to find a book that helps students gain the professional and interpersonal skills they need in a scientific discipline.  Listen. Write. Present. is that book.”—Tim Marks, Campbell University

(Tim Marks 20110624)

"Success in the complex fields of technology and finance depends on communicating clearly and confidently to a variety of audiences. This book is a must-read for students and professionals alike."—Mark Kritzman, President, Windham Capital Management and Member of the MIT faculty

(Mark Kritzman 20110628)

"A timely, practical and concise guide providing insights to improving one’s communication skills.  This is an essential read for everyone in the profession of pharmacy (students, faculty, practitioners) who desire to communicate more effectively."—Alan Hanson, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy

(Alan Hanson 20110706)

"Like other great books you can open this text to any page and learn something of value. Communication today is fast and furious, and most effective when you follow the rules. I plan to recommend this book to my graduate students and colleagues alike."—Dr. Tom Holmes, Director of Pharmaceutical Science Programs, Campbell University

(Tom Holmes 20110706)

“So often we are judged not by what we know, but by what people think we know based on our presentations and our ability to communicate. This lovely book will serve the tyro and the pro alike. It will be on my bookshelf.”—Abraham Verghese MD, author of Cutting for Stone and Professor of Medicine, Stanford University

(Abraham Verghese 20110711)

"Information Technology offers a global pool of talented professionals or “geeks.” The definition of “geek” perhaps is an IT professional who has not had the benefit of this insightful book on how to make the transformation. Seasoned veteran or beginner, the book is a great read!"—Tom Conway, Vice President, IBM Global Technology Services

(Tom Conway 20110711)

“As a corporate lawyer at one of the world’s leading science and technology hubs, this book is a must-read for my client base.”—James Forrest, Corporate Attorney

(James Forrest 20110712)

"With its engaging, conversational style, this little book is an important, new resource for its intended readers, who seldom receive academic training in communication skills."—Michele Vivirito, Fellow of the American Medical Writers Association

(Michele Vivirito 20110712)

"This book is a perfect tool for pharmacists who recognize how critical communication skills are in practice.  Short on theory and long on practicality, it is a great how-to guide for delivering your message."—Susan Cantrell, Director, North America, Drug Information Association

(Susan Cantrell 20110714)

“This practical guide is the result of leading thousands of engaging seminars for physician and scientists across the United States. St James and Barnard have condensed the information, emphasized the best of it, and have put in one efficient volume equivalent of a Master’s degree in professional and interpersonal communication.”—Paul Casella, MFA, co-author of Writing, Speaking, and Communication Skills for Health Care Professionals

(Paul Casella 20110719)

"A facile, user-friendly tool replete with raison d'être, "how-to" insights, and pragmatic wisdom that guides, encourages, and informs the acquisition of real capacities in this most vital of skill sets."—Rusty Stephens, President, Wilson Community College

(Rusty Stephens 20110815)

“This lovely book . . . is one that you will read from cover to cover. . . . Sound, common sense advice. . . .  It is a book that all medical writers and presenters should have in their libraries.”—AMWA Journal

(American Medical Writers Association Journal )

About the Author

Stephanie Roberson Barnard is a communication consultant, Business Image Consulting. She lives in Wilson, NC. Deborah St James is deputy director, Publications and Scientific Communications, Grifols Center for Science and Education. She lives in Raleigh, NC. The authors have extensive experience in training biomedical, scientific, pharmaceutical, and technology professionals to communicate effectively. They are co-authors of Writing, Speaking, and Communication Skills for Health Professionals, published by Yale University Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (January 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300176279
• ISBN-13: 978-0300176278
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #677,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Toolkit for Business Communication December 29, 2011

By C. Williford

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If there are certain basic tools that every homeowner must have, then this book is that same essential toolkit for those in the business world. Though a short book at less than 200 pages, "Listen. Write. Present." is packed with common sense, practical tips that everyone should know. Alas, the problem with "common sense" is that all to often what should be common is not. That is where this book comes in.

"Listen. Write. Present." serves as an instruction manual guiding readers through the mechanics of how to convey a concise, comprehensible message. The steps prescribed by the authors build upon one another in a comprehensive but not overwhelming way.

The authors deftly tackle stylistic (use left block style vs. justified), grammatical (use of quotation marks with other punctuation), and interpersonal communication issues (be an active listener). In essence, the book serves as a "communications golden rule" (teaching the reader to communicate with others as they would have other communicate with them).

This is not a "one and done," sit on the bookshelf book. Rather this is a great reference that managers and leaders should distribute throughout their organizations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, useful tips May 19, 2013

By P Kienle

Format:Paperback

Listen. Write. Present. is full of practical tips and approaches to make your discussions and presentations captivating to the audience. You can open the book to any page or chapter and find useful information. I have recommended it to many new pharmacy, nursing, and medical practitioners as a review of their skills and a roadmap for their presentations to professional audiences.

1.0 out of 5 stars Good Ole' Girls Club May 14, 2013

By Cynthia A. Gardner

Format:Paperback

This is one of the worst books that I have ever read. The author's state why they are qualified to write the book. I would not be bragging. It lacks focus and has a boring writing style. There are six chapters that are not broken down into subtopics. I read the first two chapters and attempted the third before telling myself that I do not want to waste any more time. They tried to combine a book about writing with grammar style tips, listening, and presenting. They would have been better off had they chosen just one of those topics and done a good job. I am glad that I requested it through the Interlibrary Loan Department. Run the other way and don't look back!