Customer Reviews

Power Phrases: The Perfect Words to Say it Right and Get the Results You Want

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book follows a very specific format: After establishing the difference between a "Power Phrase" and a "Killer Phrase," in the first few chapters, it spends each proceeding chapter dealing with a specific situation (salesmanship, managment situations) and presents lists of "Don't say this" followed by lists of "Do say this" decorated in the background with pop psychology and old fashioned motivational stories, many of which could have come off an internet e-mail chain.

The principles here aren't bad, and I suppose will be quite helpful to some, though it seemed extremely "academic" to me. Essentially, this is another "rules to live by" book with a gimmick that's promised to turn your life around. And like most of these books, some people find it helpful, while others like myself are mightily underwhelmed. To be honest, the whole process of consciously selecting "the right phrase" out of a book for a given situation seems rather artificial to me.

All and all I'd probably be more generous in this review if I'd read it casually on my own time instead of having it thrust upon me as part of a graduate level college course. For that, I expect more than this.

But for its easy readability, and practical merits, I give it a three.

Just don't pay college bookstore price for it.

No letters after my name, just an ordinary Ted. Skimmed the first time through, second time read the illustrations {in grey}, read it the third time. Now I know how "they" do "it"! Been upset with myself every time I feel I'm getting the short end of the stick, controlled, or rolled over by others. Now I can hear it coming, the key words and phrases "they" use to get their own way. So simple when you can hear "see" it coming, to think of correct words or phrases for strong responses of your own. The author does not teach "it" as a control method, but as a way of not allowing yourself to be blown over when others are trying to control you. T. D. Bound

I have always felt awkward in new situations where I have to make small talk with people I've just met. I become nervous, self-conscience and end up just putting my foot in my mouth! Well, those days of awkwardness are over! PowerPhrases gave me the tools and insider tips that make people successful conversationalists. Author Meryl Runion gives examples and hints that you read and then store away in your mind for future use. Once I read the chapter: Small Talk PowerPhrases to Break the Ice", I noticed other chapters that I needed help in: PowerPhrases for Saying "No", PowerPhrases for Negotiations, Communicating with Co-Workers, etc.-before I knew it, I'd read the whole book! I would recommend PowerPhrases to ANYONE that has ever worried about not saying the right thing. It will change your life!

A critical tool in changing your speaking/writing style is to have a comparison of what not to say vs. what to say. Ms. Runyon provides that in this book.

It's easy to read and understand and extremely practical in its approach to getting results. This book is an essential tool for anyone who wants to develop or enhance their effective communication skills.

I love this book! I have learned to communicate in a more direct, effective way. PowerPhrases(TM) gives me explicit examples of how to gt my message across without being passive, agressive or passive-agressive. I am better able to say no (or yes or maybe!) politely and firmly, and have gained control over my time and comitments. As I read the "don't say this" section, I recognized many things I had been using with my mom which never worked. Now I use positive, effective PowerPhrases and they work! As Meryl Runion says, "say what you mean, mean what you say and don't be mean when you say it."

Wow! I loved this book. I recommend this book to anyone needing to communicate more effectively (and don't we all need that). PowerPhrases! is packed with powerful ways to communicate effectively. Meryl Runion has captured the essence of honest, respectful communication. Her book is full of ideas on how to say just the right thing in tough situations. Need to manage your boss? Need to resolve a conflict but save - and even enhance - the relationship? Need to negotiate for what you want? I found all of this and more inside this book. It is easy to read, clear and full of real life examples. Thank you! This is just what I needed. I have already recommended this book to several people from Customer Service Representatives through Vice Presidents.

Most of us (especially myself) tend to ramble when we attempt to explain things. This is true when either promoting ourselves, our ideas or our products. Power Phrases teaches you how to avoid rambling and make your words more potent and concise at the same time. While it is geared somewhat towards the sales profession with chapters on negotiation and Powerphrases that sell, it is still a good book for anyone wanting to improve his skills in influence. There are parts that are a little hokey and at times I caught myself saying `yeah right.' but it is still a book you will read more than once.

Have friends waiting to borrow it when I finish.
I am using suggestions from the book and they really work!

What I like the most about this book is that Meryl's consciousness
comes through. I flipped to the back and was thrilled to see the quote from
Punditji, that PowerPhrases takes one to Silence. That's it in a nutshell.
That's what sold me on the book before I finished reading it.

Finally!! A book on the market that comes to my rescue...if only I could remember every word when I need it!!That's why I write! I can think of the perfect retort, the perfect, positive words, the humorous remark or create that spectacular, memorable moment when I write but....to remember the words when confronted with people....my mind is a blank!!! This is so frustrating and humiliating!!! I love this book! Now to tackle menopausal memory loss or disconnection.....Another winner!!!! Thank you Meryl Runion!!!.............Linda Masemore Pirrung, author of EXPLOSION IN PARIS.......EXPLOSION IN PARIS

If there is one thing I have not mastered in my life yet, it is speaking to those around me in a way that will not put them on edge - or make me look like a fool. I've had this book, "PowerPhrases," for several years, it is on my desk, and has been used as a reference many times. In work and in my personal life.

Meryl Runion's definition of a PowerPhrase says it all -- "A short colorful expression that gets results by saying what you mean, meaning what you say, and not being mean when you say it." But how do you do it? This book tells me how, and why. I've personally tried many of her principles, and they have worked! Consistently!

I've used various phrases for apologizing, for firing, for interviews, for encouraging conversation, dealing with "know-it-all" people, diffusing anger, writing important letters, giving positive reinforcement without being phoney, just to mention a few.

Anytime I have a confrontational or uncomfortable situation that needs to be addressed, Meryl Runions' books have helped me with the perfect words to say. Not only do they help me come across in a kind and professional manner, they help me to personally feel like I've said what I truly wanted to say -- without being mean or attacking in what I said. Thank you, Meryl! Keep writing!