How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, & Get What You Want [Paperback]

Meryl Runion (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2003

Easy-to-master techniques for more effective communications in all areas of life

In this breakthrough guide, communication guru Meryl Runion explains why effective communication is more than just a business tool. It is also the key to happier, healthier relationships, and greater personal fulfillment and business success. In How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, & Get What You Want she introduces readers to the concept of power phrases--short, focused expressions that let people be direct and to the point without seeming brusque or nasty. In clear, down-to-earth language, illustrated with numerous vignettes and real-world examples, Runion teaches readers how to:

• Say what needs to be said without fear of misinterpretation or creating negative emotional responses
• Master six basic methods for crafting power phrases for any setting and every social, professional, or interpersonal situation

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Did you ever want to shake someone and ask, "Why didn’t you say anything?" They might have responded, "I didn’t want to hurt your feelings"’ or, "No one else was saying anything", or "I didn’t know what to say". Perhaps they said, "I didn’t want to be a tattle tale" or "You’re the boss and I didn’t think it was appropriate", "I don‘t like discussing things like that" or "I figured you knew".

Who cares why no one spoke the Simple Truth if you just lost your best employee, friend or customer because no one told you something essential? There is no comfort in knowing why someone stayed silent if you did something foolish, if someone you trust was robbing you blind or if you made a wrong decision, and someone knew and didn’t say anything.

Staying silent is so common we often do not realize there is another way. That is why PowerPhrases are essential. They provide the words to say what needs to be said. Failure happens one Poison Phrase at a time. Success happens one PowerPhrase at a time. I invite you to stand up, power up and SpeakStrong.

From the Back Cover

Get to the point! Learn how to use Power Phrases to say what you mean...and get what you want.

If you have ever walked away from a situation because you didn't know what to say, or you didn't know what to say but you spoke anyway, you know about all the stress, confusion, wasted time, missed opportunities, and hurt feelings you could have avoided if only you'd said the right thing at the right time.

Now internationally acclaimed executive coach and communication guru Meryl Runion introduces you to a powerful, easy-to-master communication technology that lets you say what you mean, mean what you say, and get what you want--at home, in the office, and in every social and interpersonal setting. In a lively narrative, crackling with wry wit and loving observations of people and their foibles, Runion teaches you six basic methods for crafting Power Phrases--short, focused expressions that are direct and to the point without seeming brusque or nasty. Once you've masterd the art of using PowerPhrases there is no limit to what you can accomplish. In no time you'll be wielding Power Phrases and you will:

• Learn a new language that will open up honest dialogue instantly
• Confidently say what needs to be said without fear of misinterpretation or negative emotional responses
• Resolve sensitive situations quickly and effectively
• Avoid being taken advantage of, ignored, passed over, or undervalued
• Communicate your needs and desires and get the results you want
• Nip harassment in the bud

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; PowerPhrases! Expanded edition (December 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071424857
• ISBN-13: 978-0071424851
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Meryl Runion, CSP is a certified speaking professional and the author of more than six books about powerful communication that have sold over a quarter million copies worldwide. Her clients include companies such as IBM, associations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals and agencies such as the IRS and the FBI.

Runion says she is a recovered passive who "had enough staying silent" and became "a woman on a mission to learn to say things in pleasantly powerful ways." Training and writing about the Speak Strong Method, Runion empowers people to "say what they mean, mean what they say, and not be mean when they say it."

Meryl Runion lives in Cascade, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The basics of good communication skills, January 14, 2004

By 

Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, & Get What You Want (Paperback)

Although the title might lead you to think this is a book on creating the correct powerful phrases to improve your writing that is not what the book is about. This is a book about oral communication and how to express yourself in a manner that is non-confrontational and yet lets the other person know what you think. Meryl Runion discusses phrases that kill and cause the recipient to lose respect for you and your message as well as positive phrases to express yourself. She devotes a chapter each to various situations where power phrases could be used. Examples of some of those situations include using them to perfect a connection, to say what you think, to say what you feel, to make powerful requests, to refuse what you don't want, to get people to open up, to apologize without groveling, to respond to unkind criticism, to handle angry persons, to express anger, to handle disagreements, and to address issues. "How to Use Power Phrases" is a book on verbal communication and responding appropriately to various situations and is a recommended read.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful!, January 18, 2004

By 

Cindi Myers (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, & Get What You Want (Paperback)

I love it! It's immediately practical and useful. I learned how to respond to my critical boss, assertively address a backstabber, and most importantly, convey my anger and disappointment without blamin the other person. That lesson alone was worth way more than the price of the book. What a value! I'm using what I learned in this book every day.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic and highly recommended!, January 7, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, & Get What You Want (Paperback)

For anyone who has ever searched for words, or came up with the "right" thing to say fifteen minutes too late, this book is for you. The author, Meryl Runion, gives excellent advice that can be used with a variety of situations. I have tried the "Power Phrases" and they work! It is amazing what kind of results you can get when you know how to get your point across and our confident in your ability to communicate. That is exactly what this book teaches you. I think the book is particularly important for anyone who wants to learn how to be more effective and assertive. This book promises what it delivers - that you'll learn how to say what you mean, mean what you say, and get what you want - and then some. Highly recommended reading! The book would also make a wonderful and highly useful gift.