Customer Reviews

Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears (Plume)

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I must admit I had low expectations when I first picked up this book. Just check the title: "Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More Than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears." Come on! That sounds a little gimmicky to me. How could one little book treat over 100 speaking problems? And what's a 60-second strategy anyway?!

The book is organized into chapters such as "My Presentation is Next Week - Help!," "Meeting Headaches," and "Awkward Moments." It's easy to look up your specific issue with catchy problem titles like "People don't think I mean business when I speak," "I've forgotten the name of someone who obviously knows me," "What if they ask a question I can't answer?," and so forth. ... I guarantee there's a problem in here (and a solution) for everyone!

As for the solutions, I think the authors call them 60-second strategies because it takes you about that long to read each one. Implementation will take far longer, of course... CAVEAT: This book does offer very practical tips for very common speech and communication problems. That said, the tips are short and sweet. Some people will want a more in-depth look at their particular speech needs.

So use this book as a springboard. It's a handy reference for anyone desiring to improve general communication skills and belongs on the shelf of any speech professional.

Everything about this book is quick to read and easy to apply. It is loaded with simple, practical tips covering angles and strategies for more than 100 communication problems. I especially like how it also covers social and performance fears that people need to address in order to communicate more effectively.

If one is looking for a comprehensive communication strategy reference, this isn't it. Instead, this is a series of short, peppy essays providing easy-to-remember, motivating advice for any speaking occasion - from formal to informal. It's smart. It's fun. It's indispensable.

For some, speaking before a large group - or even attending a small business meeting - is an overwhelming experience. Do your palms start to sweat, just thinking about it? Whether it's a job interview or a cocktail party - YOU are on-stage and in the spotlight.

At some point in our lives and careers, each one of us experiences tough situations or awkward moments. Times when we are nervous and wish we could communicate better. Who hasn't wondered: Do I talk too fast? Too slowly? Is my voice too nasal? During a meeting, do you ever think: How do I excuse myself to go to the restroom? Why does someone else always say what I was going to say? What if someone asks me a question I can't answer? What if I forget someone's name? What if I dribble salad dressing on my shirt in front of clients? Why do people always interrupt me? Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me? Am I a good listener? The office manager told me to call, but now she doesn't remember who I am! People think I'm standoffish, but I'm really shy.

Regardless of your profession, background, or level of experience, "Smart Speaking" provides an abundance of "60-Second Strategies" that will help you become more confident and a more effective communicator. (Reviewed by Marion E. Gold, author of the "Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU" and "Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command.")

From one-on-one situations to presenting before a group, from face-to-face encounters to talking on the phone, Schloff and Yudkin cover all the bases.

Sections I recommend to those who attend my networking seminars (which are designed for people who think they're too shy to network effectively) include "People Don't Think I Mean Business When I Speak"; "I Can't Remember People's Names..."; "How Do I Break Into a Group of People Talking?"; "Can I Tell Beforehand If Someone Wants to Talk to Me?"; "Some People Can Begin Conversations Anywhere: Why Can't I?"; "I Hate Small Talk"; "I'm Never Sure Whether Someone Wants to Keep Talking to Me"; "My Conversations Always Seem to Die"; "I Don't Know How to End a Conversation"; "I Hate Calling People I Don't Know"; "Is There a Quick Way to Get Rid of Nervousness?"; "I Can't Stand Having to Sell (a Product, Service, or Myself)"; "People Say I'm Standoffish, But I'm Really Shy"; and "I'm Not a Good Listener."

Written in an engaging, lively style that makes for easy reading. Recommended.

Very fun to read. SMART SPEAKING covers: "Tough Situations," "Awkward Moments," "We're Not Communicating," "Meeting Headaches," and so many more DO's and DON'Ts from a senior consultant with the Speech Improvement Company.