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The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work Paperback – December 1, 1999

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Suzette Haden Elgin (Author)
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4.2 out of 5 stars 40 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 340 pages
  • Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1st edition (January 19, 2000)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0735200890
  • ISBN-13: 978-0735200890
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA powerful and useful book
By A Customer on July 22, 2000
Format: Paperback
I was on a curriculum development program on the real world for graduate students and we ended up specifying this book as one of the essential parts of the program. I've since specified other Elgin books as textbooks for graduate students and have never been disappointed.
This book does have a second edition which was reviewed positively by _The Alternative_, a dispute resolution publication out of Seton Hall Law School. Extremely accessible (meaning that *real* people can read this book and use it), with insights and information that many professionals do not have.
While her best selling book is now a little dated, and is written for a very basic audience (and is a classic in psych circles), this book is written to a more educated audience, without losing its message in jargon or technical language.
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3.0 out of 5 starsNot for beginners
By Becky Blanton on February 10, 2008
Format: Paperback
This is one of half a dozen books I purchased in an attempt to deal with and understand bullying and office politics in the workplace. While the concepts and the knowledge presented are solid, the skills it takes to implement the tactics suggested are not skills the beginning bully buster or office politician has. I think someone who is already accomplished and aware of psychological principles, social skills and emotional intelligence could implement some of the suggestions, but this isn't a book you can pick up, read on break and walk away with anything that's going to change your life.

I'd consider this a text book more than a self-help book on verbal skills. The principles are real, are true and in the hands of those with the skill, intelligence and ability probably will make a world of difference in how they communicate. I think those that have that level of gamesmanship and ability already play the game well and this will help them polish their skills. Those new to office politics and semantics will give up and go on to something else or be intimidated by the layers and levels of gamesmanship that exist in the corporate world.

When I say "self-help" versus text book, I mean that "self-help" books can point out simple facts that a person can read and put into practice immediately and see some improvement. A textbook approach is something complex enough to require an outside observer who can comment and direct the learning attempt.

For instance, I have basic mechanical skills - like using a wrench, screwdriver, hammer and so on. I can read and understand basic instructions so I could read a "self-help" level book and figure out how to change my car's oil or flush the radiator in a few hours.Read more ›
3 Comments 74 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense by Suzette Elgin
By Dr. Joseph S. Maresca HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWER on October 23, 2003
Format: Paperback
This work provides a good development for constructive
argument aimed at management of confrontal modes. The author
describes classic behaviors; such as, the placater, the blamer,
the distracter and the leveler. There is a good section on
voice management which describes unifying metaphors and balanced
speech. The work describes practically every confrontation
imaginable with appropriate voice responses and body language.
This book will help you manage almost any type of confrontation
constructively. For this reason, it is well worth the price.
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4.0 out of 5 starsClear, practical and helpful.
By Susan W. Edwards on November 21, 2005
Format: Paperback
The book was clear, practical and interesting reading. The approach was structured and logical with good examples of the different ways people use words to communicate and/or manipulate. The information on how word choices affect/influence other people, and how you can respond/compensate when the effect is directed against you were helpful and effective. One review I read felt the suggested responses were flippant and provocative. I did not agree with that viewpoint after reading the book. The responses the reviewer was referring to were directed at someone who was not truly concerned with the content of what they had said, but in the reaction they were trying to provoke. Ms. Elgin said the responses (basically to respond as if the comment had been positive rather than negative) took the fun out of what was a game to them; and I have found that to be true.

The only thing I found difficult were the exercises she gave to allow you to see how intuitively you do understand these things. I understood them when she explained, and when I read her examples; but I found I couldn't effectively apply the understanding to the exercises with any certainty. I'd have loved some answer pages somewhere! Another specific exercise she gave that I found difficult had to do with the sensory modes people use in communication. I had no difficulty understanding or identifying what was being used, but when given an opportunity to take a comment using touch sensory analogies and convert them to sight or hearing . . . I found it extremely difficult. Maybe my brain works differently than hers and many who reviewed the book!Read more ›
1 Comment 24 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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4.0 out of 5 starsTurning ON the light!
By Caitlin O'Connor on March 25, 2000
Format: Paperback
Truly a book that illuminates! While reading this book, I had so many "AHA!" moments, when I recognised behavioural patterns & particularly patterns of verbal abuse which I was experiencing and not understanding.
If you feel like you're in the dark about WHY people sometimes say things or react the way they do, then read this book - and see the light.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsUseful

This has been a great reference book for me, and I shared it with a roommate of mine having problems at work. He likes it too.

Published 2 months ago by amy
4.0 out of 5 starsI enjoyed this book so much that I bought a second ...

I enjoyed this book so much that I bought a second one and gave it to a friend. It's definitely not one of those fluff self-help books.

Published 6 months ago by JeannieIngraham
5.0 out of 5 starsGood Read

My Mother in-law said this book has really helped her not only in the work lace but other places as well.

Published 10 months ago by Andrea White
3.0 out of 5 starsThree Stars

As described

Published 10 months ago by DUNDRA the best game ever
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Excellent book on learning the art of verbal self-defense.

Published 12 months ago by Beverly E Montgomery
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Excellent - excellent! Wish I had had this 50 years ago. All need to read this wonderful book!
Ginger

Published 16 months ago by V. A. Gallian
5.0 out of 5 starsgood read for many

Haven't read this yet, but looks like a good read for many.

Published 17 months ago by Mikayla
1.0 out of 5 starsGobblydeegook by someone writing outside their sphere of expertise....

Gobblydeegook by someone writing outside their sphere of expertise. Elgin is an associate professor of linguistics and studies words, their meaning, syntax, etc. Read more

Published 21 months ago by Omni Savant
5.0 out of 5 starsA great formula for communication

Elgin's Gentle Art formula is mind-shaking. Really, it is the most profound and impactful 'self-help' like thing I have ever had the pleasure of studying. Read more

Published 22 months ago by SchmidtD
5.0 out of 5 starsGood suggestions

I bought this out of curiosity and after reading it, gifted it to my sister who just recently returned to the work force. Read more

Published on February 28, 2014 by ḵaashashx̱áaw

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