"I Wish I'd Said That!": How to Talk Your Way Out of Trouble and Into Success (Paperback)

by Linda McCallister (Author) "Robert stared in bewilderment as he contemplated his letter of termination..." (more)
Key Phrases: communication decorum, unsuccessful communication encounter, closed communication climate, Communication Kaleidoscope, College of Business, Sensitive Issues (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Why did I say that?" "How come I didn’t say what I was thinking?" "Did I say too much? He stopped listening halfway through my pitch!" If you’ve ever tormented yourself with questions like these after a business meeting or other important conversation, get ready for some confidence-building answers. This practical, power-communication guide gives you innovative, flexible strategies for controlling interpersonal conflict…earning promotions…getting out of hot water…securing the job you want…and much more. Dr. McCallister shows you how to talk to people the way they want and need—so they respond positively, getting you the results you want. For example, you’ll learn…

• How to identify the six major styles of communication: Noble, Socratic, Reflective, Magistrate, Candidate, and Senator
• How to use communication style to control the outcome of important interactions and get others to do what you want without generating resentment
• How to deal with difficult colleagues like "the boss from hell" or people who expect you to read their minds and never come out and say exactly what they want
• How to handle sensitive issues such as sexual harassment, personal hygiene, firings, salary negotiations, and motivation during tough economic times
• How to measure your own style of communication using this book’s unique Communication Style Profile test

In the pages of this fascinating and practical guide, you’ll not only recognize yourself but everyone you work and live with, and you’ll learn how to deal with them with flair and aplomb—and you’ll never again walk away from an interaction saying, "I wish I’d said that!"

From the Publisher
For anyone who's ever said, ``I wish I hadn't said that;'' or ``I wish I'd said what I was really thinking;'' this is for you. Based on the six styles of communication (noble, socratic, reflective, magistrate, candidate, senator), it shows you how to deal with difficult people who create stress and problems; how to influence your boss, colleagues and subordinates; and ultimately how to get the results you want. ``Talking scenarios'' reveal what it ``sounds'' like when people talk their way into or out of trouble. You'll also discover how to create the sound of success and deal with styles of people who communicate such as Woody Allen, Margaret Thatcher or Geraldo Rivera. Communication Style Profile Tests enable you to measure how effectively you communicate. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 313 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471008575
• ISBN-13: 978-0471008576
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #854,944 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book that lets me know the truth behind, June 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: "I Wish I'd Said That!": How to Talk Your Way Out of Trouble and into Success (Paperback)

"I wish I'd read that earlier!" is the very first thing I want to say after I'd read through the whole book. This is an excellent book, not only because of the fact and the analyses brought out by the author, but also the way the author organizes and presents the reasons behind the odd behaviours of people of different kinds. This is not the first book I read on the topic about how to deal with people in a way to bring me success, but it IS the first book that makes me easily learn the way to see and understand people. By the materials written on this book, I was taught how to deal with people in order to make me the one who has the final control over the outcome of the event. I think it's a book that's desired to be read once, at least, even for those who think he/she can tackle the skill to deal with people very well. I truely suggest all of you to have a look.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting book..., May 18, 1997

By A Customer

The ultimate rewards of reading McCallister's book will probably range depending on the position one is in. Those who interact in a more executive setting will likely find the numerous scenarios and clear, straightfoward advice more poingnant and maleable. However, the personality models (which are as amusing as they are insightful) and communication techniques can be internalized by just about anyone in any number of situations (even, as McCallister points out, in ones marriage). Perhaps the biggest strength of this book is that it avoids the (very annoying) mantra that 'communication is about liking yourself and being positive'. McCallister, a professional, knows how bent and ultimately manipulative many interpersonal relationships are, and as such the advice one gets here is real and hands on practical stuff. Its only major weakness is that the personality models McCallister uses (six in all) are pretty static, despite some attempt to keep them fluid (usually via a superficial reminder that 'life is more dynamic than this'). Still, a very good book. Useful and funny. I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for those with a dynamic and diverse work group, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

This book is a great way to get a brief and tactical understanding of communication in the work place. If you have difficulty getting your point across, want to be better prepared to present ideas in a team environment or are wondering why you can't seem to convince people that your direction is the right way then this will be a good book to read. You will understand where others are coming from and what they need to hear in order to give you the information and results you need. This book, when utilised will give you the results you are looking for. Much of the information can be used not only on the job but in your personal communication as well.