The Language of Success (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: uninformed audience, average sentence length, The Language of Success, The Principles, The Practice (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Language of Success provides clear, concise information and examples that are understandable and useful." Technical Communication

Product Description

Language is the medium of business. To be successful, we need to communicate effectively in writing. That’s true whether we are providing instructions to our colleagues, communicating with our customers, or advising our direct reports. We must be able to deliver clear, accurate messages that inform, persuade and motivate. Unfortunately, people lapse into habits that interfere with their ability to communicate. The Language of Success shows readers ho to avoid these mistakes, and to write lucid, concise, and accurate e-mails, letters, performance appraisals, and presentations. Now anyone can master the lost art of clear writing and:

* eliminate ambiguities, jargon and grandiose claims * master proper paragraph structure so the message doesn’t get muddled * avoid wishy-washy or misleading terms like "world class" or "state of the art" * write clear concise sentences that follow the "first time right rule" * use e-mail professionally and efficiently * create career-enhancing reports

Honest and authoritative, The Language of Success will gives readers practical techniques to help readers cut through the fluff, guff, geek, and hyperbole, write exceptional business documents, and get their message heard.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (January 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081447473X
• ISBN-13: 978-0814474730
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #160,320 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #36 in	Books > Business & Investing > Skills > Business Writing
  #67 in	Books > Reference > Business Skills > Secretarial Aids & Training
  #94 in	Books > Business & Investing > Reference > Writing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Want to write better? Read this! , January 16, 2008

By	Jeff Scurry (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book will help your writing. I'll say again, this book will help your writing.

Tom's first book, Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More Customers, Clients, and Contracts, is a classic and the only book you need to read on proposals if you are only going to read one. The Language of Success: Business Writing That Informs, Persuades, and Gets Results is now the only book on business writing you need to read if you are only going to read one.

Tom focuses on email in this one because it is, "the dominant mode of communication all over the world." Tom quickly offers up eight tips for better email right at the beginning of the book then uncovers and explains the four types of writing most commonly found in the majority of business writing - Fluff, Guff, Geek and Weasel.

Since no firm or company I know of gives decent training in writing, The Language of Success is a book that should be given to new college graduates as they head out into the work world. The 70 or so pages of examples are perfect for those new to the workplace as well as seasoned vets who need some help.

A great book that will help all of your writing from emails to proposals.

BTW, four stars is my highest rating!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We have been needing this book, February 6, 2008

By	Saralee Boretz "book mom" (Upland, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a writer and editor, and a friend who recently got promoted asked me for a book that would help her writing. There are stylebooks, handbooks, and business format/pattern books, but with Tom Sant's latest we finally have the book that my friend needs. In fact, lots of my friends need this book -- I need to buy about 10 copies. This book makes it clear that good writing starts with knowing your message and your audience. Dr. Sant warns against common pitfalls in writing and guides his readers to a place where they can write clearly, concisely, and pointedly in their own voices. Well done.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, January 16, 2008

By	Bathing Ape - See all my reviews

I am extremely pleased that I got this book. It offers both concrete tips and more general concepts for writing clearly -- especially emails and other business communications -- and it's written in just the right tone. I've read another of Sant's books and I can't praise him highly enough for the help I feel I've received in my writing from his advice. I intend to recommend this book around the office.