Did You Say Something, Susan?: How Any Woman Can Gain Confidence With Assertive Communication (Hardcover)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Did You Say Something, Susan?" is a must read for every woman. (It's not a bad idea for men either!) Dr. Paulette Dale offers solid advice to help women effectively communicate with impact and grace in all situations. -- Mark Victor Hansen, Co-author Chicken Soup for the Soul

"Did You Say Something, Susan?" is a practical self-motivator for a woman of any background who seeks to claim entitlement and stand her ground. -- Michelle Longo, Books Editor Latina Magazine

"Did You Say Something, Susan?" offers a jolt of confidence, and a good strong dose of encouragement. It holds up a mirror to almost every situation imaginable where a woman would say, "I wish I'd handled that differently." Only in this case, the mirror gives the right answers and the tools to perfect communication skills and build self-esteem. A must read for mothers and daughters for generations to come. -- Angel Cicerone, Publisher Women's Business Journal

An insightful book that helps working women deal with communication in a constructive way. A definite "tool" every woman needs in her arsenal. -- Fayne Erickson, President National Association for Female Executives [NAFE]

Dr.Paulette Dale's book can help every businesswoman, community activist and work-at-home mom do a better job of speaking up for her rights. -- Sharon Morales, Publisher Today's Dallas Woman Magazine

Product Description
This powerful, practical how-to book offers proven techniques that enable women to experience the exhilaration and empowerment of expressing themselves in any situation - in a loving relationship, on the job, with friends and relatives, or in dealing with doctors, lawyers, contractors, and other service providers. Readers will learn to:

* Project confidence and high self-esteem
* Say no without guilt
* Speak up for their rights
* Get what they want on their own terms
* Gracefully stop put-down artists in their tracks
* Gain the respect and admiration of others
* Never leave anything important unsaid
* Help their children become confident, assertive communicators

Through example and encouragement, self-tests and exercises, role-playing, positive imagery techniques, and mental rehearsal, "Did You Say Something, Susan?" offers women a variety of strategies and services. It serves as coach and counselor, and gives advice that will help women make immediate and long-term changes in their lives.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 197 pages
• Publisher: Citadel (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155972482X
• ISBN-13: 978-1559724821
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,229,153 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful guide on assertiveness training for women, August 4, 2001

By	Kate McMurry (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Did You Say Something Susan?: How Any Woman Can Gain Confidence With Assertive Communication (Paperback)

Dr. Paulette Dale is a workshop leader and consultant on assertive communication and the author of five textbooks and numerous articles on the subject.

This 196-page book has no index, but it does have a list of references and multiple useful appendices. It covers the following topics: (1) how to be unappealing to users and abusers; (2) using assertive speech and body language; (3) preparing for confrontation; (4) learning how to say no; (5) buying time before responding in a difficult situation; (6) speaking up for yourself and telling someone when their behavior is not acceptable to you; (7) refusing to put up with put downs; (8) speaking up on the job; (9) raising assertive children.

Dr. Dale writes in a clear and friendly style which makes it a pleasant task to learn her lessons on how to communicate what you really feel, say no and mean it, speak up for your rights, get what you need on your terms, become confident and articulate, and gain the respect of others.

Assertiveness is a very important aspect of self-defense (a multi-layered set of skills I strongly believe every woman should know). This book teaches the first two of five levels of self-defense: establish a strong physical presence, and verbal deterrence. (The other levels are: soft-handed defense, deterrence through physical pain which causes no lasting harm; hard-handed defense, physical strikes which can cause injury but rarely death; and deadly force, physical kicks or blows, or the use of weapons such as guns, which can kill the assailant, and are commonly employed by martial artists, law enforcement officers, and military personnel.)

I highly recommend this book to women of all ages, especially young women, who can avoid a lifetime of unnecessary suffering by using this vital information to keep themselves safe and sane.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Motivator!, January 9, 1999

By A Customer

Dr.Dale has written a much needed book. I'm a fairly assertive and confident person, but this book made me realize that I could still be much more effective when communicating with others. Dr. Dale uses wonderful examples to clarify her points which explain her advice and suggestions perfectly. This book is hard to put down as it is so entertaining and interesting to read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference guide that can be used over and over again, March 24, 1999

By A Customer

I started to use the techniques described in the book straightaway. I have managed to be in control of situations that normally I would have blamed myself for, my confidence and self esteem rises everyday. Thank you