Face to Face: How to Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World

Susan RoAne's "Face to Face" is a must-read for anyone who has found himself tongue-tied in a social or professional setting -- or anyone who has become addicted to communication by text, IM, email or voice-mail. A nationally recognized expert on networking and communication, RoAne provides interesting analysis and helpful advice; she's never short on smart quips and memorable anecdotes from real people. I highly recommend "Face to Face" for those who need to brush up on their conversation skills or need a reminder that voice-to-voice discussions will always trump the digital. This book would make a terrific gift for new college graduates -- a generation raised on technology -- who must master the art of old-fashioned conversation to succeed in a multi-generational workplace.

In the days of there being so many ways to communicate, one may become unfamiliar with the old standby--the in-person conversation. /Face to Face/ is about that, how to talk to other people, lead a conversation, and maintain friendships or business relationships effectively through those impersonal means (email, phone, text, etc). While many of the tips are common sense ("refrain from monopolizing the conversation"), you never know what you may be overlooking yourself. There is also a chapter on dealing with Sticky Situations, people who are being offensive or hurtful--intentionally or not, and ways to respond, and one on finding and being a mentor. Plenty of helpful advice on dealing with different social situations, personality types and conversational styles. If you are comfortable with your ability to communicate with others, /Face to Face/ probably won't do much for you. If you have a hard time being social, it may help you navigate group settings. Recommended for introverts wanting to be more extroverted.