Say It with Power & Confidence

It is more important than ever for managers and professionals to be excellent communicators. The challenges of addressing large groups, the media, the courtroom and rival negotiators are more pressing than ever before. Just being positive isn't enough, you must hone these communication skills, understand who you are talking to and have winning strategies for different situations. There is no need, says Collins, to make yourself over into a new person. Half the battle is developing a consistent delivery. When you're consistent, you become more comfortable, and being comfortable will make you more confident. The author provides tips for preparing for a speaking engagement, preparing to sit down at the negotiating table, before a courtroom, with the media and at a job interview. The following are some of the tips provided: · Organize your thoughts before you speak. Write it all out and make sure you understand what you will say and how you will say it. · Target your speech to your audience. Write out a profile of your audience. Create a speech that will capture their interest. · Set a time limit on question and answer periods. Tell your audience that you will allow one question per person. · Make sure you have certain issues you want to address in the question and answer period. Write down at least three and memorize them in advance. · Answer the question that you are asked. If you don't know the answer, say so.

This book should be required reading for practically everyone. It is impossible to read this book, or even just to page through it, without becoming a better communicator. Collins writes with refreshing directness, humor, insight, and sharp analysis. As a teacher, I have strongly recommended the book to all my students, because it is full of excellent tips, advice, and strategies for getting one's points across effectively. Other audiences who will benefit include business executives, job-seekers, sales people, negotiators, witnesses in legal cases, etc. My own favorite chapter is on "becoming a better listener." Too many people are content to be "broadcasters" rather than "receivers," much to their own and our detriment. But every chapter of the book is an informative delight. This is, quite simply, a great -- and most profitable -- read.