Synopses & Reviews
Review
"The Language of Success provides clear, concise information and examples that are understandable and useful." -- Technical Communication
Synopsis
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 how 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.
Synopsis
Some people have the ability to start a conversation and immediately draw people in, while others -- perhaps even those with more valuable things to say -- get pushed to the side, seemingly ignored. Unfortunately for those who don’t have "It," this undeniable "It" factor is more than just an attractive quality, it’s also a hallmark of success.
A practical and entertaining guide that will help anyone supercharge their communication skills and consistently make a positive impression on others, The "It" Factor gives readers the tools -- and confidence -- they need to take charge of any conversation, meeting, or networking encounter. Readers will learn how to:
* communicate ideas so skillfully that people sit up and take notice
* become instantly memorable
* hold on to people’s attention longer
* make stronger connections
Filled with practical techniques and powerful insights, The "It" Factor will help anyone take center stage and achieve the results they've always desired.
About the Author
Tom Sant (San Luis Obispo, CA) is the Co-Founder of Hyde Park Partners, a consulting company that specializes in improving sales processes and messages. He has worked with major corporations around the world, including AT&T, HSBC, Booz Allen and Microsoft. He is the author of Persuasive Business Proposals (978-0-8144-7153-1) and The Giants of Sales (978-0-8144-7291-0).
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction The Elusive “It” Factor 1
Chapter 1 No One Is Born with the “It” Factor—No
Matter What Your Parents Say 5
Chapter 2 The Enormous Value of Building
Connections 15
Chapter 3 How to Turn Every Conversation into a
Connection 28
Chapter 4 How to Build Instant Connections by
Painting Pictures with Your Words 44
Chapter 5 How to Make Boring Jargon and Stats
Fascinating 63
Chapter 6 Preserve Your Hard-Won Connections by
Avoiding Patronizing Patter 78
Chapter 7 Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch: How to
Wow Them in Just Three Floors 100
Chapter 8 How to Enhance Your Connections with
Meaningful Praise and Helpful Criticism 114
Chapter 9 How to Succeed at “Small Talk” (It’s the
Only Way to Get to “Big Talk”) 130
Chapter 10 How to Get Noticed at Meetings 144
Chapter 11 The “It” Factor Five-Step Implementation
Program 163
Conclusion The Delights of Having the “It” Factor 173
Index 175