How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace

By Sonya Hamlin

Book Overview

At a time when it's harder than ever to get and keep people's attention, we could all use some help. Enter Sonya Hamlin, author of the now classic How to Talk So People Listen (1988), and one of the country's leading communication experts. In this revised and updated edition, Sonya Hamlin, arguably America's leading communication expert, shows us how to successfully capture people's attention so that they listen, understand, and are persuaded by your message -- especially in the plugged-in, fast-paced, visually-driven atmosphere that is today's workplace.

Whether making a presentation to a large audience or dealing one-on-one with a client or colleague, or communicating by E-mail, Hamlin teaches us that one of the keys to making people listen is to think about and respond to what motivates them - namely, self-interest. She then provides tools to assess others' self-interest and use it to get them to listen to your message. Hamlin also explains how to capitalize on the latest visual aids we have at our disposal today. We learn to determine what information needs or lends itself to visual presentation, and how to make visuals active, so that they serve as an extension of the speaker. In HOW TO TALK SO PEOPLE LISTEN, you'll also find practical information on how to understand your audience, how to encourage your listeners to trust you, and how to be yourself when you're on the podium.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060734078
• ISBN13: 9780060734077
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Desk Reference on the Topic of Speaking and Communication

I've tried to read everything written on the topic of speaking and communication skills, since I'm a professional speaker and sales trainer. I've fogotten a lot more than I have remembered, but Sonja's book is one I go back to on a regular basis. It's readable, where many are not. It's also full of sound, tactical and easy to implement advice and it covers all the bases on this topic.

How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace

Sonya's book does an excellent job of identifying the different communication styles and strategies between Generation X and Y and baby boomers, all of whom are working together in today's diverse organizations. Yet the fundamental message is about the importance of face-to-face interactions and "How to Talk So People Listen" details simply and clearly the essentials of effective communication whether talking one-to-one or presenting to a room full of people. The book underscores the importance of listening and provides an outstanding section on leading successful meetings. "How to Talk So People Listen" is a practical guide for thinking strategically about a range of communication interactions. This book is a tremendous reference for anyone who values the art and skill of effective communications.

Great Tips -- Easy to Read

"What I especially enjoyed is that this book has something for everyone. Baby boomers, Generation X'ers and Millennials will learn how best to communicate with their own and different generations. Organized individuals will appreciate the clear structure that includes tools for planning ahead, while those that prefer spontaneous conversation will be better equipped to navigate through uncharted waters. There are great tips for how to improve everything from one on one conversation to large presentations in a friendly or hostile environment. My daughter is taking a course in managerial communication at college and I would love for her professor to see and use this book. We all can become better communicators by reading How To Talk So People Listen.

How Tto Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace

"Between the covers of this book, Sonya Hamlin has covered everything a person needs to know about how to communicate effectively in our electronic age. Whether you're at entry level, in middle management, an entrepreneur, starting your own business, or a senior executive in a Fortune 100 boardroom, Sonya's comprehensive analysis of how we understand one another will prove indespensible to anyone who wants to get ahead." Marcy Syms, CEO, SYMS Corp

Great guide for workplace - regardless of your rank

Wow-what a guide! How much more effective an employee, coworker, and supervisor I would have been in the past years had I had this manual at my side. The conversational delivery is so comfortable, and it helped me discover the places where I have been ineffectual, especially in communication complex issues. Thanks for putting into writing what so many of us need to know to be more effective in the workplace.