Communications expert Dianna Booher provides an essential nine-point checklist for success in the art of communication and persuasion—for building solid relationships, and for increasing credibility in the workplace. With lessons from politics, pop culture, business, family life, and current events, the book identifies common reasons that communicators fail to accomplish their goals, along with examples and analyses of messages that succeed and those that fail.
December 1, 2014
Booher (Creating Personal Presence) uses examples, anecdotes, and studies to support her "nine core principles of communication." The author devotes a concise chapter to each, making for a slim volume that's easily read in one sitting. Presented in clear, conversational prose, individual principles are framed by an opposition (e.g., the Law of Trust vs. Distrust, the Law of Distinction vs. Dilution). The resulting discussions ring true as common sense and invite readers to rethink how they communicate verbally and in writing. Both the inexperienced and the experienced are sure to find wisdom here, but the book will appeal more to professionals than academics, as Booher draws most of her examples from the professional world and relies heavily on anecdotes. Still, it's hard to imagine anyone would have to search long for places to apply the author's advice. Who wouldn't want to communicate effectively or understand how they are persuaded? VERDICT Useful and precise, this guide explains how to turn communication failures into communication successes in a variety of situations.--Paul Stenis, Pepperdine Univ. Lib., Malibu, CA
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