How to Talk to Anyone at Work: Avoid Awkwardness, Banish Social Anxiety, and Achieve Your Greatest Professional Goals WITHOUT Acting Fake

by Carl Wolfe

No matter how under-confident you feel right now, there are a few simple strategies you can employ that will change the flavor of your entire experience.Have you ever had that sinking feeling that your career’s going nowhere and that if you could only find half the confidence your colleagues seem to have, you could find the success and fulfillment you crave?

You’re certainly not alone… One study found that 62% of men and 79% of women regularly feel unconfident in the workplace.

But these startling figures, while they may make you feel less alone, don’t help you to improve the situation…

What you need to do is speak confidently to others, knock your social awkwardness and self-doubt on the head, and start building meaningful relationships in the workplace.

Sound like a tall order?

Don’t worry… You’re in the right place.

This clear yet empathetic guide will show you the path towards increasing your confidence at work – and when you do that, you’ll see a knock-on effect on your career success.

As you uncover the secret to making a good first impression and arm yourself with the tools you need to stay confident no matter what chaos is unraveling around you, you’ll notice a shift in your entire experience of working life.

In this comprehensive resource, you’ll access all the knowledge you need to transform your confidence and build meaningful and lasting relationships. You’ll

The magic spell at the heart of everything (no, it doesn’t require witchcraft… just a deeper understanding of the power of communication)How you can easily apply the strategies of successful and inspirational figures like Steve Jobs and Brené BrownThe 10 surprising benefits of effective communication that you probably didn’t know aboutWhy first impressions matter, what you can do to make sure you make a great one every time… and what to do about it when you don’tThe faux pas you definitely don’t want to make – and how you can easily avoid themSimple yet effective strategies you can use on the ground to exude confidence in a stressful situationThe art of small talk – what it is, why it matters, and how to ace the game (plus topics you can fall back on any time you get stuck)How to move past small talk and seamlessly transition into deeper conversationsWhy your working relationships are crucial… and how you can nurture healthy and long-lasting onesThe surprising tool you can use to connect with others (and 4 types of stories that will help you use it well)Essential tips for navigating controversial topics (or how not to put your foot in your mouth at work)How to handle conflict… and how to make sure every interaction you have with your boss is a positive oneAnd much more.

If your lack of confidence is holding you back from really pushing yourself in your career, it’s time to get under the hood and tinker with the engine.

No matter how little confidence you have right now, you can implement easy changes and sharpen your communication skills to power you towards levels of confidence you didn’t realize you had access to.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2023

Reviews

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Doesn’t Deliver on Promises

I love to both read and write nonfiction, but I tend to be a real stickler about it because it really should be straightforward. The book’s blurb, title, subtitle, and even cover should make a promise to the reader, and then the book itself needs to deliver on that promise. I didn't quite feel this happened with this book. From the book's title and even the introduction, you would think this would be about communication at work. That makes up a tiny fraction of what the book itself is about. Instead, it covers topics like first impressions (primarily visual, not conversation), confidence, storytelling, and social anxiety. The author did not do a good job connecting the dots. I also thought the strong promises of the subtitle were not realized either; even if the topic was addressed—and they all weren't—the information shared didn't quite meet the overreaching promise. The audience seems unclear, too. The book's cover makes you think it would be for anyone who works in an office or other establishment who would want to learn how to talk to anyone at work. But the introduction and the conclusion seem to say this book is specifically for females. But the main part of the book didn't really seem to be female focused or in any way gender specific. Just the intro and the conclusion. I liked that the author cited studies, as I always like to see that, when relevant, in nonfiction books. I didn't like how the book was interrupted in the middle with a request for a review. I understand that independent, self-published authors live and die by reviews, but I just think that's bad form. The book, as it stands, is about a variety of topics, but not mainly about what the title states. I'm not sure what the best title for it would be, but that's certainly not it. If you're looking for advice about how to talk to anyone at work, I suggest finding a book that is better focused on that specific topic than this one.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Candy Cariveau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that this book was well written and researched. It was easy to read and flowed well from one topic to the next. I enjoyed the stories about various subjects. The author was able to make the topics relatable and funny even. There was even at least one lol moment which was surprising for this type of book. For me I think what was the most helpful was the focus on good communciation and the importance of a good first impression. This pertains to work and life in general and they are good tools to be mindful of. Advice for dealing with my boss is also helpful. Mine for example constantly talks over you and its hard to deal with especially when he asks you a question but doesn't let you answer.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and found the information helpful and useful in all types of social settings. I think this would be a good book to offer an audio format as I could see myself reading again when I need a reminder about any of these topics but generally prefer these types of books in audio so I can listen while driving, at the gym or during down time at work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book, helps to have an effective communication.

Reading Carl Wolfe's novel, "How to Talk to Anyone at Work," has inspired me to be kinder to myself and reduce negative self-talk. This change in mindset has allowed me to approach others with more compassion and build stronger connections with them. The book has been a valuable resource in helping me see a bigger picture and view myself in a more positive light. With a better state of mind, communication with others becomes easier and more effective, leading to greater confidence and positive interactions.

Wolfe's insights into the subtle art of effective communication have been life-changing, and his book is a helpful guide for anyone seeking to improve their communication skills. By cutting down on self-judgment and negative feedback, we can create a more positive outlook and interact with others more authentically. Wolfe's writing is clear and practical, making it easy to apply his advice to real-life situations. Overall, "How to Talk to Anyone at Work" is a confidence-builder that can help readers achieve a more positive and fulfilling life.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Talk to Anyone at Work written by Carl Wolfe is a very useful and thought-provoking book. In it, readers will find a comprehensive guide to start communicating with confidence in the workplace. I generally feel strange when I am at work and have to talk to co-workers or managers. I think that I give too much thought to it and that makes me appear to be disconnected from the situation or that I don’t understand what is going on. Actually, in my head, I am planning and imagining different courses of action and different things I may say because I am afraid of making mistakes and saying the wrong thing. The way we introduce ourselves, the image we project and our form of communication are related and in this book the author explains how to work on these aspects in order to communicate better. This is an excellent help for anyone who may be in the same situation, especially because the author has gone through it and overcome it and tells his experience first-hand.

[Susel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in desperate need of improving my communication skills in the workplace. In this incredible book, I found insightful tips and techniques that help me overcome social anxiety, avoid awkward situations and achieve my professional goals without compromising my authenticity.

I like the fact that the author provides real-life scenarios and explains how to handle them with confidence and grace. The book covers a wide range of topics, from body language to small talk, giving us readers, a comprehensive understanding of how to communicate effectively in various situations.

The author's conversational writing style makes the book easy to read and follow, and the examples provided are relatable and practical.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to build their confidence and achieve their greatest professional goals, like me!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much-needed book and advice for people who experience social anxiety or are introverted. How to Talk to Anyone at Work by Carl Wolfe is a jam-packed resource book filled with advice on managing social interactions. I know with remote work being more popular and the lack of person-to-person interactions that happened there will be more awkwardness / difficulty in communicating with others. This book has 9 chapters full of tips, processes, steps for interpersonal and intrapersonal scenarios. If you need more confidence, topics that are ok to talk about, tips to be less awkward or how to start a conversation, it's there. Wolfe states that he is no one special and an introvert as well but I feel he is being humble. Wolfe has created such a great go to book. I'm going to share with fellow introverts.

[Haisam Syyed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to increase their confidence in the workplace. The author provides clear and practical strategies to overcome social awkwardness and self-doubt and build meaningful relationships. The guide covers everything from effective communication and making a good first impression to handling conflict and nurturing healthy relationships with colleagues and bosses. The author also includes examples from successful figures like Steve Jobs and Brené Brown to demonstrate how to apply their strategies to your own career. Overall, this is a helpful guide for anyone struggling with confidence at work and looking to take their career to the next level.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How to Talk to Anyone at Work” is certainly something I would like to know how to be better able to do, but this book has a promise in its title which is larger than what the author delivers. Aimed at introverts like myself, the book is meant to encourage readers to open up more and learn excellent communication skills in order to bridge awkward moments or conversations. On the other hand, the author supplies entertaining examples of embarrassing situations he was in and how he was helped to overcome them, but personally, I find many of the suggested solutions such as mindfulness and breathing techniques are cliches. This book would have done better with a less enormous promise on its cover.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How to Talk to Anyone at Work” by author Carl Wolfe is specially aimed at those readers interested in increasing confidence at work, with the final aim of (as per its title) avoiding awkwardness, banishing social anxiety, and achieving professional goals, being overall, authentic. The author wisely highlights the importance of good communication and meaningful relationships, proving at the same time useful tools and knowledge to remain confident in every situation. I particularly liked the provided storytelling tools.
The conversational writing and in the tone of confidence with the reader lead to an enjoyable reading that is also easy to put into practice. All in all, this is a book that any interested person can take full advantage of to improve their job performance.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that will help you build and strengthen your confidence at work, this is the perfect book for you. Carl Wolfete provides valuable tools to increase your self-confidence and achieve success in your career.

From learning to communicate effectively to setting healthy boundaries, the skills presented in this book are essential for anyone who wants to grow in their career and achieve their goals.

In addition to the specific skills that are presented, the book also offers practical advice so that you can apply what you learn to your day-to-day work. The examples offered are very clear and easy to understand, and the author uses accessible and entertaining language that makes reading very friendly. This book is a must-have resource.

[Lucia Maranghello · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Talk to Anyone At Work is a book for socially anxious, under-confident people. What this book will show is, among many ways of achieving effective communication, how to have confidence in yourself, and how that can positively affect your productivity not only professionally but socially as well. And who better to teach you all about this than a previous socially awkward person?
As an introvert yet extrovert myself, I found the material to be on point and of the highest quality. Showing various examples of famous ex-introverts like Michelle Obama and Steve Jobs, the author shows us the way effective communication can give us ultimate confidence and self-satisfaction. It was not only intriguing but fun to read as well. I highly recommend it!

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Talk to Anyone at Work by Carl Wolfe is not only a great read but very relevant and relatable as well. I felt like the whole message of the book was directly written for me, as an introvert who find it a struggle to interact with colleagues and clients at work most of the time. The strategies discussed here are very useful and easy to understand. Not to mention that they are realistic and achievable as well. I found the book to be constructed in an organized way and it was also well-researched. I realized that how you view yourself in general makes a difference towards how you communicate with the people around you at work. I highly recommend this book as a whole!

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this short but powerful book since it contains invaluable information.
Everyone can benefit greatly from improved social skills. It’s imperative to say that no matter where we are in life or what our occupation is, our success will largely be determined by our ability to relate to, communicate with and influence the people around us. For instance; introvert people tend to suffer a lot, finding difficulties in a simple task or feeling unconfident in their daily routines. The author, Carl Wolfe, shows this as a disadvantage and guides and inspires the reader to make a real change.
The book’s organization is pretty good and the narrative is easy to follow.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes us feel insecure in our jobs? Is it the fact that we don't know if we are doing the job well or are they personal insecurities? In "How to Talk to Anyone at Work: Avoid Awkwardness, Banish Social Anxiety, and Achieve Your Greatest Professional Goals WITHOUT Acting Fake," author Carl Wolfe encourages us to speak with confidence to others, eliminate self-doubt, and start building meaningful relationships in the workplace.
The chapter that helped me a lot is the one that talks about the benefits of effective communication. The author exposes these benefits and how we can put them into action. I definitely recommend this easy-to-read book, which in turn is very well explained.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, one of the things I took from this book was the many tools on how to improve my communication and how to maintain an effective one at work. It is just an overlooked subject and it is the genesis of practically everything at the office. Author Carl Wolfe navigates through this topic but always adding something up the reader can work on.
It is safe to save this read, it will benefit the office dynamic and also help being more capable and help attain all the personal and also the business goals in general.
I recommend this read to any employee no matter in what position they are.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing guide on how to avoid awkwardness

“How to Talk to Anyone at Work” by Carl Wolfe is an amazing guide on how to avoid awkwardness, achieving whatever it is that you want to achieve while stopping the social anxiety you might feel. I personally loved this book. It made me think about a lot of things I couldn’t figure out on my own for many years. I struggled with a huge lack of confidence at work. And I still do sometimes. But this guide teaches you meaningful strategies on how to overcome these problems and become a more self-aware and meaningful person at your workplace. A person with character and no fear to say whatever it is you want to say.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book to gain self-confidence. As the author mentions, confidence is essential when talking to other people so I was very interested in this book.
The book is a great guide which is full of information and really complete. Also, I liked that the author has a very nice writing style which makes the reading experience easy and entertaining.
The book provides ideas to change our confidence when communicating and I’ve found many things I haven’t considered before so it was also mind opening. I will recommend reading “How to Talk to Anyone at Work” by author Carl Wolfe

[B. M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to talk to anyone

Helpful guide that provides plenty of useful information/tips and great insights to improve communication at work, and anywhere else, to be honest

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4