Improve Your Communication Skills

by Alan Barker

Improve Your Communication Skills will help you keep the interest of a large audience, impress a potential employer or simply win the argument at an important meeting. Full of practical advice on all aspects of verbal and non verbal communication, it gives vital tips improving your conversations; building rapport with colleagues; learning skills of persuasion; giving effective presentations; writing effective emails, letters and reports; successful networking.
With the help of this essential guide you will be able to achieve verbal, vocal and visual success and get your message across every time.

Genres: Leadership, Communication, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Samir Rawas Sarayji · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good practical guide to communications for the workplace and, to some extent, in the social sphere. I wouldn't say this book is comprehensive or detailed, but definitely, a place to start with, and it can help one see where their interests or shortcomings lie, and then proceed to do further research on those aspects. It's a small book and it can easily be read in a day, but that would be a shame because there are many valuable points presented that are worth thinking about and to give them time to sink in. There are also some good exercises to try out or think about.
What the book lacks, unfortunately, are good examples, personal stories of the author to give it the human touch, and a good bibliography for further reading (the appendix is small and mostly refers to blogs).

[Нестор · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хорошая, базовая книга по теме коммуникаций. Для начинающих можно прочитать только её и строить более успешные письменные, устные и межличностные коммуникации. Для продолжающих есть достаточно отсылок и намёток для дальнейшего развития. Для продвинутых - просто хорошее и короткое обновление известных навыков. В общем, книга явно достойна прочтения и проработки.

[Edwin Masripan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure why others rated poorly but happy with the book.

It was straight to the point. Not many stories that you don’t care and can’t relate to.

My best takeaway was towards the end of the book about email (or any digital medium).

People start reading email with negative connotation because it lack facial expression, tone of voice and cadence. Therefore we should explicitly mention how we are feeling when writing the email.

I believe this book should be reread yearly and thoroughly examined at the points delivered.

[Viktoriya Chuchumisheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book studies communication on so many levels. It reveals profound insights, useful information, practical advises and even more practical exercises. It helped me a lot in understanding how people communicate, which areas I can work on and how I can do it. Really liked it!

[Sambasivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical guide and a good refresher for everyone. I understand that listening well is an art and would like to put some of the learnings into practice. Good one.

[VoiceinYourHead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative!!

[Abby Epplett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A review of rhetoric and basic toastmaster skills.

[Maffet Abellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful! Best to keep it anywhere near you.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note that I'm reviewing the 4th edition of this book, which was loaned to me in ebook form via netgalley in exchange for a review!

I can't say enough good things about this book. As someone who is likely on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum, I felt like this book was talking directly to me (my weakness in social functioning, social cognition, emotional intelligence). This is the first time in my short career on Net Galley that I have opted to pre-order the book I reviewed because this is one that I refuse to let go of. Topics such as how to improve the quality of my conversations, persuading others, making a presentation, business writing (i.e. writing emails vs reports) and networking are explained in such crystal clear detail and frankness that I can't help but be impressed and educated on each topic.

If you want someone to guide you through the art of communication, Alan Barker is definitely a good choice!

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all – improve your communication skills – and this revised and updated version of a basic, well-received book does what it says on the tin. Yet it is not something that only beginners or the inexperienced could benefit from. Even old hands who believe they know it all could benefit from validating their knowledge and they may even pick up a new hint or two along the way!

This accessible and engaging book is a practical guide to boosting your verbal and non-verbal communications skills, helping you hone them for use within both business and private situations. New sections include communicating with virtual teams, managing difficult conversations and cross-border/cross-cultural communications.

It may seem obvious and natural that we can communicate, yet so many people struggle to effectively do this act. Communications skills are very important and any communications miss can create problems, costs and delays too. Even any marginal improvement can yield benefits.

For those who like this sort of thing there are many exercises to complete that can strengthen new skills and identify other areas of weakness. Short chapters mean that even the most time-pressed person can work their way through this book step after step. Despite its brevity, it is not dumbed-down or leaving you short; maybe it demonstrates aptly the power of concise, focussed communication!

For its low price, what is there not to like?

Autamme.com

[ThinkShareComment · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book twice, with over 5 years between the first and second time. Needless to say I found it very helpful. Although the last part on presenting and writing (final two chapters) was not as relevant as the rest of the book.
the "SPQR" and the "ladder of influence" techniques, how to use them and apply them in several context is clear and hands on. can really start to use it and benefit from it from day one.
I recommend this book to whom ever wishes to approach the topic of "effective communication". it reads very easily. I found it useful to go back to it to refresh the concepts as well as reflect on them after using these techniques for a while.

[Anniken]

This is a book I had to read for school, therefor I will not review it or rate it :)

[Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concrete and to the point, with full of concise actionable advice