Six Key Communication Skills for Records and Information Managers

by Kenneth Laurence Neal

Excellent business communication skills are especially important for information management professionals, particularly records managers, who have to communicate a complex how an effective program can help the organization be better prepared for litigation, and do it in a way that is persuasive in order to win records program support and budget. Six Key Communication Skills for Records and Information Managers explores those skills that enable records and information to have a better chance of advancing their programs and their careers. Following an introduction from the author, this book will focus on six key communication be brief, be clear, be receptive, be strategic, be credible and be persuasive. Honing these skills will enable readers to more effectively obtain support for strategic programs, communicate more effectively with senior management, IT personnel and staff, and master key forms of business communication including written, verbal and formal presentations. The final chapter will highlight one of the most practical applications of applying the skills for records and information the business case. Based on real events, the business cases spotlighted involve executives who persuaded organizations to adopt new programs. These case histories bring to life many of the six keys to effective communication. Addresses communication skills specifically for records and information managers while clarifying how these skills can also benefit professionals in any discipline Includes case history examples of how communications skills made a difference in business and/or personal success Focuses on written, verbal and presentation skills, where many books emphasize only one of these areas

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly "Okay" book, and it definitely gets points for being entertaining. But then - if it was a book about communication that didn't communicate well, it wouldn't be anything at all, would it? So, while it was fun enough to read, I had some issues. Here are a few.

In the introduction, the author only lists 5 of the 6 skills. He forgot one. This is kind of on the editor too though.

In his advice to Be Brief he mentions that once words have more than 2 syllables the whole text becomes less readable. He then advises that you "Cut Extraneous Words." Extraneous. 4 syllables. This is immediately followed by the advice to "Use one-syllable words." Um...

In his advice to Be Clear he mentions that you shouldn't use cliches. One section later, he uses the phrase "flying off the handle." Um...

Several anecdotes recounted are not based on fact. They're just good stories. The "ideal date" anecdote (Miss Congeniality?) and the "Locked-In-A-Box" anecdote are two good examples of this.

There are some deeper problems with the way aggressiveness and assertiveness is differentiated, the success of his Sonic Jacket which I've never heard of, and the unfortunate inclusion of Trump as a strategic communicator (only mildly forgiven, as this was published in 2014).

All said, I don't know that I would say this is a terrible book. It makes some good points, and is easy to read. I wouldn't, however, recommend it as a guide to communicating well.

[Reba J.]

I had to read this for class 😪