Casual Power: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication

by Sherry Maysonave

Book Overview

What are you saying before you speak a word? Does your nonverbal communication limit your effectiveness? In this enlightening guidebook, Sherry Maysonave shows you precisely how to command respect,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1880092484
• ISBN13: 9781880092484
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Bright Books (TX)
• Length: 229 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

The Best in its Field

I am an image consultant. I give seminars and workshops for corporations on the importance of appearance and corporate protocol in the business world. One of my major seminars deals with the problem of looking like a professional in a dressed-down world. Sherry's book is the best I have ever read on the subject. In fact, it is so good that I am using it in all my seminars as a textbook. And I have given it as a gift to all my private clients as well. The book is clear, crisp and utterly professional. It has wonderful illustrations and clear explanations for the psychology behind color and style. And it gives excellent guidelines for dressing well at every level of business dressing whether dot.com casual or more traditional and conservative. I couldn't recommend it more highly, except to say I wish I had written it myself. Adele Riepe, Image Solutions, New York

The standard for attire in the Internet economy

Sherry's book is enjoyable, informative and timely. It was much needed in an age where many companies are struggling with the definition of casual attire in their workplace. I've recommended this book very highly to several of my colleages who have founded Internet or dot-com startups and have to deal with blue jeans and torn tee-shirts, even in the front office. In an industry where even the slightest competitive advantage can translate into a several million-dollar contract, the power of personal presentation is ever-so important and Sherry Maysonave provides readers with several formulas for success. It was a quick read which was essential for the millions out there like me who have 70-80 hour work weeks. Her examples of "what not-to-do" were extremely informative as were all of the psychological details behind each approach, especially for those who may "overlook" the impact that even slight changes to their attire can have. Highly recommended. Must read for employees wanting to increase and solidify their personal personna - all HR managers worldwide should be distributing to their new employees!!

A 'Must Have' book for women in male-dominated corporations

For women, most of what department stores carry is "failure clothing"-learn how to spot it and how to avoid it. First read John T. Molloy's original "Women's Dress for Success" from the 1970's-the scientific research gives the essential understanding that clothing and colors have on other's psyches. John gives the psychology behind the color and style and Sherry will show you how to put "current classics" together in a cost effective "Capsule Wardrobe". Both teach you how to "cross shop"-go to the most expensive store in town and look at, feel, try on (but don't buy) a skirt suit. Then go to the cheapest and do the same-it's fun even for someone who really hates to shop. As a female scientist for a proclaimed "business casual" large male-dominated corporation, I decided to try a little "experiment" on my coworkers about 3 months ago (poor buggers didn't know they were lab rats). I wore the color combinations Molloy suggests and the current classics Maysonave shows in Casual Power. I was both angry and delighted. I was angry that nothing has really changed much in 30 years-my male coworkers can dress like man-children (short-sleeved plaid shirts and rumply dockers) while I'm treated equivalently or better only when wearing a skirt suit with the right color combinations (2 colors, solids, high contrast). I'm also delighted that this really works! The change in the way I'm treated and the way I feel in my clothes works in harmony to command more respect, confidence and opportunity in the workplace. Formerly a devout garage-sale junkie I am now a "no more 'McSly'" convert with a streamlined "capsule" wardrobe. Imagine compliments like "wow" and "great job" and "I'd like you on this project" and "I need your opinion on this". John showed me how to avoid "failure clothing" (butterfly barrettes, sailboats, flowers, rounded collars, mustard or lavender suits) and Sherry showed me how to turn 3 suits, a few shirts, a few pieces of jewelry, 2 pr. of shoes and 3 scarves into a great wardrobe.

A "Must Read" in today's business world.

"Casual Power" went right to my problem area. I have only been in the 'working world' for two years. Within the first year of my job, they switched the company's policy from 'business attire' to 'business casual.' While the initial announcement excited me (being straight out of college- I had TONS of casual clothes!), I then realized that it would be harder to dress each morning because I wasn't sure as to what 'business casual' actually meant- nor did they have a clear description.After reading Sherry's book I was able to distinguish between 'business casual' and 'too casual,' and shop for the basic essentials to get me started out right.Thanks Sherry...it was time someone addressed this issue!

casual power

After seeing Sherry Maysonave on the 'Today Show' I have to admit that I was somewhat curious about her book and so I decided to buy it. I actually did this more with my son in mind than myself. As Greg is gettng ready to graduate from the University of Colorado in Boulder just the thoughtof what he might wear to his interviews was enoughto keep me awake at night! And even if he somehow could manage to pull something together for the interviews, what he would wear once he got the jobwas even scarier! Reading "Casual Power" was like a dream come true.Not only should this book be sold in every univesity and college book store in the country, in my mind it should be considered as a 'requiredreading assignment' in some business classes.....I thought this book was such a great tool that I ordered 5 copies as 'college graduation' giftsfor my sons friends. They're all on their way into the working world w/varying engineering/computer science type degrees...and yet most of them have little or NO sense of how to go about puting together a wardrobe that will work easily and asssure them of always being 'appropriately casual' No doubt a lot of people are going to find this book to be a very useful tool but for college grads...it's a no brainer!