We can all become better verbal communicators, and Bjornson has provided a wealth of practical advice in this regard. He discusses many speaking situations, ranging from everyday ones to one where the other person is malicious and verbally abusive. Bjornson believes that the refinement of verbal communication skills is not as strongly emphasized as it had been in past times. One common problem in modern speaking is the tendency to ask too many questions and to interrupt conversations. When it comes to job interviews, Bjornson suggests that it is best for the interviewee to have studied the boss' needs and then to verbally match his/her abilities in detail (not vaguely) to the boss' needs for the particular job position. Everyday speaking with others requires the understanding of what others are driving at. Bjornson recommends the use of phrases such as: "You sound like...", "You feel used...", "You are angry because..." and the like. Bjornson devotes a fair amount of detail to the use of leading questions. These are commonly used by lawyers, politicians, and journalists. When using assertive talk, one needs to keep in mind Bjornson's distinction between assertive and aggressive talk. It is possible to focus on a criticism without either agreeing or challenging the blame that is behind the words of criticism. When it comes to negotiations, as for setting a price for an item, Bjornson gives practical tips for negotiating a good deal. A good read!
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