The Fine Art of the Big Talk: How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work

By Debra Fine

Book Overview

We all know what it's like to put off an important conversation at work -- whether asking for a raise or promotion, or telling an employee that there's a problem with his or her performance. Now Debra Fine, conversation and communication guru, shows us how to come out on top of those dreaded office chats -- and how to achieve what we want in each situation. Debra includes specific advice on exactly what to say, when to say it, and what body language to use to achieve the desired results. Learn how to: Become skilled at the art of quiet negotiationDetermine your "sales" messageKeep meetings on track and stick to an agendaAnalyze what your body language conveys (often it's not what you think!)Overcome public-speaking fearsOffer feedback to employees and bosses alike in a constructive, productive wayReduce conflict in the office and with customers and clientsFire someone or deny someone an expected promotionInform that longtime supplier that his products haven't met with quality standards lately, and tell that major customer that her shipment is going to be lateMaster e-mail and voice messaging etiquette, and make a positive impression every timeAnd much more.The Fine Art of the Big Talk is the perfect book for CEOs, managers, and principals, as well as staff and administration, who want to gain techniques that result in improved work environments, increased revenues, and positive interactions in the workplace.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401302343
• ISBN13: 9781401302344
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.7" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 18 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Postsecondary to Grade 12

Customer Reviews

Wide ranging, good ideas

Fine covers a lot of ground, some of it well establised, some not: make sure your language is concrete and specific---praise an employee with the specifics of her conduct, not bar room generalties; deal with the issue at hand, and not the person; a good checklist on starting off a difficult conversation. Some of it is less obvious: tips on how to get a conversation back on track when the other wants to derail it; use the Asian way of looking at a person's business card---hold in both hands, look at it, and comment or ask a question on it; a good checklist on questions to ask prior to starting negotiations. I don't agree with her tips on asking for business as they apply to services(it is hard to close business when you are selling a service, as opposed to a widget; the best you can do is to say that you'd like to work with the prospect if a matter arises that you are suited for). I like her section on how to create "positive energy"---compliment people, show sincere interest in them, drop them a note or provide a tip that may be of use to them. All good stuff.