My two first book reviews got a bit mixed reception but I’m certain this will be a bit more down your ally. I recently read The Art of Persuasion: How to Influence People and Get What You Want by Juliet Erickson – a freelance communication coach.
I actually had some high hopes for this book since its product description promised to teach me about body language, gestures and how to handle your nervousness. Topics I love to read about.
Summary
You may think you know what you want in life, but having the idea, the goal, the means, the business plan or the enthusiasm will only get you halfway there. This invaluable book explains just why good communication is so critical and reveals the secrets of honing your skills to ensure your goal is realised.
From planning your initiative to making an effective pitch when the stakes are high, international communication coach Juliet Erickson presents the best insights and techniques of persuasive communication that are essential to really make your great ideas happen. Understand how your personal communication skills affect your life and ability to make things happen. Learn how to plan, prepare and deliver your idea effectively.
My Thoughts on The Art of Persuasion
The book started out great by telling us a bit more about Juliet and briefly went trough everything we were supposed to learn from it. The introduction were followed by a short chapter titled Throwing Out the Rulebook. And when we were done throwing out the rulebook she told us about The Seven Principles [i.e. “rules”] of Effective Communication – a bit contradictory.
With that said I still think it was an interesting book to skim through. Unfortunately though I forgot most of it within a few days — probably because there were no flow in the text enticing me to get caught in it.
In my opinion The Art of Persuasion is a bit more orientated for business people who are interviewed for a raise or giving a lecture, than regular people who are interested in social conversations without trying to sell something. If this includes you, I’m certain you will find this book interesting.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Although you can learn a lot from these books, i beleive people expect a lot when they pick them up to read. They assume they will learn completly new skill after finish reading. However, new skills require practice and alot of it.
I think it would have been more useful, if you could read the book with few other friends and practice the principles together.
I agree with you. After you are done reading a book you need to start using you new learned material otherwise you will forget it in a short while.
I feel the same way in regards to this book, in regards to the image and type of experience it may portray throughout. I do too feel like the writer above mentioned, that you can take advantage of the suggestions and apply them to your own situation. It can be done, if you wanted to have a real whack at it.
Thank you for your comment Ana. Do you have any suggestions for similar books?
I liked your review. Can I suggest you to in detail enough to readerso buy come upto a decision, to buy or not to buy………………..