Thursday , March 28 2024
I know my flaws - one-on-one, face-to-face communication is one, so this paperback was very interesting...

Book Review: How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere – The Secrets of Good Communication

I was running early for an appointment last week, and decided to kill a few moments at the book store. It was here that I stumbled across the book, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere by Larry King.

I know my flaws, and face-to-face communication is one of them. It is also an area I’ve made a concentrated effort to improve, especially with some new career goals I’ve set for myself.

This book was sitting right there on the display of the current hot best seller like it was meant to land in my hands. So it was with great interest that I purchased the paperback.

Larry King, well-known host of CNN’s Larry King Live, is probably one of the best known, if not the most respected, interviewers today. I found his book to be a collection of useful tips on how to communicate and talk to people, not only in professional, but also in personal situations.

He covers such varied topics as how to start conversations, public speaking, and job interviews. The book is also full of anecdotes of his personal experiences in social situations as well as while filming his talk show.

The section I found most enlightening and helpful though, was “Eight Things the Best Talkers Have in Common.” At the heart of the list is a common theme. In order to be a good speaker, one must learn to truly listen&#8212not just hear what is being said, but listen, empathize, be willing at least to consider the other person’s thoughts and words. A good speaker knows when to speak and when it’s best not to speak.

King closes the book with a statement that sums up the whole book better than I could.

Regardless of your ability as a talker, remember this:
1.   If you feel you are not good at it, you can be.
2.   If you feel you are good at it, you can be better.

What King provides is a road map to achieve that goal. I found the book easy to read, and simple to understand. It was full of helpful techniques I’ve already successfully applied to my own life.
Edited: PC

About Connie Phillips

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