Power Talk: Using Language to Build Authority and Influence by Sarah Myers McGinty

Product Description

How to gain power in the workplace by effectively developing a strong and unique voice.Sarah Myers McGinty examines the social and psychological elements of language in the workplace. She then uses her conclusions to give us a better understanding of whos in charge and how to get ahead. Complete with strategies for individuals who want to strengthen their personal communication skills, Power Talk is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn to be their own best spokesperson.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #772225 in Books
Published on: 2002-02-01
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
224 pages
Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Ever been in a meeting and wondered after speaking, "Did they just hear me or did they really hear what I had to say?" McGinty, an expert in the field of linguistics, guides the listener toward a pubic speaking style that's effective in a variety of situations. She shows how to recognize the best ways to communicate, from the center or the edge, and how one style of communication isn't always adequate. Practical tips, like recording your telephone etiquette to analyze how you sound, are also discussed, as well as modern technology hints like how to use voice-mail and e-mail effectively. If you want to communicate like a leader, Power Talk will set you on the path to being heard. Recommended. Marty D. Evensvold, Arkansas City P.L., KS
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Download Description
We are what we say. Now Sarah Myers McGinty, Ph.D., takes up where Deborah Tannen left off to delve into the ways our speech creates our identity. In this breakthrough book, McGinty shows how a little attention to our verbal patterns helps us alter the balance of power and always come out ahead. You're a model employee who always does quality work, yet you are forced to watch helplessly as others get the credit and the rewards. Why? Studies show that people who project expertise and authority, people who sound like they're in charge, often win the acclaim. On the other hand, people who try to take over every situation or come on too strongly can silence their colleagues and miss critical information. In Power Talk , author Sarah Myers McGinty identifies two basic modes of communication: Language from the Center and Language from the Edge. While Language from the Center projects authority, Language from the Edge is collaborative, responsive, and often equally effective. Here McGinty argues that to be truly successful you can't get trapped in just one speaking mode--you need both. What are the secrets to speaking from the center--showing the people around you that you know what you're doing and have the ability to lead? What is the art of speaking from the edge--getting your point across without losing the consensus you need for team success? Power Talk breaks down actual workplace conversations, studying the messages hidden in every word choice, every phrase, even in every inflection. A remarkable study of language itself, this book will help you:* Analyze your own speech patterns and see whether your words fit the world of your work * Learn which situations call for Language from the Center and which call for Language from the Edge * Practice new ways of presenting information and ideas for your next meeting * Communicate more effectively with e-mail and voice mail, and play telephone tag like a pro. Examining the issue of gende

Book Info
A text focusing on the most important aspects of using language to build authority and influence with others. Shows how to find the right speech style for any workplace situation, how to practice new verbal patterns before using them, how to use voice mail and e-mail conversations to an advantage, and how to always be heard, even in a crowd. DLC: Business communication.
Customer Reviews

Power Talk????
It seems as if authors and publishers have decided to sell something that is marginal at best, just include the words Power,Prestige, wealth all seemingly offering some simple strategy to imporove and empower your life, Power talk fails to live up to its title. It is a ok book on how we talk and what the 2 distinct communication styles are all about. But it doesnt take a 200 page book to tell us that the key is to merge the two? This book is geared towards salespeople and corporate executives, if you work for a firm of 20 or less this probably won't help much. The key to success is adaptation to the enviroment your in rather than discuss key words or stratagies for enhancing vocabulary, structure , etiquitte this book just rehashes the adaptation philosophy. Probably great for some but the majority will just be wasting their time with this title.

Semi-helpful
The first six chapters are helpful and contain useful information about the use of Language from the Center and from the Edge. However, the next two chapters are simply the author's social commentary about not pre-judging people on their differences in communication. The last chapter is just an overview of the study of linguistics.

An excellent book for consultants and salespeople
This book made a profound difference in the way I conduct my business. I was an "Edge" person to the extreme. I had always been taught that asking questions and constantly probing was the best and most powerful way to deal with clients and prospects. Not so! There's a time to stop asking and start "telling."
My clients want confident advice from me. They don't want to sit around and explore options forever. I do not understand some of the negative reviews of this book. I found it to be a great help.