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Words That Work
Book

Words That Work

It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear

Hyperion, 2006 Mehr


Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

This book's readability says a lot about the power of author Frank Luntz's advice on communicating. The text flows, usually matching actions with concepts. For instance, Luntz repeats how important it is to repeat your message. He uses simple language to illustrate the importance of simple language, and so on. What's more, the book is entertaining. Luntz has been involved in major media campaigns with key American products and politicians, and his story about demonstrating an important principle to the Senate is hypnotic. The caveat is that such stories sometimes seem boastful and end up being off-putting when they are clearly meant to be engaging. That grain of salt aside, getAbstract recommends this extremely useful book to those who want to improve their communication skills. The book is directed toward Americans, though it debunks myths about them for the entertainment and edification of everyone else. Some of the book's principles are familiar, but so deeply fundamental that they are worth repeating – which is actually Luntz's fourth rule of effective language use. Say it right, and then say it again.

Take-Aways

  • People filter what they hear; to be understood, tailor your message accordingly.
  • People judge your character more than they judge your words.
  • To communicate well, use short words and brief sentences.

About the Author

Frank Luntz has supervised more than 1,000 focus groups or surveys, and has advised business and political leaders on shaping their messages.


Comment on this summary or Diskussion beginnen

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    N. J. 3 years ago
    Say it so it can be heard not just said
  • Avatar
    J. G. 5 years ago
    Great short audio! Love the point about making your statement as simple and short as possible. In a society where we are all about showing off our education/knowledge... we feel the need to use complicated words/language. ( perhaps feeding our ego , showing off, fear of being judged etc ).
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    D. I. 10 years ago
    "Successful, effective messages...stick in our brains and never leave.."