University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
How to Say It For Women
Book

How to Say It For Women

Communicating with Confidence and Power Using the Language of Success

Phyllis Mindell
Prentice Hall Press, 2001
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Communication and gender gaps plague the workplace. Groups at corporate meetings and presentations often ignore females' voices or relegate them to the background. Fortunately, Dr. Phyllis Mindell diagnoses the language problems that block women in business and provides grammatical cures for lackluster skills. Her book offers excellent examples, exercises and "action plans" to guide women (and, to a large extent, men, too) through the maze of language and politics. The text's only flaw is a small dose of repetition. Otherwise, getAbstract considers this book essential reading for women in the executive suite and those trapped below the glass ceiling.

Summary

Women have moved deep into corporate circles and have seats in the executive boardroom. But despite those advances, women still lack the prestige and power of their male peers. Although sexism and other forces contribute to the gender gap, women often let their inadequate communication skills undermine their career advancement. Passive and weak grammatical choices can sabotage their drive for recognition and growth. For example, these grammatical habits weaken what you say:

  • Limp introductory clauses – Avoid beginning sentences with "I think," and "I feel."
  • Deflected glory or authority – Don't boost others at your own expense. Don't put yourself down to make your listeners feel better.
  • Endless apologies – Don't apologize for issuing directions or for succeeding.
  • High-volume commands – Ironically, shouting for attention often has the opposite impact and makes listeners discount you.

The issue of language and authority extends beyond weak grammar. Women fail to master the dialogue of power because of false fears of appearing overbearing or excessively masculine. But, you don't have to speak like a man to attain prestige. Reach for power...

About the Author

Dr. Phyllis Mindell, a consultant and a professor at Georgetown Medical School, has written books, articles and research papers on language and communication. Her books include Power Reading and A Woman's Guide to the Language of Success.

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