University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
You Said What?!
Book

You Said What?!

The Biggest Communication Mistakes Professionals Make (A Confident Communicator’s Guide)

Kim Zoller and Kerry Preston
Career Press, 2015
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Many professionals make common communication mistakes that detract from their image and hamper the clear delivery of their intended message. Ordinary pitfalls, such as interrupting, reacting without planning what to say or not being aware of your image, may be holding you back professionally. Communications experts Kim Zoller and Kerry Preston identify the 16 worst communication blunders, tell you how to correct or avoid them, answer recurring questions, and offer goal-planning strategies you can incorporate into your daily schedule. Though some of the advice is familiar, Zoller and Preston’s smart and attractive compilation offers precision, brevity and concision. getAbstract recommends their highly useful manual as a ready-reference guidebook for business newcomers and as a welcome reminder for seasoned professionals.

Summary

“Communicate Your Message”

Communication gaps – the spaces between what you think you said and what the recipient actually heard – happen constantly. If your words and actions fail to convey your intended message, take that mistake as a warning. Realize that the true expression of your message depends not only on what you say, but also on how you say it and how you present yourself. You will know you are communicating effectively when the other person hears exactly what you mean. Try to avoid these 16 common, big communication mistakes and, if you stumble, here’s how to correct them:

Mistake 1: “Not Being on Your A-Game”

Being your best possible self requires a positive mind-set and a can-do attitude. When things outside your control go wrong, regulate your response. Getting angry in traffic or yelling at a flight attendant never improves anything. Take a breath when something goes awry, work calmly toward a solution and offer to help. Don’t cast blame. Understand other people’s viewpoints and listen to what they say. Plan worst-case scenarios, so events don’t catch you off guard.

Mistake 2: “Not Beginning with the End in Mind”

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About the Authors

Kim Zoller and Kerry Preston, co-leaders of the Image Dynamics protocol and leadership consultancy, are frequent public speakers.

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