From Publishers WeeklyGood communication skills help create positive interactions with others, says Puhn: "[W]ords instantly create resentment and conflict or support and cooperation," as the author, a lawyer and mediator, has learned from experience. This helpful book encapsulates these simple yet timeless ideas into 35 pairs of "Do" and "Don't" rules, useful in work and in life. A straightforward explanation of the rule - e.g., "avoid superficial offers"; "show you care"; "appreciate criticism" - is followed by illustrative tales of communication gone wrong or exemplars of effective ways to apply the rule. While the structure of the chapters is tedious and predictable, the text flows easily. Puhn clearly identifies "blunders" and "wonders" of communication, which will help those who want to use the book as a reference rather than read it straight through. In truth, several of the guidelines she offers are either common sense or just good manners - e.g., "hold your tongue"; "don't take sides" - but many readers will appreciate this refresher course in how to be polite without being a doormat. For anyone needing a reminder of some essential communication guidelines, this volume is essential. Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Instant Persuasion puts values into action. Laurie's message is right on target for success in business and life in general... -- Greg Carr, former chair of Prodigy Internet, co-founder of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard UniversityHer brilliant balance of anecdotes and analysis makes this...book a must for anyone who wants to change minds... -- Alan Dershowitz, Harvard University Professor of Law, and author of Rights From WrongsIf you want to communicate better within your friendships, marriages and careers, this book is a must read. -- Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman and Rabbi Marc A. Gellman, co-hosts of the television show, The God SquadLaurie Puhn's book, Instant Persuasion, provides a practical roadmap to successful communications. -- Robin Wagner, 2002 Figure Skating Coach of the YearAbout the AuthorLaurie Puhn, J.D., is a Harvard-educated lawyer and professional mediator. She is the founder and president of the Laurie Puhn Institute, and a dynamic speaker who frequently addresses the academic, medical, legal, business, and personal growth communities. what is the best selling fantasy books of all time Instant Persuasion: How to Change Your Words to Change Your Life
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Nice book for a beginner interested in persuasionBy PetAdornThis is an easy read book.I actually bought this because of the news broadcast plus the title of the book sounds very persuading.I gave it a four stars because I had the impression that this book was about intimate relationship from the news broadcast but it actually touched on various situations such as family, work and friendship etc...Nice thing is this book gives you examples and points out on how we've made blunders in real life situations and sometimes (but not always) with a solution. I personally prefer to learn how to solve the problem if problem exists.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Helpful, Simple, EffectiveBy Laura De GiorgioIn this easy-to-read book, you'll discover simple ways to instantly improve the outcome of your communication by avoiding communication blunders. Many communication problems occur because we say something inappropriate or omit saying what we should've said to create an atmosphere of respect, understanding and appreciation of everyone involved.What I like about this book is that it deals with everyday situations and the ways we habitually relate to people. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, so many of the rules presented in this book encourage you to openly and frequently express your genuine appreciation.This book contains 35 rules for effective communication, each one illustrated with situations where people created a problem by saying or doing something inappropriate. The author then suggests a simple and helpful solution that would've prevented such problem and everyone concerned would've felt much better.As you read through Instant Persuasion, you may become aware of some communication blunders you have been making habitually and unconsciously that have contributed to unpleasant experiences with people in your life. You can then correct the way you communicate and eliminate the problem, instantly creating more enjoyable life for yourself and people around you.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. It's a great wake up call!By Sally SpeonkWow, what a wake up call for me. This is a great book with real life examples on what does not work and what works. I was suprised that I got a lot more out of this book than I imagined, such as Rule #3, Complain with Impact. I was always surprised to hear when people thought I was a complainer and I didn't know why, now I do. And Rule #20 help me realize that my being defensive was killing off my relationships. Thanks Laurie!!