Talkability: Discover The Secrets Of Effective Conversation, 1st edition

Published by Pearson (17 October 2016) © 2017

  • James Borg
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Products list
$38.15 AUD
Instant access

Access details

  • Instant access once purchased
  • Fulfilled by VitalSource

Title overview

Talkability explores the power of effective communication and how everyday conversations can influence relationships, workplace interactions, and personal success. Whether speaking with colleagues, friends, clients, or family members, the words we choose—and the way we deliver them—can shape outcomes, build understanding, and help avoid unnecessary conflict. This text provides practical guidance for developing stronger communication skills, helping readers express their ideas more clearly, listen more effectively, and engage in more productive conversations.

In an increasingly digital world, where screens often replace face-to-face interaction, the ability to communicate confidently and authentically remains one of the most valuable skills we possess. Drawing on real-life examples, proven techniques, and practical insights, Talkability helps readers improve everything from active listening and body language to giving feedback, handling difficult conversations, building rapport, networking, storytelling, and communicating with confidence. Designed for both personal and professional development, it offers actionable strategies to help readers connect with others, strengthen relationships, and achieve better outcomes through more effective communication.

Table of contents

  • Part One: Talk Essentials
  • Introduction: ‘Feel the magic in the making . . .’
  • ‘iContact’ or eye contact?
  • ‘I know you believe you understand . . .’
  • ‘Paralinguistics’ (it’s the ‘melody’ as well as the ‘lyrics’)
  • The ‘rhythm’ of talking and listening
  • It’s the ‘beginnings’ and ‘endings’ (the ‘primacy’ and ‘recency’ effect)
  • Part Two: Saying It Right
  • ‘I said something wrong’ (‘now I long for . . .’)
  • Turn ‘closed’ questions into ‘open’ ones
  • Gossip talk
  • Rules of eye contact
  • Small talk leads to BIG talk
  • Tone down the ‘uptalk’
  • ‘And every conversation, I can now recall . . .’
  • Mindfulness or ‘mindlessness’?
  • You reveal your true level of interest by the way you listen
  • Fight or flight? . . . the ‘amygdala hijack’
  • ‘We need to talk’ (warning!)
  • The power of the pause . . . (‘go ahead . . . make my day!’)
  • Is ‘fine’ the new ‘F-word’?
  • Invert your ‘BUT’ (and we’re not talking about a Pilates move!)
  • ‘And’ another thing . . . (while we’re on the subject)
  • Interject, don’t interrupt
  • Assertion not aggression
  • I should avoid ‘should’
  • Never say ‘never’ again
  • Don’t ask me ‘WHY’?
  • YOU ought to know better!
  • Put the ‘I’ in feeling
  • Can I make a suggestion . . . ?
  • Don’t tell me about the ‘white bear’
  • ‘Sorry’ seems to be the hardest word
  • The ‘non-apology’ apology
  • Telephone talk
  • Networking or ‘notworking’?
  • Exit ‘lines’
  • Mirroring? (‘yeah, yeah, yeah’)
  • Are you a ‘radiator’ or a ‘drain’?
  • Say ‘yes’ to ‘no’
  • Balance honesty with courtesy
  • ‘To be honest’ it’s ‘no problem’
  • ‘Um’ . . . ‘er’ . . . ‘uh’ . . . target the killer ‘fillers’
  • Hold the jargon
  • The magical ‘rule of three’
  • ‘I’m an extrovert . . . get me in there!’
  • ‘I’m an introvert . . . get me out of here!’

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