Loud & Clear: 5 Steps to Say What You Mean and Get What You Want

How to be heard through the noise: “A must read for today’s busy, 24/7 professional who needs to communicate both thoughtfully and instantaneously.” —Mark Herman, EVP, Booz Allen Hamilton Loud & Clear is an essential guide to the effective communication skills that help you get what you want. Whoever you need to get a message through to—an employer, team, committee, staffer, neighbor, teacher, student, or spouse—this book will show you how to get their attention by: • Using your head. Before you even think about opening your mouth, you need to think long and hard about the person you want to influence and how to say what you want. • Connecting with your listener(s). How to establish chemistry and intimacy with your listeners—from an individual to a stadium-sized audience—to make them want to listen to you. • Keeping their interest. Why “soft” communication, such as storytelling and picture-painting, are important devices, and how to use them effectively. Plus, how to avoid the dreaded “drone factor.” • Saying it right. Speech and body language techniques make a lasting impression. • Anticipating and overcoming the negatives. How to recognize disaster before it strikes, and handle it when it does. Each chapter also features a topic-specific “plan of attack,” plus client stories, checklists, worksheets, and quizzes. It can be hard to get through in today’s noisy world—but for those trying to get a raise, motivate a team, organize a group, or just get better customer service, these proven methods help you say what you mean to get what you want.