Reviews (76)

95% of us need this book
The successful companies are not afraid to confront the problem when it arises and discuss it rationally.
Great pairing Amazon!
When I read "Crucial Conversations" I found myself tearing through it in long spurts, driven by an intense interest in the authors' discussion of how we handle those tough circumstances life throws our way. It makes the case that we all need to understand our style for handling the inevitable duress of a difficult conversation, and they complement theories with excellent, actionable strategies that work well in the real world.
Excellent roadmap
This book is not your everyday self help book.It provides a fail-safe roadmap for tough communications.
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Subjects:  1. Business Communication - General    2. Communication    3. General    4. Interpersonal Communication    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Business & Economics / Business Communication    9. Popular psychology    10. Conversation   

Reviews (1)

Very handy and well-designed
This is a useful phrasebook for the novice heading to Iraq for the first time. No Arabic script; a shame, but that seems to be the case with almost all such handbooks tailored to one dialect of Arabic. The almost pocket-sized booklet starts off with a description of the phonetic system and moves quickly to a few very basic elements of grammar, basic words, numbers, telling time, and common situations from greetings to arrival at the airport, checking in at a hotel, getting around town, food and drink, personal care, sight-seeing, visiting mosques, medical care, security situation, and timely police station and checkpoint dialogue. Nothing special in terms of military lingo, but handy sections on "searching a house" and handling "demonstrations". Prepared in 2004, but not with the occupation and post-occupation too much in mind, no mention of roadside bombs or beheadings, prisoners, or prisoner handling; almost as if Iraq were a normal country. Ends with a 1,000 word basic dictionary. At this price you can't go wrong by keeping a copy handy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arabic    2. Arabic Language    3. Conversation and phrase books    4. Dialects    5. English    6. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    7. Foreign Language Study    8. Grammar    9. Iraq    10. Language    11. Foreign Language Study / Arabic    12. Language self-study & phrasebooks    13. Reference   

Editorial Review

Susan Scott believes that interpersonal difficulties--at work and at home--are a direct result of our inability to communicate well. Read more

Reviews (25)

Excellent concept; a bit repetitive
This book offers a great way to approach difficult conversations.There are several templates in the book to show the reader how to do this.However, after reading it, it does tend to repeat certain aspects of the material.I am sure that some of that is for effect; but for someone who is capable of applying material quickly it can be somewhat boring.I still recommend it as a read, but I do not recommend that you need to completely read the book to get the overall message.

Good content-very dry
The content is excellent but she narrated her own book and it's very dry to listen too.I recommend buying the book and working through that.

It really works!
The information and the examples in the book are easily applied and really do make a difference.I used the book as a reference working with first line managers; it is especially useful to them in confronting passive aggressive communication styles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Communication In Business    4. Conversation    5. Conversation And Discourse    6. Management - General    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Psychology    9. Success    10. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (5)

Excellent
I am really amazed of how much idioms and colloquial expressions you can learn just by listening to the CD. And guess what - these are idioms and phrases you REALLY hear everyday on the street, usedby most people in everyday situations. Before, my English sounded a bit "artificial" and somehow forced. Now, the more I used the idioms I learnt here, the more natural and even friendly I sound to the native speakers.
Useful Book
This is a good book to read, esp. for non-native English speaker. I learn many new expressions with ease (because the book provides proper context). The reason I give 4, instead of 5, is that there are (too) many repetitions throughout the book.

A simple yet clever way to break into the "idiom barrier"
Remember your good old Englishtextbook which started with an introduction of the characters who would be in the dialogs throughout the units? That's how this book is laid out. Idioms are contextualized and there are various consolidation exercises between units to reinforce them. The accompanying CD is very clear and the voices convey the moods of the characters - although I must say that the man who does Bob's voice sounds incredibly boring at times as his voicedoesn't seem to show much pitch variation. Some of the idioms are alreadyknown to most high-intermediate students, but there are many others to learn, so it can certainly satisfy those studentswho resent not having enough "real-life"vocabulary in class. It may alsobe useful for the student working on his own, once the explanations are very clear. In a nutshell: It's worth buying if you're looking for a simple - yet effective - way to explore the most common idioms of American English. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Dictionaries - General    3. English as a Second Language    4. English language    5. Foreign Language Study    6. Idioms    7. Language    8. Reference    9. Spoken English    10. United States    11. American English    12. Conversation    13. Study and teaching    14. Textbooks for foreign speakers   

Reviews (7)

learning a foreign language
I am still at the first stages, but learning a Italian is fun and the "Dummies" book is helpful!

From an Italian teacher's perspective.. "www.nadasitaly.com"
It's hard to find that "perfect" Italian book to recommend to students, because I often run into these two situations: 1) the book is too in-depth and too focused on grammar; 2) the book is too superficial and more of a phrase-book for travelers, therefore not sufficient. SO, what I usually do is use a combination of books, this being one of them. It has some useful information on the culture, as well as practical expressions for the brave traveler. However, my recommendation is to take a basic course before traveling to Italy, because even knowing a few simple sentences can get you a long way. Also, in a group setting you'll be able to ask specific questions and to practice with others.I'm sure that if you check with your local community college, there are some short continuing education courses for foreign languages. If you need information on traveling to Italy and books to learn Italian, you can also contact me: nada@nadasitaly.com

Very convenient!
I found the best price online for this book and got it promptly without living my office. Thanks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Dictionaries - General    3. English    4. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    5. Foreign Language Study    6. Italian    7. Italian Language    8. Language    9. Programmed instruction    10. Textbooks for foreign speakers    11. Language learning: audio-visual & multimedia    12. Language self-study & phrasebooks    13. Reference / Dictionaries   

Reviews (56)

a good book
this book has one question on every page.they stem from silly to mind benders and all in between.a lot of the questions make you think and can sprout into intellectual or even fun conversation.i know a few drs who read this book in group settings and say it gives them a keen insight into thier patienrs mindset.it also works as a getting to know you book if used properly.its a lot of fun and you could even learn things about yourself you didnt know.

Predictable and Pointless
I bought this book thinking it would help me get to know my husband and friends better, but in the end, it's just a silly book with questions anyone could think up.
Love this book!
This book is brilliant!You will come closer to yourself, your own ideas, thoughts, feelings and morals through reading this text.Even better--share it with friends.It works as a great bonding tool for large and small groups alike.I can't say enough good things about this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Conversation    3. General    4. Human behavior    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Ethical issues & debates    8. Philosophy    9. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (26)

Very Basic
I recommend you not buy this book or cd.I listened to the CD and it was too elementary.

Reviews by Nan Kilar and Bobby Miller
I don't know what kind of verbal tight spots you find yourself in on a regular basis, but here's hoping not too many. As a political activist and writer who has been tagged by the media as "one of America's most controversial authors", I'm nearly always on the hot seat wherever I go, bathroom being about the only exception.
Good starting grounds
This is a good book to start from if you have recognized, like myself, that your conversation skills could use some improvement.
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Subjects:  1. Conversation    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Friendship    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    8. Psychology    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help & Practical Interests    11. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (7)

Fun
My husband and I sit down with this every once in a while and pick out questions to ask each other.It's a great way to learn more about your spouse and spend time communicating instead of watching TV.

more uses than I thought
I got this book to use for a discussion group of Mothers Of PreSchoolers, and found that it works for any group of people. To get familiar with it, I took it on a family vacation.We picked it up while waiting for a craft show to open and three generations of my family had a great time.Plenty of good questions for our ages, 34-82 years old.We enjoyed the book and each other's company and the time went by very quickly.I think it would even be good for my kids, as long as you pull only appropriate questions.

The Complete Book of Questions; 1001 conversation starters
I bought this book before leaving on a one week vacation to the beach with my boyfriend of eight months, knowing that we would be driving twelve hours each way.He is not a person who willinging gives up information, not a chatty person by nature.And as a shy person, I never know what to ask in order to get a conversation going.In the past, a friend had given me a set of conversation flashcards that worked well to get conversations started and I had learned alot about my sweetie.So, I thought a book like this would work well for conversation starters.And I was right!!!!The subjects range from light and airy to deep and spiritual.I found that browsing the sections for questions that interested me, brought amazing revelations about the person I thought I knew!!Obviously, there are certain questions any couple may want to avoid, especially after a divorce, but, the book gives you an automony to ask questions you might not have had the courage to ask before.And, to my surprise, when it was my turn to drive, about 30 minutes into the drive, he picked up the book and looked for questions for me!!!!!Now, I have a greater knowledge of life situations that my man has gone through, his views on things and opinions.A half dozen questions out of this book was all we needed to open up subjects that had never been contemplated and kept us engaged in interesting, light hearted conversation for many hours.I definitely would recommend this book for anyone wanting an avenue to getting to know another person without them feeling they are being "interrogated" !!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Conversation    4. Etiquette    5. Miscellanea    6. Personal & Practical Guides    7. Reference    8. Religion    9. Christian Interest    10. Christian life & practice    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (12)

Not what I expected
The quality and cost of the book was quite disappointing. The pages that were stapled in the book were out of order and other pages were falling out. The first impression was not good.
What Really Works
I find books like this help you with opening remarks, like simple one-liner ice breakers. OK, so they feed you some lines and then what are you supposed to talk about? If you don't know many people at the event, it's hard to come up with something interesting that won't end with you red-faced, or with your foot firmly in your mouth. I find online knowledge services like Agogus.com are very helpful in this respect, more that these kinds of books. I have more confidence to start a conversation, now that I have a wide knowledge of all kinds of topics. It's even fun to go to holiday parties, not a pain like it used to be.

Decent but there are better books available on the subject
I purchased this book, along with "Conversationally Speaking" by Alan Garner and "How To Start a Conversation and Make Friends" by Don Gabor. I bought all three books because I find that reading multiple books on a subject helps me remember the subject's key points more easily.
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Subjects:  1. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations    2. Self-Help    3. Conversation    4. interpersonal communication    5. social intelligence   

Reviews (13)

Good place to start
I am a native speaker trying to teach my hubby a few words for our trip to Brazil.I found the book very easy to use.Most nights he practiced by himself and I reviewed the material.He was able to get pretty good pronunciation using the books guidelines, but emphasis was harder.It think this is true anytime you are studying language through a book.The stickers were fun to use, we did label items around the house.After getting this book down we moved on to a CD ROM package which has been useful as well.My husband felt that the book did not do a very good job with teaching tenses and conjugating words.This is true, the books aim was to teach you useful phrases and words, you would still be limited in your ability to understand a native speakers anwers to your questions.However, after only one month he definitelty learned quite a bit.Even though I am fluent it is easier to work from a program, as learning from me is hit or miss, this way we have the basics covered.
Great product
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a great way for a beginner to pick up the basic words and phrases needed to communicate in Portuguese. When you actually follow the directions and spend the 10 minutes a day, you really pick up the language quickly! I like the way the book is written and found it easy to follow and understand. Great way to learn!

Trying to Learn
This is a wonderful book if you are going to be in Brazil for a very short time. It is also a good beginner book. Unfortunately the pronunciations (esp at the end of words) is hard to understand. My husband is from Brazil and we will be going there soon. He had to correct me the majority of the time when I was pronouncing the words how this book has outlined how they should be pronounced. Overall it is a nice book but you might want need a tutor as well to get the sounds right.If you are going to be staying in Brazil for a longer time you will need a better book for sure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Europe - Spain & Portugal    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. General    5. Grammar    6. Language    7. Portuguese    8. Portuguese language    9. Reference    10. Self-instruction    11. Textbooks for foreign speakers    12. Conversation and phrase books    13. Language self-study & phrasebooks    14. Portugal    15. Spain   

Subjects:  1. Americanisms    2. Conversation and phrase books    3. Dictionaries - Idioms & Slang    4. English As A Second Language    5. English language    6. Foreign Language Study    7. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language    8. Language    9. Reference    10. Slang    11. United States    12. English    13. Idioms    14. Language teaching theory & methods   

Reviews (3)

Words Are Weapons
This is an excellent book using age appropriate language to send out the message of just how hurtful and harmful words can be.We all know the doggerel bravado verse of sticks and stones is just a crock.I never bought it because words are infinitely more painful than any stick or stone.I think that deceptive verse should be changed to:
Wonderful message
This book does a great job reinforcing how powerful words are.The book sends out a great message in a child centered and creative way.

Designed especially for children ages 4 to 7
Written by parenting columnist Elizabeth Verdick with an age-appropriate vocabulary, and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, Words Are Not For Hurting was designed especially for children ages 4 to 7, a time of growing vocabularies and increasing social interaction with peers and others. The simple, positive message is think before speaking, and choosing not only what to say but how to say it. Young readers will also learn of the power in saying "I'm sorry" when the speak words that hurt the feelings of others. Enhanced with a special section at the end that includes activities and discussion starters, Words Are Not For Hurting is confidently recommended for home, school, and childcare center early childhood library resources and character education reading lists.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Conversation    3. Etiquette    4. Etiquette for children and tee    5. Etiquette for children and teenagers    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    10. Emotions & feelings    11. Personal awareness: family, relationship & social issues   

Reviews (1)

good book
It is a good book for thosewho would like to improve their spoken american english practically, within a very short time.butto get your goal a regular& constant practice is needed.
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Subjects:  1. Business Communication - General    2. Business English    3. Dictionaries - Idioms & Slang    4. English As A Second Language    5. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    6. Foreign Language Study    7. Language    8. Reference    9. Americanisms    10. Conversation and phrase books    11. Idioms    12. Textbooks for foreign speakers   

Reviews (53)

Great Book
This books gives great tips and suggestions on how to start conversations.It even give you sample ice breakers.Good book to have and keep around to refresh your small talk skills.

Highly Overrated
I consider my self pretty well read in this genre of self-help books.The first thing I would share with anyone reading this review is that the advice offered in this book is pretty obvious and sometimes just plain bizarre.I know this has been shared in other reviews of this book, but after reading some other "independent" reviews of this book I felt compelled to tell you the honest truth about this book.The lines offered in this book on initiating conversation with strangers in social settings made me and my sister laugh while reading them.They are both awkward and bizarre at the same time.If you're looking for a good book on sharpening your social skills keep moving cause this is not the one.

Not enough information for a book....
The key points of this book would fit nicely into about 15-20 of it's small printed pages... I can summarize the content in this review. First the author gives her history... Next, she explains to not be shy and to approach people in conversation and people standing alone.... She stresses that you must really strive to take an interest and care for the people you are talking with. She tells you to only ask engaging questions (e.g. What have you done today? Instead of How was your day?) She devotes a few pages to body language and tells you to take note to always remember the other persons name and.... then she explains how to gracefully exit a conversation by leading out with "I have to go...". While I don't find myself in disagreement with Ms. Fine on any of her advice, I did feel about 75% of the book is common knowledge.... I read the entire book in a 2 hour period and because I felt like I didn't learn much I don't recommend it without picking up a copy and skimming through it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business Communication - General    3. Business/Economics    4. Communication    5. Conversation    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Oral Communication In Business    8. Oral communication    9. Psychology    10. Business & Economics / Skills   

Reviews (4)

A simply outstanding reference for managing allergies while traveling or simply enjoying the convenience of dining out
Expertly co-authored by Kim Koeller, Let's Eat Out!: Your Passport To Living Gluten And Allergy Free is a simply outstanding reference for managing allergies while traveling or simply enjoying the convenience of dining out. Informed and informative, Let's Eat Out! offers readers an exclusive perspective on innovative strategies for pursuit of an allergen filled healthy yet satisfactory diet without the necessity to stay home and avoiding the social atmosphere of the restaurant. Let's Eat Out! is very strongly recommended to everybody with restrictive allergies wishing to engage in restaurant dining with family, friends, or business associates.
Great Tips & Ideas On Safely Eating Out With Gluten/Food Allergies!
This book has been very helpful as a mom of a 2 yr old food allergy child.When my daughter was diagnosed with a couple of severe food allergies and many sensitivies, we had not dined out for a while.This book has helped to truly understand what to look out for and how to manage the eating out process.It's easy to use and I was impressed by the tips and knowledge relating to dealing with the specific top 10 allergens when dining out.Not only does it deal with the 10 allergens but relates them to each of the 7 cuisines such as Indian, American Steak and Seafood, French, etc. giving helpful tips on how allergens may be "hidden" or used in preparation that you would never expect. The book helps you to identify these items and communicate effectively with the restaurant staff.In addition, there is also useful information on safely choosing snacks when you are out, travel, etc.The book has helped me gain confidence in dining out as a family again.The book is a great read for those with celiac, food allergies or even parents of children with food allergies!
the first of its kind
"Let's Eat Out!" will make you hungry and give you the power to protect yourself from food allergies at the same time. This series is an amazingly comprehensive guide that is sure to help thousands of people to feel more in control of their lives.
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Subjects:  1. Allergic Condition Cookery    2. Allergies    3. Consumer Health    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Diet therapy    6. Diets - General    7. Diets - Special Conditions    8. Food Content Guides    9. Food allergy    10. Foreign Language Study / Polyglot Phrasebooks    11. Gluten-free diet    12. Health & Fitness    13. Health & Fitness / Allergies    14. Health/Fitness    15. Nutrition    16. Nutrition And Diet    17. Recipes    18. Regional & Ethnic - International    19. Celiac disease    20. Conversation and phrase books    21. Health & wholefood cookery    22. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

Extremely helpful
I really enjoyed this book and found it very useful.Margaret Shepherd addresses just about any situation one can think of.If everyone owned this book and followed these conversational guidelines, the world would be a much better place.

Communication Is Important In All Its Forms.
Civilized conversation is an art which transforms everyday life into a meaningful connection to others with just a few required basics.Mainly, you need to let the other person know that you are focused and interested in what he/she is saying.Your actions reveal to the other person exactly what you consider most important.Body language speaks louder than words.A conversation distinguishes humans from animals, although a pet does communicate in its own way with the owner.
Pretty good
You know the person who is shy, talks too much, and always puts her foot in her mouth and winds up offending you? Yeah. That's me. I got this book in the hopes that it would help me to be able to socially chat in group settings.
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Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Conversation    3. Conversation And Discourse    4. Etiquette    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Reference    8. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (10)

Worth every penny!
My wife bought this book for me, and it was a Godsend.Chapter lessons are bite sized and arranged in logical/relational order; interpersonal phrases, cultural issues, admission, discharge, fundamental anatomy, hygiene issues, medication issue, etc.
A great Book!
I'm other language challenged but this book makes picking up and using Spanish in my role as an RN easy and effective.

Wonderful for beginners
This book has become invaluable in my ER setting.We have a small Hispanic population which is growing with more Spanish speaking patients.This book helps with basic Admission questions and follows up with easily understood medical questions.Would recommend highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Conversation and phrase books (for medical personnel)    3. Dictionaries & Terminology    4. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    5. Reference    6. Spanish    7. Spanish language    8. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    9. Foreign Language Study / Spanish   

Subjects:  1. Business    2. Business Communication - General    3. Business English    4. Dictionaries    5. Dictionaries - Idioms & Slang    6. English As A Second Language    7. English language    8. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    9. Foreign Language Study    10. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language    11. Jargon    12. Language    13. Reference    14. Slang    15. Conversation and phrase books    16. Idioms    17. Textbooks for foreign speakers   

Reviews (6)

Conversation: A History of a Declining Art.
Great read offering possible insights and reasons for the obvious decline in casual conversation in America specifically and the west in general.
Food for Thought
An affecting, enagaging rumination on the past, present, and future of conversation.The book is strongest in examining the great 18th century conversationalists -- Hume, S. Johnson -- and in offering observations on "conversibility" in the modern age.In some of the other historical chapters, Miller does not seem quite as well informed, and the thread of the essay stretches a bit thin.
Talk is Not Cheap
Miller's faith in the value of good-humored, reasonable talk among civilized people flies in the face of the current tendency toward opinionated,virulent, and self-serving public discourse. Yes, he rants occasionally, but the ranting is funny and right-on, a slam-dunk comment on the level to which manners have slumped in our age. His scholarship is impeccable and his style a model of what conversationshould be--witty and wise. Barbara Gardner, PhD, Mendocino, CA ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Conversation And Discourse    3. Conversation analysis    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Social History    8. World - General    9. Communication Studies    10. Cultural studies    11. History / Essays    12. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (5)

A must have for any educator of Spanish speaking students.
I found this book to be very helpful as a resource in my classroom. With several Spanish speaking students (preschool) I repeatedly returned to this book for answers. I do have some knowledge of Spanish. I can see how this book could not be as helpfull to an educator with little or no Spanish language background. It was very relevant to school situations. I have used it as a resource when dealing with students from 2 years old to 20 years old. Every school should be required to have this wonderful book available to its educators.

Useful if you have had prior experience w/Spanish.
As a special education teacher in an inner city school, I am in constant contact w/the parents of my students, most of whom are of Hispanic descent. Nearly worthless
This book should be called "Spanish vocabulary for educators" as that's about all it offers. An occasional poorly presented grammar lesson is thrown in. At one point Mr. Harvey says a grammatical concept is too hard to explain so just find some Spanish speaking people and listen to them. I would have the exact quote (which I did when I wrote to the publisher about this insult to educators) but I threw the book out. Don't waste your money on this piece of trash; a good dictionary will serve you better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books (for school employees)    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Language    5. Reference    6. Spanish    7. Spanish language    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    9. Foreign Language Study / Spanish