Product Description

This volume is about relationships, body language and how we relate to each other. It contains strategies for love and business which include: charming body language and gestures - the exclusive smile, eyes glued to the other person, "come hither" hands with palms open etc; never leave home without the latest news; how to give the killer compliment - not too general and not too frequently given; the premature "we" - effective empathizing; and how to work a party - including making an entrance, be the chooser not the choosee, and mingling not munching (for all those who head straight for the food table!).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #476 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-01
• Released on: 2008-06-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

From the Publisher
By the bestselling author of ‘How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You’). This book is written in the same hilarious style with its 92 simple and effective techniques.

About the Author
Leil Lowndes, an internationally recognized communications expert , has conducted communication seminars for major US corporations, foreign governments and the U.S Peace Corps. She has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programmes. She is author of the bestselling 'How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You'. She is the bestselling author of How To Make Anyone Fall in Love with You (also by Thorsons).

Customer Reviews

Useful, readable guide; but I dislike Lowndes' attitude
The author's advice is divided into 92 brief advices, each about 2 or 3 pages. Example techniques are: 'Never the naked introduction' (don't introduce people to each other with just a name - give some relevant info), or 'Boomeranging' (gratiously acknowledge compliments). Usually there's a story attached to each from the author's own experience, to give the technique context. Some of the tips are very specific (e.g. 'Record business meetings'), but 90% will be of genuine use to everybody.

The book will help you avoid awkward introductions ('Where are you from?' 'Lincoln.' 'So... um... how is that spelt?'), sell stuff better, have a better phone manner, etc. Don't believe reviews that say this book is a guide to being oily and sycophantic - there is nothing insincere about looking people in the eye rather than shoes, or any of the 92 tips.

The only thing I dislike about the book is the judgemental tone of the author, Leil Lowndes. She consantly mentions how minor faux-pas have big consequences. Because of minor indiscretions, people are denied the big promotion, big contract, etc. I think this is awful. Lowndes believes in a world where our destiny is determinded by a scorecard of minor social-interaction mistakes; rather than by our intelligence, talent, kindness, etc. Shame on Lowndes and those 'bosses' for being so shallow! Give the contract to the best supplier, not to the supplier who happened to have a working pen!

This criticism shouldn't detract from the quality of the book. Read it. It won't change your life, but will make 'talking to anyone' a whole lot easier.

Great book, techniques work, but author doesn't like people
Hi

I found this book interesting; I've tried many of the techniques and found that they work very well.

Unfortunately, the author has little genuine warmth, empathy or interest in other people.

One example (not untypical). The authors 'good friend' had started a business and Leil (the author) introduced her to an important - powerful - contact. The author's friend 'messed up' when she contacted the 'important person' - she didn't have a pen and asked him to wait a few minutes whilst she got one. The author's reaction 'that's the last time I'll introduce her to anyone'. Jeez - I'm glad she's not my 'good friend'.

I thoroughly recommend it to anybody who wants to communicate more effectively i.e. get what they want out of other people - respect, friendship, business, a job, etc.

However don't let it turn you into a self-centered, manipulative, jerk.

Remember that communications techniques can help in one off relationships (e.g. a job interview, sales call), can help lubricate new relationships (a first date), and increase your social standing (working a party, or social engagement).

They can't help in long-term relationships (when a date becomes your girl/guy, on the job, parenting, etc.) For that you need to invest in your character.

Happy reading

Afam Edozie

Useful book but not what it says on the tin
Dont get me wrong, this is a really useful book with lots of great ideas, all backed up with research into human nature.
A lot of the stuff is common sense, but it is useful to have it confirmed so that the ideas are in the forefront of your mind when you are next socially climbing. (If thats what you want to do!!). However this is really a book for those that already have quite competent social skills and are socially confident. It is also rather aimed at the American personality.
It is easy and enjoyable to read and reeks of optimism.
But it is not a lesson in the basic skills for those that are shy to talk to others, it is more about the fine-tuning of existing communication skills.