Product Description

I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms Lewinsky. Bill Clinton

A seemingly harmless quote. Mr Clinton was trying to get his point across no doubt. But what are the factors that most people remember about this statement?

Bill Clinton.

Sexual relations.

Ms Lewinsky.

Almost all of us fall into the deadly trap of allowing poor communication skills to obscure our meanings, reduce our effectiveness and highlight our stupidity. According to author Bill McFarlan, most of us tend to talk in these negatives, which he terms ′pink elephants′. By drawing on personal and well–known examples, McFarlan provides a host of classic ‘pink elephants’ and the ways and means to avoid them.

Bill McFarlan has been at the forefront of British media for over 25 years, starting with local newspaper reporting and ending up as a BBC and Sky Sports presenter. He has worked on many prestigious programmes, including Breakfast News with Jill Dando and Nicholas Witchell and The World′s Strongest Man. Since 1989 he has run one of Britain′s most successful media consultancy broadcasting business.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #200184 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 180 pages

Review
"…If this book has a weakness, it is that so much of it is merely common sense…" (Glasgow Herald, 5 March 2003)

"…certainly an entertaining read set in an attractive format but it is much more than that…I thoroughly recommend Bill’s book…" (Genesis New Beginnings)

′This is a fascinating must–read.′ (Glasgow Evening Times, 5 April 2003)

"..Even if you normally steer clear of self–help books, do try the very funny and perceptive Drop The Pink Elephant…" (Caledonian, May 2003)

"…enormously pleasurable to read and the words of wisdom sink in almost without a murmur…a very good book…" (City to Cities, May/June 2003)

"..it tackles every aspect of personal communication in a crisp, entertaining style…" (Plain English Magazine, 30 July 2003)

8th top business book 2003 (Supply Management, 21 August 2003)

"…What a great book…no hesitation in recommending this book…" (Marketing, 6 November 2003)

Review
"…If this book has a weakness, it is that so much of it is merely common sense…" (Glasgow Herald, 5 March 2003)

"…certainly an entertaining read set in an attractive format but it is much more than that…I thoroughly recommend Bill’s book…" (Genesis New Beginnings)

′This is a fascinating must–read.′ (Glasgow Evening Times, 5 April 2003)

"..Even if you normally steer clear of self–help books, do try the very funny and perceptive Drop The Pink Elephant…" (Caledonian, May 2003)

"…enormously pleasurable to read and the words of wisdom sink in almost without a murmur…a very good book…" (City to Cities, May/June 2003)

"..it tackles every aspect of personal communication in a crisp, entertaining style…" (Plain English Magazine, 30 July 2003)

8th top business book 2003 (Supply Management, 21 August 2003)

"…What a great book…no hesitation in recommending this book…" (Marketing, 6 November 2003)

Caledonian, May 2003
"..Even if you normally steer clear of self-help books, do try the very funny and perceptive Drop The Pink Elephant.."

Customer Reviews

I'll be careful as I write this....
How could I possibly resist this book once I'd seen the title? It demanded that I at the very least opened the book to find out just what a Pink Elephant is! What I found was entertaining, provocative, simple, perhaps obvious in parts (but hindsight is wonderful), and most importantly something which immediately changed my behaviour. You would expect a book about "personal communication heaven" written by an expert in the field to be easy to read and understand - you will find that to be true (I nearly wrote "you will not be disappointed" - oops Pink Elephant!)

This book both fun and potentially life changing - Bill McFarlan writes near the end "I have experienced at first hand how these rules have enriched my life and the lives of others I've met" and then goes on to finish with significant examples. Can "rules" about communication work in this way? Having read this book and had my first taste of putting the ideas into practice, I am certain that he is right. Thank you Bill. I commend this book to everyone.

Whatever you do DON'T read 'Drop The Pink Elephant'
Having been assigned the presumed long and arduous task of reading Drop the Pink Elephant as part of my work experience working with a management consultant; I found the book an undemanding and entertaining read. In my opinion this is an amazing self help book in which the author provides an insight into the imperfections of our personal communication skills, and offers remedies to these weaknesses. The clear, comprehensible, well structured chapters each aim to develop the readers communication abilities through highlighting the solutions to possible problems. Using everyday examples Bill McFarlan places the reader in situations common to most, aiding in the understanding of the book. Filled with helpful, simple, and practical advice, coupled with a dose of humour, Drop the Pink Elephant is a very educational read.

Anyone who has a communication problem should read this!
My goodness, I can think of loads of people who would benefit from reading this book!

In today's society where everyone seems to be jumping on each other for saying anything out of place, we could all use a lesson in communication. Dropping the "Pink Elephant" ie, the negative words in our language, helps us to communicate what we want to say in a positive and non confrontational way.

Losing the sarcasm from our voices and responding to people in a positive way is always going to get you further than responding in a snappy and impatient tone.

A very good and educational read.