Just Listen

Goulston asserts that most people do not know how to listen. And if they do listen, they don't actually hear what other people are saying. By this, he means that most of us hear things through our own opinions, experiences, and filters, rather than actually understanding the intent of the person talking. He argues that by probing their feelings and just giving them an opportunity to talk, be heard, and feel that they are important, many conflicts can be resolved and real personal connections developed between individuals. This book is full of simple, common sense suggestions and sample conversations to help you improve your communication with friends, family, and coworkers alike.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone
Mark Goulston
HF 5719 .G68 2010

Own the Room

Research has shown that the most effective presentations are those that combine emotion and intellectual stimulation. This book outlines key principles of persuasive presentations and illustrates how these principles can be put into practice. Chapters are likened to a movie or stage production, focusing on the roles of varying participants in the presentation, the opening, closing, and narrative used. Others talk about how to handle stage fright, moving around during the presentation, and using PowerPoint. This book will be valuable to everyone who wants to improve their communication skills, whether speaking in front of a large audience or simply a small group.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Own the Room: Business Presentations that Persuade, Engage & Get Results
David Booth, Deborah Shames, Peter Desberg
HF 5718.22 .B66 2010

Sketching User Experiences

New products are released into the market constantly, but the reality is that few of them survive or thrive. Buxton asserts this is because many products rely heavily on technology, but that their design and usability have not been well thought out. He argues that design needs to be considered more systematically as new products are developed. However, he takes a compromise approach. How the system works in reality needs to be balanced with sketching and developing ideas early in the development process. The result, he hopes, will be a balance of good innovative thinking with development of engineering and technology to create a desirable as well as usable product. This book draws on examples from a wide range of product areas, considering computer technology, tools, transportation, and other industries. Significant attention is given to the role of sketching, storyboarding, cartooning, animation, and other methods of visual communication.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Sketching User Experiences: Getting the Design Right and the Right Design
Bill Buxton
TS 171 .B89 2007

Honor & Respect

Although e-mail has replaced hand-writing personal letters for many occasions, formal events and professional relationships often call for the resurrection of time-honored forms of communication. Written by the Protocol School of Washington, this book provides specific examples of what to do, and what not to do, when speaking to federal, state, and municipal officials, military personnel, and international dignitaries. It provides guidance on how to address envelopes and write invitations for formal events such as weddings or balls. It can help you to select the best phrases when making introductions, as well as when referring to titled officials in conversations. This book is an essential to anyone who works with government or military personnel.

Honor & Respect: The Official Guide to Names, Titles, & Forms of Address
Robert Hickey
CR 3515 .H63 2008