Shut Up And Listen: The Truth About How To Communicate At Work

This is a great book because it is well written, well structured and full of practical advice and useful comments from interviewees. The book is also instructive without sermonising.

At times it is humorous. For instance, Keith Harris, former chairman of the Football League, explains: “I’m not a big fan ofe-mail. I’ve always been adverse to screens. I’ve got a beautiful antique desk and I don’t want a poxy screen on it.”

At the outset, this book provides a practical crash course in helping the reader assess their own abilities as a communicator. This is a useful section that also focuses on the need to adopt different styles of communication according to your environment. Like many things in this book, such a principle may seem obvious, but it is often ignored in written and spoken communications.

The bulk of the book then provides a practical guide on how to be a better communicator. It covers:

– Reading, including developing the skill to synthesise reports into executive-style summaries as a way of focusing quickly on the key points

– Writing, including how to draft e-mails, as well as the need to check spelling and meaning

– Persuasion from an advertising copy perspective. The book suggests that it is worth taking time out specifically to view TV commercials

– Listening and talking, including behaviour at meetings. Professor David Clutterbuck’s comment: “For every minute that you talk, spend two listening” seems particularly pertinent here for all those who have suffered lengthy meetings, and have contributed to them

– Creating the right impression through body language and an understanding of the national and organisation cultures with which you are dealing

– Planning to communicate so that you do it properly.

Also, each chapter ends with a helpful summary of key points.

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Martin Goodman is director of strategic HR consulting for Cornwell Management Consultants