Straight Talk: How To Manage Conversations That Scare You
by Maureen Collins
(Zebra Press, R150)
Do you have a problem explaining to individuals that they have terrible body odour, verbal diarrhoea, pathetic management of money or their noses stuck too deeply in your business?
Then, at the risk of sounding like a glib medication advertisement, Straight Talk is your prescription.
Collins has put together a blueprint of how to polish conversations in a way that gets the message across, sets an open tone for dialogue, and most importantly, provides results.
The book presents scenarios in which tension can easily overflow between parties. You needs to gain a clear understanding of tone, body language and how conversations are led lest they lead to a clash. It is these seemingly minute factors that could change a conversation that chars relationships, to one that ends in the relieved smoking of the peace pipe.
After each example Collins provides a short list of Straight Talk Tips that elucidate the lessons in the given situations. You get a thorough breakdown of ideas and purposes behind each conversation, keeping the desired outcome in mind.
Collins takes into consideration work, family and friends in her tips for dialogue, allowing many to relate to her advice. – Tshepo Tshabalala