When to Speak Up & when to Shut Up by Dr. Michael D. Sedler

Review: When to Speak Up & When to Shut Up
Dr. Michael D. Sedler
Chosen Books
2003

The title says it all in describing this book. The author looks at different examples of keeping quiet when you shouldn’t have and speaking when silence would’ve been the wiser choice. This is a primer on effective communication techniques. Each chapter looks at that from a particular perspective, and generally how the subject messed it up first. Just like we all do. It’s OK to admit that.

The author’s style is gentle and easy to read. Maybe too easy, even, since I found myself just speeding passed some important points. Slow down a bit with this one and learn. He’s been at it professionally long enough to know what he is talking about. One of the big points I missed was have a plan. If peer pressure is an issue, learn how to say no. If you know you are having a conference with your boss that might be challenging, think about what you will say before the event.

Overall, I recommend this book as a starting point for learning effective communication. It is a skill and one that can needs practice in most of our lives.

This book was provided in exchange for this review.

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