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Summary: Conversational Tools Helped Me Profit
Review: As an attorney and business woman I found this book a tool that helped me profit. Conversational skills were not something I was born with yet seem to be a necessary skill for those who seek success in this competitive marketplace. This book gave me the tools I need to go to networking events and association meetings and make the most of these opportunities.
The author gives the reader icebreakers, exit lines and everything in between. It's a must have for any business person who understands the importance of building relationships as the foundation for building business. It's also a perfect gift for any professional not born with the "gift of gab."
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Summary: Easy and quickly adaptable for social party , dinner
Review: At the same time, I have ordered Debra's tape, I have bought also 7 others books and video, audio tapes from others authors, on the same subject of conversation. Debra's tape , definitely appears to me, easy, confortable, to apply for any occasions to talk to people Her voice is very friendly and warm. I am so glad to have found Debra' audio tape. She gives , not only advice and techniques, but immediate examples of small talk for introducing yourself , with warmness and giving people the chance and the desire to develop conversation with you. Usually, when invited to dinner, or cocktails , or meeting , I go with the apprehension to meet new people , and to be in the situation of nothing to say , and to appear not interesting to be with.The days after listening to Debra's tape, I have the opportunity to apply in a dinner . I was the guest on a table of 12 persons that I did not know. The evening was lovely, because at last I could engage conversation with new people, as if we were friends. I feel much more confortable ,in such short time and I know that with more training with this tape, I will allow myself, for near future, to love meeting new people, as well as to talk friendly with my clients, my hairdresser, old friends... I really recommend this tape to who wishes to leave a positive impression.
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Summary: A very helpful manual
Review: Everybody can talk, but can you carry a conversation? Or more to the point, can you manage a quality conversation where both (or all) parties feel great about it when they leave? The Fine Art of Small Talk is an excellent manual to help you improve your conversation skills.Author and seminar leader Debra Fine delivers a snappy, interactive and concise guide to getting the most out of networking and social occasions. The book includes many useful lists, such as icebreakers to get a conversation going, topics to avoid,, great exit lines to retreat gracefully, ways to fuel a conversation, and ways to leap the chasm of pregnant pauses. One chapter of special interest is on listening. Do you sometimes talk too much to converse? Do you get distracted by other people or happenings in the room? Do you show your boredom by letting your eyes wander? You, too, huh? The you'll need this chapter as much as I do. Another chapter of special interest is the one on "conversation criminals", which is essentially tips for dealing with difficult people, such as those who monolpolize conversations or brag too much or put you through an interrogation. The Fine Art of Small Talk is everything a personal development book should be: short and to the point, interactive and easy to read, and most of all useful. The reviewer is David Leonhardt, author of Climb your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness...
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Summary: Probably the most helpful review...
Review: I am a typical college professor---easy to speak at length (and ad nauseum) about information that is my specialty. However, students find that they learn better when they are comfortable with the professor herself--hence, the value of small talk! I learned from this book the importance of not being an FBI agent, and how NOT to make people uncomfortable! I also learned key niceties such as the importance of eye contact and a smile, even if the student was just given bad news about her grade. I also appreciated the text because I interact mostly with people who are not professors--it is important that I interact with them on the level of "small talk" so that they do not feel intimidated because I have a doctorate. After all, my knowledge is limited only to my field--it is very easy, though, for people to be put off by professional titles. One way to avoid this rut is through the beauty of small talk.
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Summary: Rent it! Very clear and crisp advice
Review: The issue is that most us find it difficult to have a small talk specially with strangers. The conclusion is that if you take the risk (of rejection) and burden of making the small talk, you will reap the benefits. The examples are good. I like it for the clarity and crispness. I am going to try the advise since it is not too difficult.
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Summary: Disappointing
Review: This book was a real disappointment. Although the information on the cover doesn't say so, it's aimed almost exclusively at people in business situations; almost all of Fine's examples deal with corporate conferences and other networking events. For example, her top suggested line for exiting conversations is "I need to go see the exhibits." She continually emphasizes how improving your small talk skills will win you new clients, a promotion, etc. What about just making friends? The idea that you might want to improve your conversational skills in everyday social or family situations is hardly mentioned at all.
Fine also has some peculiar ideas about what constitutes "small talk." She offers a long list of "icebreakers" for initiating conversations with people you don't know. Unfortunately nearly all of these are too personal, too serious, or just bizarre. Imagine trying to strike up a conversation with a stranger by saying, "If you could replay any moment in your life, what would it be?" The person would just think you're either nosy or a kook. She even suggests using political statements as conversation starters, which is just asking for trouble.
There are a few good suggestions in the book; she has useful advice for dealing with egocentric people who talk endlessly about themselves. However, all of Fine's good ideas could easily fit on two or three pages.
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