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Summary: One of the best tapes I found on the topic and more.
Review: I discovered these tapes about a year ago, listened to them more then once, and never got bored with them. The author is a strategist, he not only covers conversational skills but, more broadly, communications skills including bulding relationships and leadership. The autor builds his concepts on the deep understanding of the human nature. All points are presented in a very clear and systematic way and are well illustrated by examples. I learned a lot from these tapes. For me they are a good addition to Carnegie, Lowndes, Boothman, deLisser and other great authors.
Rating: 
Summary: Want to Sound Cliched? Buy this Book
Review: I just don't know about this book. I admire the fact that it offers specific things to say when encountered with situations, but at the same time, that's its Achilles' heel. For example, people who constantly ask me what I do make me feel important, but at the same time can get on my nerves. That is the thrust of the book: learn as much as you can about the person with whom you are talking. The problem is I just don't feel the suggestions for making first-time conversation will impress anyone. And telling someone to never, ever say "hello" when answering the phone? Maybe it's me, but folks who answer the phone "Top of the mornin'" sound really silly if they are not a close friend. And then you laugh. Imagine it coming from a stranger? You would think he is off his rocker. In my opinion, this subject matter is better covered in a workshop so that one can see the effectiveness. It's a case of "works for some but not for others." The author appears to have hastily thrown something together as if the publisher said, "Write us something...or else!" I'll take the "or else."
Rating:
Summary: Want to Sound Cliched? Buy this Book
Review: I just don't know about this book. I admire the fact that it offers specific things to say when encountered with situations, but at the same time, that's its Achilles' heel. For example, people who constantly ask me what I do make me feel important, but at the same time can get on my nerves. That is the thrust of the book: learn as much as you can about the person with whom you are talking. The problem is I just don't feel the suggestions for making first-time conversation will impress anyone. And telling someone to never, ever say "hello" when answering the phone? Maybe it's me, but folks who answer the phone "Top of the mornin'" sound really silly if they are not a close friend. And then you laugh. Imagine it coming from a stranger? You would think he is off his rocker. In my opinion, this subject matter is better covered in a workshop so that one can see the effectiveness. It's a case of "works for some but not for others." The author appears to have hastily thrown something together as if the publisher said, "Write us something...or else!" I'll take the "or else."
Rating:
Summary: Mostly a Rehash of Dale Carnegie
Review: Most of this tape is a rehash of Dale Carnegie principles - use people's names, make them feel important, etc. The program is 99% focused on business communications with very little focus on personal communications. 25% of the program gets sidetracked on how to reprimand an employee. I wanted the focus to stay on conversation skills. Also, the author uses way too many lists of steps (i.e. the 11 steps to improving in these areas with several of the 11 steps being 3 or 5 step items in themselves). You must take notes while listening to keep up with all the lists of steps.
Rating:
Summary: A powerful tool that everyone should have in your library
Review: This audio book was the most influential information that I have ever listened to. The speaker has clear and concise way of explaining the nuance of listening and the art of conversation. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Caution is advised because the information will change your life.
Rating: 
Summary: More effective than a sleeping pill
Review: This tape is so unbelieveably boring and obtuse, I've listened to it several times to convince myself I wasn't missing something. Nope, nothing missed, just an extremely monotone voice droning on and on, taking 10 minutes for a 1 minute topic.
Mr. Van Fleet's comments would be well received in the 50's, but it's 2002 and most all his "helpful" points are dated or oversimplified.
"People like to hear you use their name"; well, Mr. Van Fleet, that is interesting advise Mr. Van Fleet. Tell me Mr. Van Fleet, how did you come to realize this gem of a pointer, eh James ?
If you want advice from the mid 1900's, buy anything from Carnegie - you can't go wrong.
Rating: 
Summary: I gave it back at first read, now I'm buying it again
Review: Yeah that's right. I read this book about a year ago, and because of its somewhat strait-forward and simple presentation I decided I wouldn't need to keep it, so I sent it back. Well soon afterwards, I realized how much I had learned from this book and how it really does change the way you communicate. I especially appreciated the focus on listening. Really, most of the advice found in its pages have proved to be true and helpful to me. So even though I now have to buy back a book I've already read, its definitely worth it.
Rating:
Summary: I gave it back at first read, now I'm buying it again
Review: Yeah that's right. I read this book about a year ago, and because of its somewhat strait-forward and simple presentation I decided I wouldn't need to keep it, so I sent it back. Well soon afterwards, I realized how much I had learned from this book and how it really does change the way you communicate. I especially appreciated the focus on listening. Really, most of the advice found in its pages have proved to be true and helpful to me. So even though I now have to buy back a book I've already read, its definitely worth it.
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