Rating: 
Summary: A tasteless scheme for "active listening"
Review: "Instant Manipulation" would be a more forthright title for this CD.Michael Brooks is an NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) trainer and "founder of the Rapport Technology Group" - which organization, oddly enough, I cannot seem to locate on the WWW. My initial reaction on listening to this CD was pure disappointment. On reflection, though, I consider Brooks' presentation potentially baleful for anyone unfamiliar with NLP. If you *are* already familiar with NLP, you won't waste your time with this CD. My first proviso is Brooks' repeated affirmation that likes attract while opposites repel. This is a tremendously glib overgeneralization by Brooks because opposite temperaments typically *do* attract. The "like attracts like" adage refers to a successful couple's worldviews, ideals, dreams - not their temperaments.
My second proviso is that it is the deplorable "dark side" of NLP - machiavellian manipulation of others - that Brooks is touting. Thirdly, Brooks is a lusterless speaker. Brooks' claims are the standard valences of NLP: the mind links sequential "processing strategies" with specific events and specific feelings. People's eye movements and word choice are clear signposts to their individual processing strategies. Responsiveness to these behaviors enhances rapport. If you've ever found yourself disagreeing with someone and wondering why, when it seems your views are very similar, NLP can be a marvellous tool for bridging such a language barrier before it develops into a full-fledged communication breakdown. But you'll learn very little about that from this CD. "Instant Rapport" is little more than a twisted travesty of Chapter 6 of Anthony Robbins' excellent "Unlimited Power," which book - unlike Brooks' CD - I do recommend as an excellent and motivational introduction to NLP.
Rating:
Summary: Just a Bunch of Copied Tricks
Review: Believe it or not : the first half of the book deals with "representational systems" alone. The next half elaborates on "strategies". In every chapter the author promises you heaven and ultimately dishes out a picture of it! The author just seemed to read Tony Robbins' "Unlimited Power" and copied its contents. I would rather recommend "Unlimited Power". Atleast Tony appears sincere! Defintely not for anyone with atleast some knowledge of NLP. For beginners : Go through some of the articles online about NLP (Those by Robert Dilts', for example. You will get much better information that way.
Rating:
Summary: Author needs to read his own book
Review: Did anyone else read about Mr. Brooks saying "Who the f--- do you think you are?" to a flight attendant in an altercation that resulted in the plane having to make an unscheduled landing? (as reported in Newsweek magazine). So much for THIS guy's credibility!
Rating: 
Summary: Shallow
Review: For all the endorsements, you think there'd be more material than "here are some good ideas on how to listen and communicate with others". I was disappointed with this book. The author spends a lot of time trying to classify people into 3 different categories, and then trys to define how you can communicate with each category. He provides no DATA on to support this categorization, just "hey this seems like a good idea"
Rating:
Summary: Shallow
Review: For all the endorsements, you think there'd be more material than "here are some good ideas on how to listen and communicate with others". I was disappointed with this book. The author spends a lot of time trying to classify people into 3 different categories, and then trys to define how you can communicate with each category. He provides no DATA on to support this categorization, just "hey this seems like a good idea"
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money on this tape.
Review: I was very disappointed with this tape. This tape should contain the same information as the "Instant Rapport" book. It doesn't. Instead, the tape only covers one aspect of the book's information and is incomplete. While I remain impressed with the information contained in the book, don't waste a penny on the tape!
Rating: 
Summary: This book is a classic!
Review: If you are having trouble making (or keeping) lovers and friends, getting through interviews or sealing up business deals, it surely couldn't hurt you to read this book! In fact, I suggest this book to any client who complains about having no friends, anyone who thinks they can't make friends, anyone having communication issues with their mate or lover. It's not a cure-all for marital or business woes but it is a great place to start.
Rating: 
Summary: The eye charts were best
Review: If you know someone who has this book, then borrow it from them. The eye charts were interesting. I would say they work 80% of the time. The rest of the information seems to be common sense mixed with a little new age gobblygook.
Rating:
Summary: Just.......Buy the book
Review: If you want to know why you connect with some people but are unable to relate to others then.... "this is the book for you". Read, Absorb, Apply,
Succeed.
Rating:
Summary: Neuropsychologist saves airplane flight!
Review: In reply to a previous review, the reviewer got the story wrong. I was, in fact, on that plane, and it was because of Dr Brooks' intervention that the flight was saved. He calmed a very agitated passenger with a style of psychology I've never seen before. What could have been a true air disaster thankfully turned out well. This man should be applauded, and the story should be told acurately. Thank heavens for people like Dr Brooks.
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