When I Say This...Do You Mean That?: Enhancing on the Job Communication Skills Using the Rules and the Tools of the Improv Comedy Player

Rating:
Summary: Underrated Book of the Year
Review: Ever watch, "Who's Line is it Anyway?" and wonder how the heck these people can think so fast?

Improv comedy players use conversational rules, tools and tactics in their performances so that they don't trip each other up and so that, conversationally speaking, they end up going down the same path and end up at the same point.

This book explains each of these rules and tools and shows how their use can benefit anyone, in any conversation, although, the author's particular emphasis is on the work place.

The core of this book is excellent. It shows in concrete terms how socially adept people quickly create rapport.

Why do some people get along so well with many others, while others get along with just a select few?

I believe this book indirectly answers this question.

It allowed me to see the weaknesses in my communication style and now I invariably cringe when I see theese weaknesses in others.

I do have a few gripes about the book though. The marketing for this book is very poor. DO NOT judge this book by it's cover. Or its title for that matter.

Also, the examples that are presented before and after each chapter, although very helpful to demonstrate the author's point, are cheezy and contrived.

But again, these are minor things compaired to the invaluable knowledge presented.