Rating: 
Summary: everclear1
Review: "I wish I'd been introduced to these ideas years ago; they would have saved me so much unnecessary grief. As the author points out, this isn't just about dealing with difficult people. It's about communicating in a way that helps us get along better with just about anyone. I didn't even know there were such things as "Words to Lose," and now I realize I use them constantly with customers and co-workers, even my kids. No wonder people sometimes give me a hard time. I was using language that actually makes matters worse. The book tells you exactly what to say in different types of situations. Best of all, it made me think twice about the way I relate to people. Instead of seeing the other person as the one who is being ornery, I realize now that I could be contributing to it. This book is a real eye-opener and I'm glad I read it.
Rating:
Summary: everclear1
Review: "I wish I'd been introduced to these ideas years ago; they would have saved me so much unnecessary grief. As the author points out, this isn't just about dealing with difficult people. It's about communicating in a way that helps us get along better with just about anyone. I didn't even know there were such things as "Words to Lose," and now I realize I use them constantly with customers and co-workers, even my kids. No wonder people sometimes give me a hard time. I was using language that actually makes matters worse. The book tells you exactly what to say in different types of situations. Best of all, it made me think twice about the way I relate to people. Instead of seeing the other person as the one who is being ornery, I realize now that I could be contributing to it. This book is a real eye-opener and I'm glad I read it.
Rating:
Summary: Tongue Fu Packs a Powerful Punch!
Review: As an executive coach and communications trainer, I am always on the lookout for excellent resources for my clients. Tongue Fu! is a winner! The book is easy-to-read and hard to put down. Unlike other books that are all talk but are thin on tools and tactics, Tongue Fu! provides real-world examples that any level of excectuve can use to immediately improve their day-to-day communications. The "words to use," and "words to lose," examples are especially helpful. My clients have let me know again and again that this book packs a powerful punch.
Rating:
Summary: Most fun, useful communication book I've read in 36 yrs.
Review: I now recommend this in my workshops as the best all-round book on communications period. It's fun, short, practical, insightful, easy to remember and useful in every challenging communication situation.
Rating: 
Summary: Sophmoric Infomercial
Review: I purchased this book based upon many of the reader recommendations on this very important subject. However, after I received the book and began reading it, I felt scammed.Recently at work, I felt I could have handled a situation better than I did. I knew what I wanted to convey, but it came out unsatisfactorly. Being someone who wants to improve themself, I thought I'd get a book relating to this subject matter. The techniques presented in this book are inapplicable and irrelevant - they don't provide insight, and in my opinion are rediculous - the point where I found myself laughing. Reading this book felt like you were being lectured by your clueless, happy-go-lucky aunt. Techniques such as "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", "handle hassles with fun", and saying "you're right" (and meaning it) when people complain, are not realistic techniques to addressing real problem. The one which put me over the edge is her bit "choose to be compassionate" when people fail to meet their most basic responsibilities. According to this technique, if you are in a line at some place of business, and there are 25 people in front of you and one employee, you are supposed to spend the time in line convincing yourself that "it's okay - they are just understaffed". Or, if that employee messes up your order, say an ice cream cone, you are supposed to do the following:
1. "Ask them for their name" - Everyone knows doing this will immediately put the employee on the defensive.
2. "State your Customer Rights and Wishes" - This is going to anger the employee with such a belittling remark.
3. "Ask to see a supervisor" - Oh, really? Gee, I'm glad I'm paying money for such earth shattering advice.
And so on... In all seriousness, my conclusion is that this book will not help you to address real problems, especially in the business environment. I strongly urge you to avoid it. I have since begun reading the book "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense at Work". Although I have not drawn any conclusions, I will tell you that this book takes a serious approach to the issues at hand and uses scientific research to support its conjectures. By the way, Tongue Fu doesn't even have a footnote in it.
Rating:
Summary: Sophmoric Infomercial
Review: I purchased this book based upon many of the reader recommendations on this very important subject. However, after I received the book and began reading it, I felt scammed. Recently at work, I felt I could have handled a situation better than I did. I knew what I wanted to convey, but it came out unsatisfactorly. Being someone who wants to improve themself, I thought I'd get a book relating to this subject matter. The techniques presented in this book are inapplicable and irrelevant - they don't provide insight, and in my opinion are rediculous - the point where I found myself laughing. Reading this book felt like you were being lectured by your clueless, happy-go-lucky aunt. Techniques such as "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", "handle hassles with fun", and saying "you're right" (and meaning it) when people complain, are not realistic techniques to addressing real problem. The one which put me over the edge is her bit "choose to be compassionate" when people fail to meet their most basic responsibilities. According to this technique, if you are in a line at some place of business, and there are 25 people in front of you and one employee, you are supposed to spend the time in line convincing yourself that "it's okay - they are just understaffed". Or, if that employee messes up your order, say an ice cream cone, you are supposed to do the following:
1. "Ask them for their name" - Everyone knows doing this will immediately put the employee on the defensive.
2. "State your Customer Rights and Wishes" - This is going to anger the employee with such a belittling remark.
3. "Ask to see a supervisor" - Oh, really? Gee, I'm glad I'm paying money for such earth shattering advice.
And so on... In all seriousness, my conclusion is that this book will not help you to address real problems, especially in the business environment. I strongly urge you to avoid it. I have since begun reading the book "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense at Work". Although I have not drawn any conclusions, I will tell you that this book takes a serious approach to the issues at hand and uses scientific research to support its conjectures. By the way, Tongue Fu doesn't even have a footnote in it.
Rating:
Summary: Sam Horn Can Help!
Review: I recommend this book to everyone I know who ever has to deal with difficult people. (And don't we all, at some point?) Sam Horn shows us how to deflect verbal "attacks" and deal with challenging interpersonal situations in a diplomatic way, that leaves us feeling in control of our reactions and able to move on. Her book is as enjoyable as it is helpful, filled with practical advice to use now so we can learn to resolve conflicts positively and with our self-respect and dignity intact.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a great book
Review: The person who didn't rate this well didn't "get it". This is not a book about solving your problems. It is a book on deflecting verbal attacks. I also recommend Suzetter Hayden Elgin's - " You can't say that to me". Getting back to this book, it is clear, easy to read, and will provide you with dozens of ways to respond to a verbal attack or unpleasant words or situations. I have use the techniques many times at work and in family sitations and have found the highly effective.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource for everyday situations- home or work
Review: This book was a true eye opener. I was able to relate on multiple levels to each scenario presented in each chapter. The book is NOT for the literati-it is a QUICK read. Take the information at face value and it will prove to be an outstanding resource. I have recommended it to everyone who will listen, especially at work and in my volunteer outlets.
Rating: 
Summary: don't be put off by the title
Review: This book was required reading for a course in communications and conflict I am taking for my Master's degree in Negotiaion and Conflict Mangagement. I was initially put off by the title, assumming some pop-psychology-self-help drivel. Ms. Horn subtly integrates principles of martial arts and communications in a highly accessible text. I found many practical suggestions for anyone working in a customer service position, in addition to great relationship tips.
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