In a technology-driven world, face-to-face communication has taken a backseat to cellphones, e-mail and text messaging, asserts RoAne (The Secrets of Savvy Networking
) in this humorous, quippy guide that illustrates how basic conversational and social skills have deteriorated and offers simple steps to more effective communication. The author offers commonsense advice and practical suggestions for anyone who wants to improve his or her ability to network, enhance small talk at a cocktail party or business function, navigate office politics and find or become a mentor. With handy and realistic advice for everyone from the chronically shy to those who just need a brushup on how to behave at a business dinner, RoAne goes so far as to list phrases of introduction, expressions of grief and icebreakers for dinner conversation, and amply demonstrates how “spoken words contribute to the chemistry and connections with... clients, colleagues, friends and families.” (Oct.)
