A bit of an unusual book recommendation for us: Adrian Slywotzky’s “The Art of Profitability,” which Publisher’s Weekly describes as a
compact tome … [that] offers 23 business lessons via the tale of a manager’s quest to learn the “art of profitability” from David Zhao, a wise master. It’s an attractive and refreshing concept that taps into the Zen of business.
I know … it sounds a bit touchy-feely. But here’s why you should read it:
* For communication professionals, it’s a simple yet fog-lifting exploration of how businesses create profit … a central part of the general business acumen essential to your credibility with senior leadership and folks from operations.
* For senior leadership, folks from operations, and communication professionals alike, Slywotzky (a Vice President at Mercer Management Consulting) adroitly handles a challenge many of us face daily: articulating the organization’s profit engine in a manner that line employees can easily grasp and apply to their daily experience.
The book is short and breezy–you’ll finish it in just a few sittings (if not one)–and perfect for reading on the plane or train. Visit it here at Amazon.
Reagan speechwriter and Wall Street Journal editorialist Peggy Noonan has offered a slender summary of her advice on speech giving and speech writing in On Speaking Well. The subtitle is “How to give a speech with style, substance, and clarity,” and for the most part, the book provides sound if somewhat obvious advice. Some examples:
* Keep any speech to 20 minutes or less.
* Begin writing any speech with a single headline that summarizes the entire point, followed by a general outline.
* The more difficult or complex the subject, the more simply you should craft the language.
* Be on the lookout for words that, when spoken, may be difficult to discern (example: “saver” and “saber”).
Noonan also offers guidance to those who write speeches for others, which includes similar useful-if-common-sense guidance.
On the whole: No surprises here, but On Speaking Well confirms much of the advice we offer others. It’s worth reading if you’re looking to improve speech giving and writing, but likely not if you’re a seasoned practitioner. Be aware, however: Noonan takes every opportunity to argue her political perspective throughout via examples and anecdotes … if you’re a dyed in the wool Democrat you may find yourself cringing.
In a recent trip through Washington D.C.’s Union Station we picked up this two-volume set: Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States, by Applewood Books.
The editors present the full text of each speech, and a brief synopsis of its historical context. Inexpensive, paperback, small enough to fit into your briefcase or bag for travel reading … worth the time for speechwriters seeking examples and leaders seeking inspiration alike. Check them out here at Amazon: Volume 1 and Volume 2.
We don’t often find much of interest related to internal communication in mainstream business books, but that’s not the case in Worst to First by Gordon Bethune, CEO of Continental Airlines. We use the turnaround of Continental as a case study of effective executive communication, strategic messaging, and the use of convincing decisions, and in Worst To First Bethune offers a rich first-person account of how internal communication was a significant catalyst for positive change at Continental. It’s a read we recommend for leaders and internal communication strategists alike.
Read reviews and order the book from Amazon.com here …
Persuasion theory is an integral part of understanding interpersonal communication, yet it’s a body of work inaccessible to most save Psychology and Communication scholars. Luckily, Robert Cialdini’s classic text, Influence, is available to all. First published in 1984, it’s in its fourth edition and is the seminal text for laymen and scholars alike. A must read not only for leaders, speechwriters, and internal communication strategists, but for anyone interested in persuasion and influence.
Read reviews and order the book from Amazon.com here …
While we find most popular leadership texts lacking, David Gergen’s recent book Eyewitness To Power is a read that would serve any practitioner or leader well. Not only does Gergen consistently provide stories and anecdotes that can inspire the speechwriter, his descriptions of how presidential administrations manage informational, grass-roots, and stakeholder campaigns are fascinating. What’s more, reading the book is itself an increasingly rare opportunity to learn from government while still engaging in a largely apolitical act: after all, Gergen is likely the only senior advisor of his ilk to serve in both the Reagan and Clinton administrations.
Read reviews and order the book from Amazon.com here …
