Power Talk (Review and Analysis of McGinty's Book)

Book Presentation: Power Talk by Sarah McGinty

Book Abstract

About the Author

Important Note About This Ebook

Summary of Power Talk (Sarah McGinty)

Section 1: The Two Basic Business Language Styles

Section 2: Linguistic Cross-Training

Section 3: Putting Language To Work

Book Presentation: Power Talk

by Sarah McGinty

Book Abstract

MAIN IDEA

In business, you are what you say – because spoken language is the most influential type of business communication.

Thus, being a good communicator means understanding how a situation dictates what style of speech will be most effective, and how the style of speech used, in turn, influences the business situation that arises. Knowing the two basic business language styles available and choosing the best allows you to borrow authority from your vocabulary and increase your influence until such time as your expertise and experience levels catch up.

While it is true great language skills cannot offset poor work indefinitely, excellent work and sound results are generally uncovered and amplified in the workplace through good verbal communication skills. By understanding how language actively shapes every situation, you place yourself in a position to build power and credibility as your excellent work is examined. Language is power – and thus, knowledge of language is effectively a political tool. By building great language skills, you:

Gain control over the impressions you create.

Learn the best way to convey the right message.

Accomplish your goals.

In short, by understanding the language of business, you can increase your power and influence.

About the Author

SARAH McGINTY is a university supervisor in Harvard Graduate School of Education’s teacher education program. Dr. McGinty specializes in the field of linguistics. She has also taught the politics of language at Harvard in addition