cover image What Do You Say When . . .: Talking to People with Confidence on Any Social or Business Occasion

What Do You Say When . . .: Talking to People with Confidence on Any Social or Business Occasion

Florence Isaacs. Clarkson N Potter Publishers, $18 (160pp) ISBN 978-0-307-40528-9

In her latest, lifestyle author Isaacs (When the Man you Love is Ill, Change Your Mind, Change Your Body) shares her personally-developed techniques for breaking the ice and keeping things moving, along with anecdotes and insight into the psychology, sociology and art of the conversation. Her ten rules include finding common ground, listening, complimenting, responding to body language and exiting gracefully; none are groundbreaking, but are examined carefully, with encouragement and sympathy. Introduction chapters alone should get readers ready to stretch their comfort zones and meet new people, and subsequent chapters on a thorough list of situations-parties, dates, weddings, conventions, business meetings and more-make specific, easy-to-reference recommendations. Final chapters provide brief consideration of tricky topics (illness, divorce, losing a job) and how to teach her techniques to children and teens. For even committed introverts, this sturdy primer should instill confidence and a positive attitude toward speaking in public.