How to Say It: Words That Make a Difference Audiobook By Allison Friederichs Atkison, The Great Courses cover art

How to Say It: Words That Make a Difference

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How to Say It: Words That Make a Difference

By: Allison Friederichs Atkison, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Allison Friederichs Atkison
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Words. We use them all the time, every day, mostly without giving them much thought at all. We take for granted that they’re here at our disposal whenever we need them.

But if you’ve ever wished you could communicate more effectively, words are the place to start. It’s incumbent upon you to choose the best words to accomplish your goals, because how you choose to communicate influences—well, everything! The power of communication shapes our professional goals, our relationships, and our lives—so the words we choose to use carry a great deal of power.

Join Dr. Allison Friederichs to discover how every single interaction we have is an opportunity to use clear and compelling communication tactics. However daunting or unpredictable the situation, we have the power to strategically choose how we communicate. Every single time. And how we communicate can change everything.

Over the course of 10 lessons, you will have fun exploring words—what they offer us, where they come from, what influences their meaning and vice versa, and how to expand your vocabulary. You’ll learn how to choose the right words for every scenario, and you’ll learn how those words can revolutionize your personal and professional life.

©2022 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC Communication & Social Skills Personal Development Women's Voices Words, Language & Grammar Inspiring Funny Thought-Provoking

About the Creator and Performer

Allison Friederichs is the president of ROI Training Solutions, which provides consulting, training, and speaking services in the areas of how the adult brain learns and professional communication skills. She earned her PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Denver. She is a former Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Denver, University College, where she taught communications courses for more than 20yearsand earned the Master Teacher designation for continued professional development.
Allison works collaboratively with trainers and instructors to teach brain-based training and education tactics. Her science-backed techniques leverage knowledge about how the adult brain learns to ensure that learning is actually taking place—regardless of the learner or context. She is an expert trainer of professional communication skills, most often focusing on professional writing skills. Her clients look to her to help them solve the inefficiencies created by poor communication skills among employees and teams. Allison’s clients have consisted of organizations in the public, private, and academic sectors, including Marsh McLennan, Pinnacol Assurance, American Innovations, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Denver Public Library, the Douglas County (Colorado) Government, the University of the Pacific, the Montana University System, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, and the Association for Continuing Higher Education. She has been published in academic and trade publications, includingUNBOUND, TDmagazine, andThe Chronicle of Higher Education.

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Clear Communication Strategies • Practical Language Examples • Pleasant Voice • Engaging Narration Style • Upbeat Tone
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Middle school content that occasionally touched on first year high school. The performance style was also geared to middle school. And almost ironic considering the topic content that some very old, out of date cliches were used.
edit: Once I finished it I changed my review. While I can't say there was new material for me there were lots of good reminders and good examples. It would be an awesome course for high school.

Middle school content

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Pro; The lady author/speaker has a fantastically pleasant, upbeat and encouraging voice. Very informative and keeps on point. Good topical references and personal stories/anecdotes.
Con; too short, would have loved to listen to more of the authors work!

Outstanding course

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I didn’t agree with everything she said but I did with most of it. Practical tips I can use right away

Great tips on communication.

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The subject matter was very interesting. Who wouldn't want a few tips on making a difference in even texting as well as dealing with neighbors. I am not always the most tactful person.
This course deserves a second listen.
The narrator was also excellent. She actually seemed to be thoroughly engaged in the reading which is refreshing when so many narrate with absolutely no feeling. It's as though they are bored and can't wait to finish and get paid!

Worth A Listen

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Why (I Listened)
I want to become an effective communicator since I hire and work with a lot of freelancers of different backgrounds and nationalities.

How (it Executed)
The majority of the lessons taught here are introductory to the world of interpersonal communication. They're easy to digest, but lack depth. The ground covered here is explained in considerable more depth in "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (if you want something based on anecdotes applicable to many different circumstances) and "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" (if you want something based on social experiments applicable to marketing circumstances).

What (I'll Remember)
The final lecture describes how to use inclusive language, and while Atkison tells you to use it because of the obvious reason that there's a chance whoever you're speaking with may be offended if you don't, she also insists on it because you don't want them to notice your lack of inclusive language and form a more negative opinion of your character from it. Teaching people to be ethical because it benefits them I feel is a clever and effective way to teach.

Introductory, Easy-to-follow, Surface-level

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I liked how she gave so many examples of how to use the words. It was a very good book and great points. I’ll use words a lot better because of her teachings.

Cleaver

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This gave me a broad view on how important it is to pay attention to our language to one another. It all depends on the type of individual, situation & time of conversation. Very interesting read.

Language importance

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At the end of the book, I went to The Great Courses and bought her "Written Communication."

Helpful

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I learned many new principles snd strategies. Looking at awareness and patience to put into daily practice.

Use words carefully

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I’m 2 1/2 hrs in and so far we’ve covered why it’s important to choose/use the right words, evidence that others interpret words differently and the origin of words. Haven’t gotten to the part where we learn how to construct words more effectively, so if that happens in the last 1/3 of the book, I’ll come back and update my review. So far, the author is endlessly trying to prove to the listener that words have meaning, which is such an obvious fact, that the amount of time spent on it is excessive. I’m really hoping she dives into more applicable content.

Not Finished Yet

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