Description

---

Have you ever lost out on a promotion? Struggled with a difficult conversation? Been put on the spot and blanked? Imagine if...

...you were better at persuading others and negotiating for what you want.
...you were more fluent at introducing yourself, making conversation, and following up.
...you were better at delivering feedback, receiving criticism, and using positive language.
...you were perceived as more diplomatic and charismatic.

Smart Talk applies up-to-date communication research to everyday situations and gives smart, practical, step-by-step directions to achieve results. Smart Talk is no ordinary book— it's the Swiss Army Knife of communication—a comprehensive set of tools to build strong relationships and avoid communication breakdowns.

With proven strategies and practical action plans, Smart Talk will help you resolve conflicts, strengthen your natural charisma, and master the art of persuasion. Never again will you dread a holiday party or be rendered speechless at a business meeting. Backed by solid research and written in an engaging narrative style with a warm sense of humor, communication expert Lisa B. Marshall translates her wealth of experience into practical, fresh advice to help you navigate any complex situation, and achieve professional success.

About the Author

---

Lisa B. Marshall is a communication strategist, author, and professional speaker who has been helping organizations improve productivity by improving their communication skills for over a decade. Her award-winning podcast, The Public Speaker’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills, has earned nearly 7 million downloads since launching in 2008! Lisa has been featured on CBS Money Watch, Ragan.com, Woman’s Day, Cosmopolitan, and many other media outlets. Her clients include Roche, Genentech, The American Heart Association, Merck, Exxon Mobile, Harvard, and Stanford, just to name a few. Lisa produces a daily business newsletter, Communication Success, for the Hewlett-Packard ePrint Center, which reaches up to 500 million enterprise printers globally in three languages. Lisa is also the author (and reader) of the audiobook The Public Speaker’s Guide to Ace Your Interview. She holds a master’s degree in interpersonal and organizational communication from the State University of New York. She lives near Philadelphia with her husband and two children.

Praise For…

---

“Smart Talk teaches you to unleash the enchanting person inside you. It will help you end clumsy conversation, pitiful persuasion, and impotent influence.” —Guy Kawasaki, bestselling author and Apple evangelist

“Lisa B. Marshall's Smart Talk is the kind of book that feels at once fun to read and yet something that requires a pen and note paper. Busy? Not an excuse. Dig in.” —Chris Brogan, CEO of Human Business Works, New York Times bestselling author

“Lisa is a dynamic and engaging public speaker, and this book shows you how to be an amazing communicator as well. No business person or educator should be without Smart Talk. Deep and wide, yet beautifully simple, it's a fantastic read. Should be required reading for every graduating student.” —Garr Reynolds, author of Presentation Zen and The Naked Presenter

“Lisa Marshall's book gives you a tool kit to get results. One of the most painful things I've witnessed is watching people who want to introduce themselves but are held back by their own doubts...This is the book I'd like to glue on a stick and hit them over the head with.” —Christopher S. Penn, digital marketing executive, bestselling author, and actual ninja

“Smart Talk is fun to read, based on sound theory, and includes inspirational examples. Carry out the suggested chapter challenges and you'll soon solve communication problems at work and in your private life.” —Mary M. Mitchell, etiquette expert, syndicated columnist, and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Modern Manners

“Lisa B. Marshall writes in a style that is conversational, fun to read, and helpful for novices and experienced communicators alike. This book takes the best of her podcasts and consolidates them into an easy-to-follow skill-building guide!” —Laura Dean Mooney, former president/spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving

“Smart Talk is the perfect reference guide for time-starved small business owners. It provides the latest best practices and ideas for communicating effectively with your target customers and employees. Get this must-have resource to become a better business leader.” —Melinda F. Emerson, aka SmallBizLady, CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, Forbes #1 Woman for Entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter, and author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months