There’s Not an App for That!: Communication Skills to Become an Irreplaceable Leader
Cary Pfeffer
Wise Ink (2015)

How to Master Communication Skills That Technology Cannot Replicate

Here is a paradox: Although it is easier than ever before to communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime, many (if not most) people feel isolated and out-of-touch.How to explain it? Cary Pfeffer suggests that these people lack the skills needed to communicate effectively in our interconnected world.

Several major research studies indicate that, during a face-to-face interaction, more than 80% of the impact is determined by body language and tone of voice; less than 20% by what is actually said.

Go back and re-read that last sentence.

Thank you.

Pfeffer wrote this book in order to share his thoughts about how to communicate much more effectively. None of the skills can be replicated by technology and most fall within the category of common sense. There are no head-snapping revelations but several valuable reminders.

o When asking someone for assistance, smile. That lets them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

o If you have butterflies in your stomach when speaking to a large audience, keep in mind that everyone in the audience has also had the same experience.

o Dress a notch above those with whom you interact.

o When people share their thoughts — and especially their feelings — with you, make eye contact and listen intently.

o Connect with people as fellow human beings, then nourish the relationship with mutual respect and trust.

Presumably Cary Pfeffer would not object if I involve Maya Angelou in this conversation:  “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This would be an excellent gift for all students who will soon return to a school, college, or university. Also for those have only recently embarked on a professional career.