Can You Hear Me Now? The Art of Communication

By Gabriella Salas -- Críticas, 10/15/2005

Most people find public speaking intimidating and stressful; a chore marked by great anxiety and stage fright. This publishing season brings a diverse group of how-to books on communication aimed at students, professionals, and even party mongers who want to impress their guests.

On the subject of professional presentations, Longseller's Cómo realizar presentaciones exitosas (How to Create Successful Presentations) provides a practical, to-the-point introduction to the art of public speaking. Students and professionals alike will benefit from such features as step-by-step instructions to organizing a speech, tips for an effective Power Point presentation, and advice on the use of visual aids and interact with the audience. A bit more comprehensive, Oniro's Hablar sin miedo (Speak Without Fear) goes beyond the external techniques, such as how to breathe properly and keep eye contact, to delve deeply into the reason for the a person's performance anxiety.

And if your patrons prefer motivational books that blend case studies with personal experience, Obelisco's Cómo convencer a los demás (Winning People Over) is a sound choice. If you are a Christian bookseller or if you serve a devout community, El comunicador revolucionario (The Revolutionary Communicator) outlines seven communication principles used by Jesus to captivate and become a leader.

Those seeking to perfect the art of nonverbal communication will enjoy Comunícate, cautiva y convence (Communicate, Captivate and Convince), by Mexico's Miss Manners, Gaby Vargas (click here for a profile of the author). A best-selling author of books on etiquette, self-esteem, and communication, Vargas explains how to interpret the body language of others and detect hidden messages in people's voice tone. Paidós's Aprender comunicación no verbal (Learn Non-Verbal Communication) gives a more technical approach to nonverbal communication, using diagrams of personal space positioning, face expressions, and the like.

Highlighted titles in order of appearance:

• Cómo realizar presentaciones exitosas (How to Create Successful Presentations), Longseller, 2005, ISBN 987-550-612-5, $7.45.
• Hablar sin miedo (Speak Without Fear), Oniro, 2005, ISBN 84-9754-151-0, $18.95.
• Cómo convencer a los demás (Winning People Over), Obelisco, 2005, ISBN 84-7720-817-4, $15.95.
• El comunicador revolucionario (The Revolutionary Communicator), Casa Creación, 2005, ISBN 1-59185-507-1, $9.99.
• Comunícate, cautiva y convence (Communicate, Captivate and Convince), Santillana, 2004, ISBN 970-770-043-2, $19.95.
• Aprender comunicación no verbal (Learn Non-Verbal Communication) Paidós. 2004, ISBN 84-493-1578-6, $8.45.