For some employees, verbal abuse can be the everyday language of doing
business. Defending yourself from these verbal abusers--calmly,
professionally, and successfully--can be crucial to your on-the-job
success.
Nationally recognized linguistics expert and author Suzette Haden Elgin
applies her acclaimed techniques for combating verbal attacks to common
workplace situations. Powerful yet unthreatening, her proven strategies
will help you recognize and defend yourself from verbal
abuse--everything from casual obscenities and racist or sexist language
to sarcasm, cutting jokes, and subtle put-downs.
Richly illustrated with fully dramatizes scenarios and real-world
examples, Dr. Elgin's communication techniques will help you instantly
take control of any verbal confrontation. You'll also learn how to avoid
"malpractice of the mouth" and sexual harassment; communicate
sensitively and clearly with non-native English speakers; and project a
strong, straightforward, and trustworthy image.
You'll find tips for handling sensitive issues via email and voice mail,
advice on meeting the communication challenges that face home-based and
virtual businesses, and plenty of "workouts" placed throughout the book
to give you valuable opportunities to practice your new skills.
The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work is your roadmap through
the potentially career-threatening minefields of workplace
communication.