Mark Rhodes - How to talk to absolutely anyone: confident communication in every situation

Table of Contents

Part of my role includes being an expert witness on large renewable energy projects, so I know how important communication and words are. In his book Mark makes insightful observations and strings these together in a unique, refreshing and totally life-changing way. Perhaps the most powerful connection he makes is that our words and thoughts give rise to our feelings, and combining that with the effective strategies for conversation gives us a simply written, totally empowering and hugely inspiring book.

Sitara Keppie, Managing Director, Circle Design (UK) Ltd

We live in a world where both in our personal and business lives electronic communication has become the norm. It has been said that many people are actually losing the skill of simply talking to people. In this book, Mark Rhodes, in his easy-to-read down-to-earth style, gives all of us a solid framework to maximize our effectiveness in starting conversations in any situation naturally. In doing so he ensures we will achieve the outcomes we want. Thoroughly recommended.

Robbie Stepney, Managing Director, Calls That Count Limited

How to Talk to Absolutely Anyone goes way beyond the promise made in the title. An enlightening mixture of common sense and practical experience that is both extremely readable and implementable. Mark has brought to the book the same style that makes him such a great speaker at live events. The ideas for how to approach difficult conversations are a huge bonus, changing the focus to a winwin mindset.

Ray Noble, Editor, Your Excellency Magazine www.yourexcellencymag.com

In business, as in all walks of life, communication is vital whatever we are doing. Yet how often do we think about how to engage with others in the best way or how to enhance our skill set in this area? Mark, in his clear and engaging way, gives readers the opportunity to overcome their in-built fears, practice and improve their skills and learn new ones. Personally, I have learnt a great deal from Mark and have valued reading this book.

Peter Quilter, ACIB

This book shows you how to make your thinking work for you not against you so that you can talk successfully with anyone, anywhere. As has been said of Mark's previous book (on success) keep it with you and read it over and over again!

Mark Henry, Corporate and Banking Partner, Birketts LLP

I have seen so many intelligent people held back by their weak communication skills, their fear of speaking to strangers in a business environment. It is one thing to tell them they are needlessly being held back; what this book does is detail the practical route to overcoming these fears and being a better communicator a kind of sat-nav for stress-free mingling!

Danny Clifford, Managing Partner, Ensors

As the world's largest Business Networking organization we know that communication, and the ability to be able to build relationships, is absolutely crucial for business and personal success. Mark has been the headline speaker for a number of our conferences and now brings his knowledge and experience in the area of communication to everyone in How to Talk to Absolutely Anyone.

Charlie Lawson, National Director, BNI UK & Ireland

Whatever age, background or stage of life you are at, Mark's positive voice of experience connects with you to deliver a myriad of real-life situations and solutions so you can develop the know-how to get the best out of communication, and get the best out of life!

Siobhan Eke, Director of Enterprise and Innovation Principalship, City College Norwich

Cover design and illustration by Revert to Type

2013 Mark Rhodes

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Rhodes, Mark, 1966

How to talk to absolutely anyone : confident communication in every situation / Mark Rhodes.

pages cm

Includes index.

ISBN 978-0-85708-402-6 (pbk.) ISBN 978-0-85708-409-5 (ebk) ISBN 978-0-85708-407-1 (ebk) ISBN 978-0-85708-408-8 (ebk)

1. Interpersonal communication. 2. Self-confidence. 3. Attitude (Psychology) I. Title.

HM1166.R46 2013

302dc23

2013015038

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 978-0-857-08402-6 (pbk) ISBN 978-0-857-08409-5 (ebk)

ISBN 978-0-857-08407-1 (ebk) ISBN 978-0-857-08408-8 (ebk)

They say that everyone needs a mentor. Whenever I heard this I thought yes, except me! I always believed I didn't need a mentor. I was able to leverage other materials such as books, DVDs and my own thoughts to mentor myself.

However, quite recently I realized the reason I didn't need a mentor was because I already had one!

All this time I had a mentor; who gave me encouragement when I had doubts and positivity whenever I felt negative about something.

My mentor even helped me by believing in me when the going got tough and was also quick to remind me on a regular basis of all the achievements I had made.

In addition to my mentor I also have two motivators who inspire me to do and be more.