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Reader's Digest: How to Write and Speak Better

This self-help book, designed for both personal and commercial use, is divided into four parts. It starts with grammar, demonstrated through quizzes and "test yourself" panels. Part two gives examples of letters for all occasions. Part three explains how to improve the voice for public speaking and interviews. Finally, part four is a practical word guide, giving access to over 2,000 words that are often misspelt, mispronounced or easily confused with one another.

655 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 1991

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About the author

Reader's Digest Association

5,019 books505 followers
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

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5 stars
269 (56%)
4 stars
110 (23%)
3 stars
55 (11%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
29 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Vijay Chengappa.
581 reviews31 followers
April 7, 2023
Remember reading this book as a young kid, and over time subconsciously imbibing good form in my written and spoken language despite not paying attention in school. Parents; do keep stuff like this lying around home, you never know what kids can pick up.
Profile Image for Sulaiman A.Wahab.
14 reviews13 followers
April 22, 2011
This book proves my feeling was right.

I mean I know there's something about language that changed, that it entered new level. You don't write 'Write Better, Speak Better' today right?

--- You Can Not Reading These Below (I Just Want Said The 1st Phrase Above And The Second Paragraph (Below) Just To Tell You A Secret) ---

And most average teachers are dumb enough to tell their students it was wrong and old gov management style/like was used and forced to use on students. Man I was standard 4 that time and every adult disagree with me except brilliant one (or when they were not at school. Hmm, wonder.. lol).

This book proves what I'm feeling is right. No wonder some said - 'School steal your child'. Lol

I liked the way people going to be more awesome! :)
Profile Image for Lelly.
13 reviews
August 21, 2009
Bagus banget !

Isinya adalah bagaimana harus menulis surat untuk semua tingkatan, dari sejak rakyat biasa, sampai cardinal, ambassador, pope, dan President.

Juga berbagai macam contoh surat, invitation, etc yang polite dan benar...

Terima kasih kepada Puruhitosari yang sudah berbaik hati memberikan buku ini untuk saya.....
Profile Image for Nandakishore Mridula.
1,388 reviews2,811 followers
October 16, 2011
A Reader's Digest book that is actually some use. I picked up a lot of tips for writing good English from this. And it's very readable.
Profile Image for Thembekile Hope.
1 review
March 19, 2013
This is the best book I ever read.It is one of the greatest top books in the world and I pity those who will never read it as I hope for many to find the wisdom teasured in it.
Profile Image for Con Robinson.
Author 2 books9 followers
April 23, 2014
A great reference. A bit dated, but covers the most important topics. Pity one doesn't find people who make any effort when writing an email. Quite atrocious.
Profile Image for Vijay Chengappa.
581 reviews31 followers
July 5, 2021
Having access to these RD books in the pre-internet era was the equivalent of 10 extra vocabulary points
1 review
Read
March 5, 2022
If any of you, is still looking for this book, and can’t find a way to read it. Drop me an email at hrshvrdhnup@gmail.com
Profile Image for Ma Il-seok (마일석) - Miles.
14 reviews
July 3, 2025
It covers everything from grammar and style to the art of persuasion, offering actionable advice that can immediately improve your verbal and written communication. It's concise, easy to follow, and perfect for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills.
1 review
March 12, 2019
I just want to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
Read
June 29, 2013
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Profile Image for Mark.
27 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2014
Picked this up as a reference book while I was pumping out CVs after university. Very helpful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews