How to Be a Great Communicator: In Person, on Paper, and on the Podium

by Nido R. Qubein

The author gives you the knowledge you need to excel at all types of business communication. He shows that all successful business communication, whether a speech from a podium or a face-to-face conversation, stems from the same basic principles. By using his Five Keys to Successful Communication anyone can unlock the potential to become a great communicator in any medium.

Genres: Communication, Business, Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1987

Reviews

[CatReader]

Nido Qubein (1945-) is a Lebanese-American businessman and public speaker whose name is often mentioned alongside Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, and others. He's written 11 books per his Wiki page; this book, published circa 1997, is the first that I've read. It's a pretty standard book on communication, focusing on giving speeches, having one-on-one conversations, and written speech. I enjoyed the discussions on semantics and making sure the words and examples one chooses for metaphors are relevant to the intended audience:

An old textile mill hand once announced to his workmates, "My son just doffed a set of twins."

To anyone unacquainted with textile-mill lingo, the announcement would be almost incomprehensible...The old hand was announcing that his son had become the father of twins.

A farmer might have said "My son just harvested a set of twins."

A salesperson might have said, "My son just closed on a set of twins."

For those who've already read many books on communication, you can safely skip this one, especially as it may be hard to find given its age.

My stats:
Book 114 for 2024
Book 1717 cumulatively

[Zack Repischak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some advice is not revolutionary - best practices have been established already.

Even still, the time-tested lessons are worth hearing again.

This book does a great job explaining some fairly straightforward and commonsense concepts.

Lead with your audience - what do they need to hear from you? What is the best way they can receive that information? If you come up with an important message for them then you're halfway there, then find the best way they want to receive that information. Keep it relevant and interesting.

I listened to this book one day and then that week I put together a presentation and we won "best presentation" as an exercise. We won a $20 Starbucks Giftcard!

I lead with a story around images and feelings and then we flowed through in a way that made sense and got them to participate in the exercise.

[Melissa Kernevich-aigeldinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending the year with another self help book. Easy read that, although I knew most of the content, I did pick up a few new tidbits to take with me to customer meetings and presentation.

[Edwin Quist Baeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers all forms of communication — presentations, one-on-one conversations, and written messaging. Highlights how culture, phrasing, and audience perception can change the way your words are received. I read selected chapters recently and found the insights on cross-cultural and gender communication particularly relevant. A useful resource for anyone looking to refine how they express themselves professionally.

[Chelsea Caivano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick to read. Some of the content is a little outdated (as technology changes daily). However, this would be an excellent book to use in a speech class.

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good advice in here, I just wish there were more concrete examples that I could visualize better. I kept thinking that I wished the author was a better communicator! (hehe)

[Valentin Rozman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I read the book for the second time and I found if very comprehensive guide to become an effective speaker and a leader.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned how to learn, more about becoming a better communicating human, by this good man's good book.

[David Kemp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1997 so it is a little dated, but the principles are timeless.

[James Speiker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio Book - read by the Author. Very useful and easy to listen to.