Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done

by Kim Bearden

Talk to me.

From Kim Bearden, cofounder of Ron Clark Academy and author of the bestselling book Crash Course: The Life Lessons My Students Taught Me, comes a powerful guide for improving communication and building better relationships.

Whether you are a teacher, administrator, parent, or business professional, chances are, you struggle at times to find the right words. Talk to Me gives you those words. In this instructional and inspirational handbook, you’ll learn how to choose words that inspire, encourage, and move people to action. Kim Bearden’s honest reflections and six effective communication principles will empower you to . . .

develop rapport

gain respect

support others

engage listeners

develop insight

increase productivity

In a world desperate for kindness and understanding, Talk to Me equips you to use your words to show others that you care.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Professional Development, Leadership

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2018

Reviews

[Jenessa Maldonado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a book study for professional development over the summer. It was a quick and wonderful read. Kim does such a great job with uplifting and inspiring you as you read while giving you practical ideas to apply! If you work in a school- grab this book and give it a read :)

[Beth Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Loved the personal stories that Kim shares. I think I’m usually a pretty good listener but I learned some things that could help me improve.

I love Bearden’s positivity!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's get this out of the way. Yes, the author was the cofounder of a charter school that has received much attention, so some may want to dismiss what she says. Put that aside and focus on what Bearden is sharing. There is much here that is helpful, and much that we have heard before in other ways, but it bears repeating.

Set up in three sections: foundation, application, and simulations, the book has an easy flow to it.

I fist pumped Bearden's comments about social media and the temptation to use it for attention or to complain. her comments about what we say and how we say it remind me of Anderson's What We Say and How We Say It Matter (read this book if you have not done so already). Attitude is everything, and how we choose to communicate with others (our words, body language, emotions) must be intentional.

Rife with examples from her own teaching, I found myself placing post-it notes on many pages, wanting to reread certain points. I love the large quotations interspersed throughout the pages; they succinctly reminded me what the focus was and helped me to hone in on that. I also like the sample communications she provides in the simulation section.

[Mindy Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful PD book for summer reading. Some of it is pretty obvious, but it’s nicely packaged together and flows well. I appreciated the first half more. My biggest take away was the section on preparation. Going into a meeting, especially a parent meeting, prepared with materials and helpful tips is much more productive than seeing what happens.

Great book for new teachers and administrators in preparing for a new school year.

[Jessica Ceballos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book that gives the tools to effective communication. They’re so many things that I believe many of us already do, but explicitly reading about them made me more aware and conscious of it. I love that this book really worked on connecting with other professions besides education. Effective communication is critical in all professions! Such a great read!

[Casey Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you had yourself as a teacher, what kind of student would you become?” - Kim Bearden

I love this book because it discusses the truths of how our language can affect others both in a positive and negative way. It gives great examples of how to positively implement strategies within our classroom and our culture to ensure that the people around us feel seen and valued.

[Katherine Steimle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of teachers are struggling right now. Grab this book and take some time to read through Kim’s insight. So many things in her book resonate with teaching but also just in being a good human. Even if you aren’t a teacher , I think you would get some useful takeaways from Kim. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few years ago at a conference in 2019. She is amazing !

[Nicole Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Bearden is so incredibly talented in so many ways. Her ability to captivate the reader through her heartwarming stories in outstanding. This is a MUST READ for any educator!!! Ruuuuuunnnnnn and get yourself a copy now!!!

[Samantha Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and honest! I love how this guide puts into words the practical steps of effective communication. I am implementing the steps in my communication with my fellow teachers and the parents of my students. I also plan on utilizing the steps for group projects between my students!

[Grace Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of great information and tips for having good conversations with parents of students or really anyone else. Bearded gave great advice to the readers in regards to communicating without losing personality either.

[Kayley Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the expression “they won’t remember what you taught, but they will remember how you made them feel”? That’s exactly how it is with Kim Bearden. Her writing and whole persona are so heart-warming.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some points I want to go back and review as natural introversion/shyness/anxiety sometime gets in my way. 😕
And things I wish others I work with would read. Is that awful to say?

[James Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read for anyone. Kim Bearden is a master communicator who has the ability to draw people in and connect deeply. Highly recommend having this book handy.

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changer!!! Highly recommend this book!

[Kaitlyn Conboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Positive books for educators

A great book to help you remember what is truly important in your career. A great read for teacher who are looking for inspiration.

[Jay Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories ring false and cliched. The advice is found in a hundred other books.

[Andrea Miskewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book for professional development. If you're a teacher and enjoy Ron Clark, the author of this book, Kim Bearden, is the co-founder of his school.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for teachers and professionals alike. Communication is an art. This book gives practical advice and reminders. Excellent and a must have for any library!

[Thomas McAuliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with useful ideas for the classroom or society in general. May you learn and grow to make a difference reading this book!

[Jenniferschneikart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Absolutely life changing! I will forever be a different teacher!

[Abby Kennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that provide opportunity for action. Kim Bearden shares practical advise through stories and experiences to help improve communication with anyone and everyone.

[Marjan Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for both new and experienced teacher or admin. Actually this book is good for everyone!

[Jgramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best PD book ever about how to really talk to one another and be more intentional with people around us. Thank you Kim!

[Jill VanWormer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend for anyone in a leadership position, someone who works on a team, or someone who does a lot of public speaking. Obviously great for teachers, but fitting for others as well.

[Jessica Pritiken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the cool experience of seeing Kim in person, and she gave a great talk regarding the principles of this book. This book is a great addition to any teacher (and probably parenting) toolkit!

[Kristy Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about conversations. I love Kim's storytelling ability.

[rhlibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really glad I read this! It’s a quick educator read with good reminders. Nothing groundbreaking, but reminds you to focus on the positive and practice mindfulness when communicating.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful book for educators and everyone else.

[Kristi Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and kind!

[Jennie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written for educators. However, there is so much wisdom in these pages that would work well in other situations!