Workplace Communications: Apple iBookstore Features Executive Communication Expert David Levin's Book, 'Don't Just Talk, Be Heard!'

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple's iBookstore is featuring "Don't Just Talk, Be Heard!" the book on business communications written by High-Stakes Presentation and Communication Expert David Levin. Visitors to the iBookstore will see this book featured in the business and finance section alongside industry bestsellers such as "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie.

"Apple is very selective about the books that it showcases on the 'Featured' section of iBookstore," said Levin. "To be listed there is an honor that Apple reserves for only the books that their editors feel will make a significant contribution to help their readers."

"The single most important factor in people's success," he continued, "is not their knowledge, education, experience, or charisma. It's their ability to communicate effectively with others. This is especially true for executives and managers with their direct communications and high-stakes presentations."

In the book, Levin shares key insights into business communications and shows practical techniques leaders can start using right away to take their success to the next level. For example:

• The "Hand-Off." In order to hear others better - and more important, to let them know you heard them - before you respond to what they've said, first say something that demonstrates that you heard them: "That's interesting." "I know what you mean." "It's funny you mention that." And so on.
• Avoid pointing out how you're different from someone else, whether that difference has to do with money, authority, background, political views or anything else. People take perceived differences to mean "You don't understand me" which keeps them from listening to you and valuing what you say.
• In planning a high-stakes presentation, forget about slides and presentation skills. Work on the writing first. Be strategic about your desired outcome, then create a compelling open and close that support that. Once you've decided what you want to say, then you can start thinking about your slides. But always remember, your number-one job is to connect with your audience. You do that by talking to them about things that matter to them, not by narrating a slide show.

"The reality is, leaders make communication mistakes every day, just like everyone else. The difference is that the cost of their mistakes is a lot higher. At their level, even the smallest communication mistakes ripple through the entire organization - and ultimately go directly to the bottom line," he said.

To order the book at the iBookstore, go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dont-just-talk-be-heard!/id462310754?mt=11. The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online and retail bookstores.

Business leaders can also get Levin's latest thought leadership ideas on business communications for free in an e-book and training series. "10 Biggest Communication Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!" can be obtained at http://www.dontjusttalkbeheard.com.

About David Levin

When former audio producer David Levin uncovered the reasons his professional speaker clients were more "likable" in person than during their presentations, he soon realized that managers and executives were making the same mistakes - and having the same difficulties connecting with and influencing their people. Now, through books, keynotes and training materials, he helps people at all levels of organizations communicate more effectively so they can solve problems more quickly, accelerate their career path, and reach their full potential.

Levin's motto is "When your communications 'sings,' your business soars." And his communication insights helped propel his co-written titles ("QBQ! The Question Behind the Question," "Flipping the Switch," "Outstanding!") to sales of over 1,000,000 copies.

For information about his keynote speeches, training products and consulting, please go to http://www.JustBeHeard.com.  

Contact:

David Levin
[email protected]
608-637-7771
http://www.JustBeHeard.com

SOURCE David Levin