By Christian Jarrett
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1848364601/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004UPLSE8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1VXPMBRAWAZTWK0KDRTG
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I use psychological evidence and research in my writing on communication, and I have done so for well over thirty-five years. I subscribe to the magazine PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, and I read it closely every month. It is for these same reasons that I chose to read The Rough Guide to Psychology—a truly interesting book.
One thing you will note from the title and the spelling of the word “behaviour,” is that the book was written by an Englishman—the editor of the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest. Jarrett has a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology. This is important for two reasons: 1) It adds credibility to the book and what’s written in it. 2) It reveals that the material is likely to be well researched, based on studies, and the evidence (studies) clearly stated. Both are true.
Jarrett states on page vi: “This book contains frequent references to experiments and case studies, and, wherever possible, names and dates are provided to help you track down the original research online.”
I took psychology courses in college, and this is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill textbook. And, at the same time, it is not a book of psychobabble. It is, however, a book designed for the above-average, well-educated, intelligent, and inquisitive adult reader. With the exception of the part on “Resources,” there are six: “Welcome to you,” “You and me,” “Same difference,” “All of us, “Psychology at large,” and “Psychological problems.” I guarantee that there will be a number of sections that you will find that interest you, because his swath of issues and ideas is broad.
More than the text material itself—which is interesting, to be sure—I found the additional sections (colored in blue) some of the most valuable material in the book. Not only are there boxes on some of the leading psychologists (William James, Lev Vygotsky, Alfred Binet, Elizabeth Loftus, and Sigmund Freud, among others), but others are like self-help boxes on “Five ways to boost your brain power,” “How to visit the toilet in the dark,” “Six evidence-based ways to boost your happiness,” “Does brain training really work?,” and “Evidence-based seduction,” among many, many others.
The layout, coverage of topics, writing (a very informal, comfortable style), examples, and short, pithy sections, make this book incredibly accessible and likable.
The rough guide to psychology: An introduction to human behaviour and the mind can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity—my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos
By Manal M. Omar
http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Baghdad-Story-Identity-My-Means/dp/1402237219
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
One reason I found this book interesting was that it provided a potential “Consider This” selection for the eleventh edition of my college textbook COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY (McGraw-Hill). In my textbook I have a chapter called “Intercultural Communication,” and I am always on the lookout for possible “boxed” additions—that is, sections that provide student readers with additional, insightful, and informative material that enhances, explains, or illustrates what is written in the text.
I have found Omar’s explanation of her multiple identities instructive, and the fact that it gave her her “own secret superpower” a useful insight–especially in the variety of different ways she was able to make use of that power.
The second reason I found this book interesting is that I have engaged in a great deal of foreign travel, and Omar’s description of and personal insights about Iraq are simply fascinating. Admittedly, many are personal—and she states that at the outset. But, having lived in Bangladesh for 14 months, I agree and concur with her observations.
The third reason I found this book interesting is found in Omar’s stories. They are captivating and heartwrenching, to say the least. The story of the five Iraqi girls inside an American trailer in the Green Zone (pp. 137-163) was especially touching.
The fourth reason this book is interesting is that it (along with a number of other books) well advertises the plight of women in many parts of the world. If you are a woman, and if you want to champion women’s rights any place on the planet, this would be a good book to read to establish the foundation for strong arguments and to gather evidence for convincing disputation.
These four reasons alone are sufficient to recommend this book highly. It is interesting, insightful, and captivating.
Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity—my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Baghdad-Story-Identity-My-Means/dp/1402237219
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
One reason I found this book interesting was that it provided a potential “Consider This” selection for the eleventh edition of my college textbook COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY (McGraw-Hill). In my textbook I have a chapter called “Intercultural Communication,” and I am always on the lookout for possible “boxed” additions—that is, sections that provide student readers with additional, insightful, and informative material that enhances, explains, or illustrates what is written in the text.
I have found Omar’s explanation of her multiple identities instructive, and the fact that it gave her her “own secret superpower” a useful insight–especially in the variety of different ways she was able to make use of that power.
The second reason I found this book interesting is that I have engaged in a great deal of foreign travel, and Omar’s description of and personal insights about Iraq are simply fascinating. Admittedly, many are personal—and she states that at the outset. But, having lived in Bangladesh for 14 months, I agree and concur with her observations.
The third reason I found this book interesting is found in Omar’s stories. They are captivating and heartwrenching, to say the least. The story of the five Iraqi girls inside an American trailer in the Green Zone (pp. 137-163) was especially touching.
The fourth reason this book is interesting is that it (along with a number of other books) well advertises the plight of women in many parts of the world. If you are a woman, and if you want to champion women’s rights any place on the planet, this would be a good book to read to establish the foundation for strong arguments and to gather evidence for convincing disputation.
These four reasons alone are sufficient to recommend this book highly. It is interesting, insightful, and captivating.
Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity—my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, November 12, 2012
The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body
By Jeffry S. Life
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Plan-Achieve-Lasting-Stronger/dp/1439194580
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Why did I pick up this book? I am in excellent health. I don’t smoke or drink. I eat clean, get plenty of rest, exercise frequently (and actively), and I maintain optimal hormone levels (according to results of tests and regular doctor visits). People like myself—people who stay in good shape—are always looking for a new angle, a new approach, or a way to add something new to what they already do. Rather than finding something new, Life simply reinforces (through his Life Plan) the kinds of things that healthy people must do to remain healthy.
Incidentally, he includes 9 pages of excellent references, and for those who need it, he has a Baseline Health Record that includes the “Important Tests to Maintain Optimal Health and Lower Disease Risk.” If you are like I am and maintain your health by regular exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits, and regular monitoring and doctor’s visits, I think you’ll find that most of these tests are unnecessary as are the hormone supplements Life recommends.
If you are in poor health, however, it’s a different story: “By adhering to the diet and exercise programs, you are ensuring that not only will you lose weight and gain muscle mass, but you will improve your heart health. If you follow the supplement program, you’ll find that your energy levels will return. And if you carefully monitor your hormone levels, you’ll find that in no time at all, you’ll be looking and feeling younger” (p. 323).
I found the writing of the book excellent, the suggestions terrific, and the overall content superb. There is a lot of information in this book. A lot! His Life Plan Recipes (e.g., pp. 105-109) offer wonderful alternatives and ideas.
Also, I appreciated Life’s honesty. For example, when he answered the question, “Do I Need Sports Drinks?” he said, “The truth is, there is nothing magical about any of these beverages. They all contain carbohydrates, which have been clearly shown to be beneficial during exercise. . . . Research has show, however, that carbohydrate ingestion is beneficial only during prolonged exercise. . . . In fact, when we ingest carbohydrates during short-term exercise, it simply increases the calories we take in and inteferes with our efforts to get rid of body fat” (pp. 126-127).
I loved the personal examples Life includes. For example, “My wife, Annie, has made dieting effortless for me. She has come up with her own creation, and it has revolutionized my ability to stay on track with my nutrition program. . .” (p. 103).
I have to say that rather than simply a daily guide or a list of suggestions for diet and exercise, this is a reference work to which one can refer on an ongoing basis. There is just too much here to digest and use without a plan of returning to the book over and over again.
I highly recommend this book for its direct, easy-to-read and understand approach, for Jeffry Life’s willingness to illustrate most of the exercises he recommends, for the numerous charts, for the personal, interesting examples (as well as the individual stories/testimonials distributed throughout the book), for the comprehensiveness of the coverage, and for the encouragement provided throughout for sticking to it, following through, creating realistic goals, and rewarding yourself for accomplishment.
It is true that any approach like this requires incredible willpower and self-discipline, but any change we want to make demands these same elements. This is a book that is specific and to the point, so if you are looking for instructions along with motivation to get going, this is a great place to start. I absolutely loved this book. Five stars!
The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Plan-Achieve-Lasting-Stronger/dp/1439194580
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Why did I pick up this book? I am in excellent health. I don’t smoke or drink. I eat clean, get plenty of rest, exercise frequently (and actively), and I maintain optimal hormone levels (according to results of tests and regular doctor visits). People like myself—people who stay in good shape—are always looking for a new angle, a new approach, or a way to add something new to what they already do. Rather than finding something new, Life simply reinforces (through his Life Plan) the kinds of things that healthy people must do to remain healthy.
Incidentally, he includes 9 pages of excellent references, and for those who need it, he has a Baseline Health Record that includes the “Important Tests to Maintain Optimal Health and Lower Disease Risk.” If you are like I am and maintain your health by regular exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits, and regular monitoring and doctor’s visits, I think you’ll find that most of these tests are unnecessary as are the hormone supplements Life recommends.
If you are in poor health, however, it’s a different story: “By adhering to the diet and exercise programs, you are ensuring that not only will you lose weight and gain muscle mass, but you will improve your heart health. If you follow the supplement program, you’ll find that your energy levels will return. And if you carefully monitor your hormone levels, you’ll find that in no time at all, you’ll be looking and feeling younger” (p. 323).
I found the writing of the book excellent, the suggestions terrific, and the overall content superb. There is a lot of information in this book. A lot! His Life Plan Recipes (e.g., pp. 105-109) offer wonderful alternatives and ideas.
Also, I appreciated Life’s honesty. For example, when he answered the question, “Do I Need Sports Drinks?” he said, “The truth is, there is nothing magical about any of these beverages. They all contain carbohydrates, which have been clearly shown to be beneficial during exercise. . . . Research has show, however, that carbohydrate ingestion is beneficial only during prolonged exercise. . . . In fact, when we ingest carbohydrates during short-term exercise, it simply increases the calories we take in and inteferes with our efforts to get rid of body fat” (pp. 126-127).
I loved the personal examples Life includes. For example, “My wife, Annie, has made dieting effortless for me. She has come up with her own creation, and it has revolutionized my ability to stay on track with my nutrition program. . .” (p. 103).
I have to say that rather than simply a daily guide or a list of suggestions for diet and exercise, this is a reference work to which one can refer on an ongoing basis. There is just too much here to digest and use without a plan of returning to the book over and over again.
I highly recommend this book for its direct, easy-to-read and understand approach, for Jeffry Life’s willingness to illustrate most of the exercises he recommends, for the numerous charts, for the personal, interesting examples (as well as the individual stories/testimonials distributed throughout the book), for the comprehensiveness of the coverage, and for the encouragement provided throughout for sticking to it, following through, creating realistic goals, and rewarding yourself for accomplishment.
It is true that any approach like this requires incredible willpower and self-discipline, but any change we want to make demands these same elements. This is a book that is specific and to the point, so if you are looking for instructions along with motivation to get going, this is a great place to start. I absolutely loved this book. Five stars!
The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, November 5, 2012
27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences and win allies
By Chris St. Hilaire with Lynette Padwa
http://www.amazon.com/27-Powers-Persuasion-Strategies-Audiences/dp/B004LQ0EMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306452690&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
There are 27 chapters and 198 pages which means, on average, 7.3 pages per chapter. Chapter titles include the techniques St. Hilaire and Padwa advocate: 1) Focus on the Goal, 2) Evaluate Egos, 3) Soothe or Sidestep Other Egos, 4) Manage Opposition by Giving It Nothing to Oppose, 5) Make Your Weakness Your Strength, 6) Find One Thing to Like About Everyone in the Room, 7) Use the First Five Minutes to Make People Feel Safe, 8) Stay in the Present, 9) Recognize Their Reality, 10) Make It About Choice, Fairness, and Accountability, 11) Keep It Simple, 12) Own the Language, 13) Use Emotional Language, 14) Make Sure Everyone’s Invested, 15) Get Third-Party Validation, 16) Get a Couple of Numbers, 17) Arm Your Advocates, 18) Aim for the Undecideds, 19) Avoid Absolutes and Hypotheticals, 20) Learn How to Use Silence, 21) Get Physical, 22) Don’t Say No, Say ‘Let’s Try This,’ 23) Release Bad News Quickly and Good News Slowly, 24) Challenge Bad Ideas by Challenging the Details, 25) Play Devil’s Advocate, 26) Don’t Change, ‘Adapt,’ 27) Be Your Own Pundit.
Okay, the point of listing the titles is, basically, that these are the persuasive techniques these authors advocate. Do any of them surprise you? If you have engaged in persuasion yourself, do they look familiar? For those with no speech-communication experience, I can see how they might welcome a basic, persuasive primer like this, and I can certainly see how they would review the book positively.
From where did these ideas come? Not from research. The four pages of notes (pages 199-202) include 37 notes, and they are Internet sources, media interviews, or other resources that would not be considered “research” even if the term was interpreted in its widest possible latitude. St. Hilaire and Padwa write: “For the past two decades I have observed how my clients—politicians, CEOs,trial attorneys, and marketers—practice the art of persuasion. I’ve watched the best and worst of class in these professions, observed their communication styles, listened to their spoken language, tuned in to their body language. And I’ve seen that certain patterns always hold true” (p. xiii). The 27 techniques are based on observations only—one person’s observations.
Oh, not on observations alone. Catch this: “ . . . the powers are informed by the observations and wisdom of my Buddhist teacher, Master Hang Truong, a man I have come to respect as much as anyone I know” (p. xxix). Does this increase their credibility? Their reliability? Their validity?
I am not for one minute suggesting that the techniques (St. Hilaire and Padq call them “27 powers”) are wrong, weak, poorly chosen, or otherwise inept. I am simply saying they are based entirely on observation—not on research; thus, they become one person’s suggestions. If they work for you, great, but if they don’t, so be it. In my mind, as I observe the “27 powers,” I find them common sense. Anyone with any experience in speech communication (or not) would discover these on their own. Just think about it. That is all that is required. Think! (I award this book 1 star out of 5—less, maybe even zero out of 5!)
27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences & win allies can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/27-Powers-Persuasion-Strategies-Audiences/dp/B004LQ0EMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306452690&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
There are 27 chapters and 198 pages which means, on average, 7.3 pages per chapter. Chapter titles include the techniques St. Hilaire and Padwa advocate: 1) Focus on the Goal, 2) Evaluate Egos, 3) Soothe or Sidestep Other Egos, 4) Manage Opposition by Giving It Nothing to Oppose, 5) Make Your Weakness Your Strength, 6) Find One Thing to Like About Everyone in the Room, 7) Use the First Five Minutes to Make People Feel Safe, 8) Stay in the Present, 9) Recognize Their Reality, 10) Make It About Choice, Fairness, and Accountability, 11) Keep It Simple, 12) Own the Language, 13) Use Emotional Language, 14) Make Sure Everyone’s Invested, 15) Get Third-Party Validation, 16) Get a Couple of Numbers, 17) Arm Your Advocates, 18) Aim for the Undecideds, 19) Avoid Absolutes and Hypotheticals, 20) Learn How to Use Silence, 21) Get Physical, 22) Don’t Say No, Say ‘Let’s Try This,’ 23) Release Bad News Quickly and Good News Slowly, 24) Challenge Bad Ideas by Challenging the Details, 25) Play Devil’s Advocate, 26) Don’t Change, ‘Adapt,’ 27) Be Your Own Pundit.
Okay, the point of listing the titles is, basically, that these are the persuasive techniques these authors advocate. Do any of them surprise you? If you have engaged in persuasion yourself, do they look familiar? For those with no speech-communication experience, I can see how they might welcome a basic, persuasive primer like this, and I can certainly see how they would review the book positively.
From where did these ideas come? Not from research. The four pages of notes (pages 199-202) include 37 notes, and they are Internet sources, media interviews, or other resources that would not be considered “research” even if the term was interpreted in its widest possible latitude. St. Hilaire and Padwa write: “For the past two decades I have observed how my clients—politicians, CEOs,trial attorneys, and marketers—practice the art of persuasion. I’ve watched the best and worst of class in these professions, observed their communication styles, listened to their spoken language, tuned in to their body language. And I’ve seen that certain patterns always hold true” (p. xiii). The 27 techniques are based on observations only—one person’s observations.
Oh, not on observations alone. Catch this: “ . . . the powers are informed by the observations and wisdom of my Buddhist teacher, Master Hang Truong, a man I have come to respect as much as anyone I know” (p. xxix). Does this increase their credibility? Their reliability? Their validity?
I am not for one minute suggesting that the techniques (St. Hilaire and Padq call them “27 powers”) are wrong, weak, poorly chosen, or otherwise inept. I am simply saying they are based entirely on observation—not on research; thus, they become one person’s suggestions. If they work for you, great, but if they don’t, so be it. In my mind, as I observe the “27 powers,” I find them common sense. Anyone with any experience in speech communication (or not) would discover these on their own. Just think about it. That is all that is required. Think! (I award this book 1 star out of 5—less, maybe even zero out of 5!)
27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences & win allies can be purchased at Amazon.
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