Book Review: The Communication Book

After reading 30 pages of this book I wanted to put it down. Not because I wasn’t enjoying it or it was poorly written. Completely the opposite.

The content, even in those first few pages, was so good that my head was starting to explode with ideas and thoughts about how I could implement it at The Yardstick Agency.

The first thing you notice about this book is its unique style – it’s wonderfully tactile, broken up into easily digestible bite-sized chunks and brilliantly illustrated.

The next hits you like a right hook to the jaw; this is not the book for you if you are not up for some serious self-analysis and improvement.

The book is a collection of communication theories from the greats such as Marcel Proust and philosopher Aristotle to the lesser known, but still fascinating thinkers, condensed and simplified, supplemented by their own practical tips.

For those who manage a team, the chapters on how to run meetings and give feedback in the right way will be invaluable.Phil Bray

While the theory is fascinating, it is the practical spin that Mr Krogerus and Mr Tschäppeler add which makes this book stand out in a crowded space.

That combination of theory and practical advice covers many of the challenges advisers and planners face daily. When dealing with clients, the sections on the principles of persuasion and active listening will be particularly useful.

For those who manage a team, the chapters on how to run meetings and give feedback in the right way will be invaluable. 

If you’re building a business, the Salami Tactics are fantastic and will help you effectively implement ideas, while the section on storytelling will improve your marketing.

So, will the six-word rule apply? Who knew you could write a whole book in six words?

And it is not all about work either, the section on love and friendship will help improve the most important relationships in your life.

For those who want more, there is plenty of further reading too, with a comprehensive list of sources and additional material.

The Communication Book is one I know I will go back to frequently; browsing, finding a section that relates to a current challenge or problem, and then implementing their advice in my day-to-day behaviour. 

Effective communication is so fundamental to the life of advisers and planners that I suggest you invest in a copy and move it to the top of your reading pile. 

Phil Bray is founder and director of the Yardstick Agency. Published by Penguin.