Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond

Praise for Simply Said

"Sullivan highlights powerful ways that you can better connect with people. Simply Said is a quick read that will help you improve the quality of your communications and become a more effective leader."
Stephen R. Howe, Jr., US Chairman and Americas Managing Partner, Ernst & Young

"Effective communication is absolutely critical to successful leadership. Sullivan reminds us that when we′re communicating, audiences are listening to hear one thing: what does this mean for me? Simply Said is a candid guide to improve our ability to connect with others, and as a result, improve our impact as communicators and leaders."
Tom Bradley, President of Retail, TD Ameritrade

"Jay Sullivan′s approach to communication and the virtues of this book extend well beyond how to speak and write more clearly. Embedded within is a deeper philosophy of leadership rooted in attentiveness to others that is both appealing and compelling. This book is a valuable resource to those who are, or aspire to be, leaders."
Eduardo M. Pealver, Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law, Cornell Law School

"Adhering to the mantra of the Simply Said title, I have just one piece of advice: Read this book! You will learn how to communicate better by focusing less on yourself and more on others. The world would be a much better place if we would all talk less and listen more."
Lorri Freifeld, Editor–in–Chief, Training Magazine

"Simply Said shows us how to communicate effectively by focusing, not on our own perspective, but on the perspective of our audience and their interests. It is clear and engaging, and it is an invaluable guide to anyone who needs to communicate successfully to achieve the goals that matter to them which is all of us."
William M. Treanor, Dean and Professor, Georgetown University Law Center

"Simply Said is an insightful and practical book that methodically outlines the keys to effective communication, and does so crisply and with style. With this book, Jay Sullivan has created a comprehensive resource for systematically enhancing your communication skills."
Stephen P. Hills, Former President, The Washington Post

Introduction: Focus on Others xi

Section One Your Content 1

Chapter 1 What Do You Mean by That?

Conveying a Clear Message 3

Chapter 2 Once Upon a Time . . .

Telling Engaging Stories 17

Chapter 3 A Place for Everything

Organizing Your Content 23

Section Two Your Oral Communication Skills 39

Chapter 4 Stand Up and Stand Out

Making the Most of Your Body Language 41

Chapter 5 Are You Just Waiting to Talk ?

Listening to Understand 65

Chapter 6 See It. Save It. Say It.

Delivering from Notes and Visuals 87

Chapter 7 What If They Ask You Something

You Don t Know?

Responding to Questions 113

Section Three Your Written Communication Skills 125

Chapter 8 Challenge Every Word

Editing for Clarity 129

Chapter 9 Form Follows Function

Structuring Your Documents 146

Chapter 10 Make It Easy

Creating Reader–Friendly Documents 154

Chapter 11 Hit Send with Confidence

Writing Emails That Resonate 160

Section Four Your Interactions 171

Chapter 12 It s a Dialogue, Not a Monologue

Conducting Effective Client Meetings 173

Chapter 13 You Can t Do It All

Delegating Successfully 183

Chapter 14 Do You Have a Minute?

Sharing Meaningful Feedback 192

Chapter 15 Raise Your Glass

Giving Toasts 202

Chapter 16 Pass the Mic

Handling Introductions 206

Chapter 17 The Possibilities Are Endless

Facilitating Brainstorming Meetings 211

Section Five Your Leadership 217

Chapter 18 Inspire and Influence

Leading Others 219

Chapter 19 From Invincibility to Authenticity

Showing Vulnerability 231

About Exec|Comm 241

About the Author 243

Acknowledgments 245

Grammar Guidelines for Personal Pronouns 249

Video Resources 253

Index 255

Jay Sullivan is an award–winning author and the Managing Partner at Exec|Comm, LLC. Whether coaching individuals one–on–one or working with groups, Jay helps professionals from global organizations have greater impact through communication. As a former attorney, Jay′s column The Art of Communication was regularly featured in the New York Law Journal. His articles and poetry have appeared in The New York Times, Reader′s Digest, Parents Magazine, Catholic Digest, The Golfer, and Boston College Magazine.

Sullivan highlights powerful ways that you can better connect with people. Simply Said is a quick read that will help you improve the quality of your communications and become a more effective leader.  – Stephen R. Howe, Jr., US Chairman and Americas Managing Partner, Ernst & Young

Effective communication is absolutely critical to successful leadership. Sullivan reminds us that when we re communicating, audiences are listening to hear one thing: what does this mean for me? Simply Said is a candid guide to improve our ability to connect with others, and as a result, improve our impact as communicators and leaders." – Tom Bradley. President of Retail, TD Ameritrade

Jay Sullivan s approach to communication and the virtues of this book extend well beyond how to speak and write more clearly. Embedded within is a deeper philosophy of leadership rooted in attentiveness to others that is both appealing and compelling. This book is a valuable resource to those who are, or aspire to be, leaders." – Eduardo M. Peñalver. Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law, Cornell Law School

Adhering to the mantra of the Simply Said title, I have just one piece of advice: Read this book! You will learn how to communicate better by focusing less on yourself and more on others. The world would be a much better place if we would all talk less and listen more." – Lorri Freifeld, Editor–in–Chief, Training magazine

Simply Said shows us how to communicate effectively by focusing, not on our own perspective, but on the perspective of our audience and their interests. It is clear and engaging, and it is an invaluable guide to anyone who needs to communicate successfully to achieve the goals that matter to them which is all of us. – William M. Treanor, Dean and Professor, Georgetown University Law Center

Being an effective communicator is no longer a nice skill for some to have, it is absolutely a required skill for everyone to possess. The ability to truly connect with others is the key to building relationships and improving performance. Simply Said is a must read for anyone who aspires to lead and influence others. – Michael A. Schweitzer, Senior Global Banking Executive

From small talk to presentations to leadership, communications are key. Simply Said provides practical advice (or reminders) to ensure your success. Practicing what they preach, it is written in straightforward, simple language that s about you and your success." – Russell Morris, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Conference Board

"I wish that everyone would read and absorb the clear and straightforward method of Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond. Hours upon hours of time would be saved, we would all be spared speeches and talks that do not get to the point, and we would understand each other so much better! I highly recommend Jay Sullivan′s superb techniques." – Matthew Diller, Dean, Paul Fuller Professor of Law, Fordham University School of Law

  This book is a must–read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. As an experienced Human Resources executive, I have seen individuals communication skills make (or break) their career. We can all stand to improve the way in which we connect with our audiences pick up this book today! – Susan Lovegren, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Juniper Networks

" Simply Said is a must read! It illustrates how effective communication positively impacts relationships, families and communities. Today′s exemplary leaders can learn what works and what doesn′t when they communicate." – Lily Woo, Program Director, Columbia Teachers College

Jay has helped me to improve my communication by focusing on the audience and simplifying my message. Communicating one s message is the completion of the process and, with my improved communication skills, I find that I am a better strategic thinker and leader.  Simply Said is a great resource tool for business and life. – Kevin J. O′Donnell, Chief Executive Officer, President, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

The importance of communications cannot be over–stated. In the development of a strategic assessment of our college, we identified communications as the key area for our attention. Repeatedly, in my work in education and in my roles in other organizations, communication rises to the top as an area requiring improvement. Simply Said is a straightforward and very helpful primer for enhancing communication. The author stresses the importance of being intentional and succinct with the message. What will our listeners hear? What do we want them to remember? The deep experiences of the author resulted in a clear and nuanced presentation of recommendations for enhancing communication. A must read! – Scott Evenbeck, President, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, CUNY

"In my more than 25 years in the business world and as a college professor, communication skills have consistently been the most important enabler for success and the skill that I still practice to this day. This book is the perfect communications ′how to excel′ guide for students and provides well–founded approaches and practical applications. This book will be my communications resource guide and I would recommend that all future leaders take the time to learn these skills and invest in their future." –  Ken Daly, President, National Grid New York

Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond delivers a simple message and a powerful method. Reading this accessible book would permit anyone to vanquish the challenge of connecting with audiences large or small. This is essential reading for students, executives, and, generally, for anyone who wants to be understood by others. – David Gautschi, Joseph Keating, S.J. Professor and Dean emeritus, Fordham University

Simply Said is an insightful and practical book that methodically outlines the keys to effective communication, and does so crisply and with style. With this book, Jay Sullivan has created a comprehensive resource for systematically enhancing your communication skills. – Stephen P. Hills, Former President, The Washington Post