The Articulate Executive: Learn to Look, Act, and Sound Like a Leader

As designers, we specialize in visual communication- whether that be print, digital experience or identity, we convey a message. To keep this succinct, here's two ways this book would be beneficial for you to read as a graphic designer, web designer or web programmer:

Interviews & Daily Interactions: Some designers may not feel comfortable in how to present themselves in an interview, a first meeting as a principle freelancer or how to strategically interact with your boss, CEO or executive management. If you're looking for a book that will assist you in how to interact with your already established principles and ethics -see 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for that foundation- this is a great building block to feeling more confident and articulating your thoughts and ideas effectively.

Presentations & Client Meetings: In addition to The Art of Client Service, this book gives you great 'know-how' on how to present. From P.O.W.E.R. to valuable public speaking hints, after you read this book you will feel much more comfortable in front of the biggest pitches to key networking events.

We specialize in visual communication; this will help you to specialize in verbal communication, body language, and even dress attire, as well. If you have that big pitch or special speaking engagement coming up, this is a powerful book that may be easily implemented in a short period of time. Use the technology advantage that you have and adapt the graphics to what you know... you already have an advantage in presentations, this is the additional nudge if you want to be excellent in both forms of communication. I highly recommend it!

This book is about public speaking. It presents a new framework called "POWER Formula" that helps you design and perform the perfect presentation. "POWER" stands for Punch; One theme; Window; Ear; and Retention. This book not only suggests how to speak, but how to prepare visual aids that fit best your audience; how to deal with journalists, how to perform on TV, how to handle debates, and Q&A sessions. It also has a noteworthy chapter "How to read a prepared text like a pro (and not look like you're reading)". I would also recommend the famous classics by Dale Carnegie: like "The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking" and "How to Develop Self-Confidence And Influence People By Public Speaking".

This book is pretty good. It has many relevant and useful concepts that are organized well and easy to remember (through the use of acronyms and "fun" concepts). The book is an easy, which is great for people on the go with very little time to spare for reading. The only reason for four stars is because the author seems to be sexist throughout the book (managers being referred in "he" terms, but women always seem to be at a lower level). This could just be my imagination, but I think it occurs throughout the book unintentionally.

For most occasional speakers, help offered by a book used to be very limited. I have read a lot of communication books talking about smoke and spirits but, Granville N. Toogood offer us a comprehensive guide, plenty of examples, techniques and rules to apply. Do you think this book can improve communication in our business? My answer is clearly affirmative after reading the book.

Similar to most of the reviews of the book the strong points include helping a person form effective communication with others. It has a nice foundation for people who are new to public speaking, and a reminder for those who have been doing it for a while.

However, the book is just plain dated. There must be a new book from another author that we could steer people towards. The business and professional world has changed in the 11 years since the book was released. The pace of conversation, the use of technology to communicate, etc.

I must agree with another reviewer who noted that the book did little to address Executive status or sounding like a Leader, as the title infers.

Sorry, I know it takes a lot to create a book for others to read, but this particular one just does not deliver.