The Art of Plain Speaking : How to Write and Speak in a Way That Will Impress the People That Matter

After more than a decade working as an editor and journalist, Charlie Corbett took his first, tentative steps into the corporate world in 2012. And was appalled by what he found there: a confusing and nonsensical place, where common sense and basic humanity had been replaced by jargon, dehumanising language and soulless dictates from faceless rule-makers. A world where senior management was entirely absent from the shop floor - replaced by indecipherable emails from HR - and where people spoke in esoteric corporate riddles, believing that sounding clever was more productive than speaking clearly and with purpose. He found people spent more time defending their personal fiefdoms, or massaging their careers, than helping to build a successful business alongside their peers. This book is a result of five years at Charlie's consultancy, Bullfinch Media, where he helped convince executives that speaking plainly, thoughtfully, and behaving with humanity, is the best way to win business, boost morale and advance careers. This is a step-by-step guidebook to surviving and thriving in the modern work place: from how to write well, speak publicly and stand out in your job, to crafting compelling communications, making the best of social media and handling the press.