$13.95

Used Hardcover

Ships in 1 to 3 days

Qty	Store	Section
3	Burnside	Self Help- Communication

This title in other editions

• New, Trade Paper, $14.99
• Used, Trade Paper, $10.50

A Good Talk: The Story and Skill of Conversation

by Daniel Menaker

view larger image

Comment on this title and you could win free books! Synopses & Reviews Comment on this title and you could win free books! ISBN13: 9780446540025 ISBN10: 0446540021 Condition: Standard Dustjacket: Standard All Product Details Only 3 left in stock at $13.95!

 

Synopses & Reviews

Review:

"A fiction writer and former editor at the New Yorker and Random House, Menaker (The Treatment) regards conversation as 'a human art of great importance produced by all people everywhere.' His witty approach is evident almost immediately, as he speculates on the creation of human language, moving on to the general rules of conversation, London coffeehouses as a forum for ideas, greetings, and name-droppers: 'They wrap the pig of name-dropping in a blanket of casualness, or even criticalness, and seem to actually believe you won't taste the inner wiener.' At the book's core is a conversation between Menaker and an anonymous female writer. Taped in a Brooklyn restaurant, this lengthy transcript is analyzed in detail to show how the participants take risks, seek a 'common ground,' interject humor, and discover perceptive insights about each other. Interview tactics and prepared remarks are covered, along with e-mail embarrassments, dating stratagems, sarcastic barbs, compliments, and interruptions. However, what makes a lasting impression is the parade of anecdotes about life in the corridors of the New Yorker and Random House, leaving the reader yearning for a full-scale Menaker memoir." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Synopsis:

A GOOD TALK is an analysis of and guide to that most exclusively human of all activities-- conversation.

Drawing on over forty years of experience in American letters, Menaker pinpoints the factors that drive and enliven every good conversation: the vagaries (and joys) of subtext; the deeper structure and meaning of conversational flow; the subliminal signals that guide our disclosures and confessions; and the countless other hurdles we must clear along the way. Moving beyond self-help musings and how to advice, he has created a stylish, funny, and surprising book: a celebration of the most excusively human of all activities.

In a time when conversation remains deeply important-- for building relationships, for relaxing, even for figuring out who we are-- and also increasingly imperiled (with Blackberries and texting increasingly in vogue), A GOOD TALK is a refreshing celebration of the subtle adventures of a good conversation.

Synopsis:

Drawing on over 40 years of experience in American letters, Menaker pinpointsthe factors that drive and enliven every good conversation.

back to top

What Our Readers Are Saying

Be the first to add a comment for a chance to win!

back to top

Product Details

ISBN:

9780446540025

Author:

Menaker, Daniel

Publisher:

Twelve

Subject:

Conversation analysis

Subject:

General

Subject:

Interpersonal Relations

Subject:

Communication

Subject:

Communication Studies

Subject:

Self-Help/Relationships

Copyright:

2010

Publication Date:

20100131

Binding:

Hardcover

Language:

English

Illustrations:

Y

Pages:

230

Dimensions:

8.30x5.60x.90 in. .80 lbs.

back to top

Other books you might like

1. 
   The secret oceans Betty Ballantine Used Hardcover $2.98
   
2. 
   The Speed of Light Elizabeth Rosner

   

   Used Trade Paper $1.50
   
3. 
   Letters to a Soldier David Falvey Used Hardcover $7.95
   
4. 
   Epilogue: A Memoir Anne Roiphe Used Trade Paper $7.95
   
5. 
   Thank You for Arguing: What... Jay Heinrichs Used Trade Paper $8.00
   
6. 
   Whisper to the Blood (Kate Shugak... Dana Stabenow Used Mass Market $5.50
   

Related Subjects

Business » Communication
Health and Self-Help » Self-Help » Communication
Health and Self-Help » Self-Help » Relationships
History and Social Science » Intercultural Communications » General

A Good Talk: The Story and Skill of Conversation Used Hardcover Daniel Menaker

0 stars - 0 reviews

$13.95 In Stock

Product details 230 pages Twelve - 2010-01-18 English 9780446540025 Reviews:

"Publishers Weekly Review" by Publishers Weekly, "A fiction writer and former editor at the New Yorker and Random House, Menaker (The Treatment) regards conversation as 'a human art of great importance produced by all people everywhere.' His witty approach is evident almost immediately, as he speculates on the creation of human language, moving on to the general rules of conversation, London coffeehouses as a forum for ideas, greetings, and name-droppers: 'They wrap the pig of name-dropping in a blanket of casualness, or even criticalness, and seem to actually believe you won't taste the inner wiener.' At the book's core is a conversation between Menaker and an anonymous female writer. Taped in a Brooklyn restaurant, this lengthy transcript is analyzed in detail to show how the participants take risks, seek a 'common ground,' interject humor, and discover perceptive insights about each other. Interview tactics and prepared remarks are covered, along with e-mail embarrassments, dating stratagems, sarcastic barbs, compliments, and interruptions. However, what makes a lasting impression is the parade of anecdotes about life in the corridors of the New Yorker and Random House, leaving the reader yearning for a full-scale Menaker memoir." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Synopsis" by Ingram, A GOOD TALK is an analysis of and guide to that most exclusively human of all activities-- conversation.

Drawing on over forty years of experience in American letters, Menaker pinpoints the factors that drive and enliven every good conversation: the vagaries (and joys) of subtext; the deeper structure and meaning of conversational flow; the subliminal signals that guide our disclosures and confessions; and the countless other hurdles we must clear along the way. Moving beyond self-help musings and how to advice, he has created a stylish, funny, and surprising book: a celebration of the most excusively human of all activities.

In a time when conversation remains deeply important-- for building relationships, for relaxing, even for figuring out who we are-- and also increasingly imperiled (with Blackberries and texting increasingly in vogue), A GOOD TALK is a refreshing celebration of the subtle adventures of a good conversation.

"Synopsis" by Ingram, Drawing on over 40 years of experience in American letters, Menaker pinpointsthe factors that drive and enliven every good conversation.