That's Not What I Meant!: How Conversational Style Makes or Breaks Relationships - Softcover

Tannen, Deborah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345340906 ISBN 13: 9780345340900

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1987

Synopsis

Often it's not what you say, but how you say it, that counts. Deborah Tannen, the internationally-acclaimed expert on communication and author of the bestselling YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND, will help you recognize your own conversational style and how it meshes or clashes with the styles of others. Entertaining and informative, everyone who speaks will want to read this gem.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Actually, this title caught my eye because it sounds like something I might say. Sometimes I
will make a totally outrageous comment in such a matter-of-fact way that people are completely
taken aback; other times my tone will convey a harshness I absolutely didn't intend, which can
lead to hurt feelings and frustration all around. And though at times I can shrug it off and say
that the world simply isn't ready for my sense of humor, I also had been increasingly aware of
the need to refine my communication style. THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT! has definitely helped me
begin to assess how I can better do that. It has shown me how I use unclear language to protect
myself and offers simple, straightforward alternatives so that I can get my point across more
effectively. It's also very enlightening in its explanations of why I find myself reacting
negatively to the subtleties of others' speech. A fascinating, invaluable tool.

Laurie Kahn, Associate Managing Editor

About the Author:

Best-selling author Deborah Tannen is University Professor and Professor of Linguistics at Georgetown University. She has also been McGraw Distinguished Lecturer at Princetown University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0345340906
• ISBN 13: 9780345340900
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224