Lynn M. (officerripley) reviewed on 4/13/2016 + 258 more book reviews

From the cover: "What if charisma could be taught?" Well, the appearance of it can be anyway, according to this book. And if you're looking for tips on business, political--thus maybe explaining the frequent references to Bill Clinton?--etc. relationships, this book may help. But it'd be nice if there were a disclaimer on the front (or at least the back) cover explaining that this is a BUSINESS/POLITICS only book, in other words, sell more [whatever it is you sell], get raises/promotions, get elected. If you were looking for help with "ordinary" social relationships, however, you won't find it here. For instance, from the book: "...to gain an instant charisma boost in conversation: Lower the intonation of your voice at the end of your sentences." (And this is repeated at least once more.) Hmm...maybe this--along with the fact that Kim Kardashian has also popularized it--explains the prevalence in the last few years of people (espec. those under 40) using that darn, irritating (fingernails scratching a chalkboard), pitched-too-low, raspy, nasally thing with their voice. And it isn't a brand new idea; back in the 80s or even before, people would imitate the "New York Honk", as they called it back then, the way people from the upper-class areas of NY spoke (think Meryl Streep, Wm. F. Buckley, etc.). Now, it's called the "Vocal Fry" by the voice coaching industry & any vocal coach worth her/his salt will tell you that doing it without the right vocal training can permanently injure your vocal cords. So unless you grew up in that particular part of NY, or your vocal cords are just worn out from old age or years of smoking, it sounds phony & irritating & will do the opposite of helping you socially. (And I wonder how helpful it is in the business world too; imitating a Kardashian will help you get a raise?)

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