Say It Like Shakespeare: How to Give a Speech Like Hamlet, Persuade Like Henry V, and Other Secrets from the World's Greatest Communicator

by Thomas Leech

Book Overview

From the world's most popular writer - William Shakespeare - here are tips addressing one of the most important needs for business people today - communicating in all its various forms. Whether... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071373152
• ISBN13: 9780071373159
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

The Bard for All Occasions

Tom Leech's book, "Say It Like Shakespeare" is an absolute gem - and definitely a keeper. In the short time in which I've owned the book, I have used it in lectures, classes, and even social occasions. Surely Shakespeare himself must be delighted to know his words ring true for so many instances in this 21st century. This wonderful book shall have a place of honor among the reference books I use most often. However, this is the only one that continually amuses, confounds, and inspires. I certainly hope that Mr. Leech will soon be publishing more.

A Practical Guide to Communicating in the Business World

Mr. Leech's book is GREAT!!!!. His writing style is so concise, practical and easy to understand. Using quotes from Shakespeare just added to the enjoyment of reading this book. The information is very valuable for any one in any type of organization. I was VERY IMPRESSED!!!! It is full of great ideas and tips on how to handle any communications situation in a business setting or actually any organization. Being a professional in the communications field, I wish I had read this material years ago.

A Practical Guide to Communicating in the Business World

Mr. Leech's book is GREAT!. His writing style is so concise, practical and easy to understand. Using quotes from Shakespeare just adds to the enjoyment of reading this book. The information is very valuable for any one in any type of organization. I was VERY IMPRESSED! It is full of great ideas and tips on how to handle any communications situation in a business setting. Being a professional in the communications field, I wish I had read this material years ago.

Say it says it all!

By Lynn Alvarez Doupsas, Divisional Vice President, Business Planning Strategy, President, UBS PaineWebber Toastmasters I did not know what to expect when I opened "Say it like Shakespeare: How to Give a Speech like Hamlet, Persuade like Henry V and Other Secrets from the World's Greatest Communicator." Any reference to Shakespeare always reminded me of introductory literature courses in college. As I opened the book I thought, what could that old stodgy writer have to say for himself? I was pleasantly surprised that good `ole Will was and is the master of the communication and the common word.I met Tom Leech in the early 90's and thoroughly devoured his book on Winning Presentations. He has always struck me as having uncanny perceptions and astute assessments of issues and problems. The new book covers advanced topics such as blending team talents in "Competitive Communications" to the basics like "make sure props work." Each chapter's `take aways' are direct, practical and to the point. The stories and quotes were aptly selected to convey complex themes.I always knew Tom was a masterful storyteller. I was struck, however, at how funny he was in his use of examples and communication pitfalls. I had no idea how tickled I would be with his examples, perhaps because I have experienced and lived them in my years in consulting and management positions. It was a nice change to hear about them rather than experience them first hand. I could thoroughly imagine Julius Caesar and Othello going through the same issues as many leaders and followers go through today. By using good humor and poking fun at himself self and others, Tom made Verona, Rome and Stratford on Avon come alive. The not so `secret' topics of being a good listener, knowing your audience and dressing for success were shared as well as the difference between being a sender and receiver were wittily revealed. Tom craftily used these fictional characters' quotes and actions to emphasis his points even more. Indeed, there is something to glean for everyone. Tom's insights and innovative way to address communication made me long to pick up a volume of Mr. Shakespeare's work. I am just happy that I didn't have to spend years compiling this information, which fortunately, Tom painstakingly did for us. Friends, Romans, Toastmasters -- this is a must read for any interested in understanding the nuts and bolts of communication. This can be a great tool for any manager, academic or lay statesman to use in treading through the perilous seas of modern Rome. History indeed is doomed to repeat itself, so why not get a jump start?

Shakespeare Would Like This Book

I always figured that Shakespeare was a wise man, but never did I fully grasp how practical and timeless his messages were until I saw them used to emphasize Tom Leech's strategies for better communication. This is one of those ideas that is so obvious and logical that you wonder why it never was thought of before. Leech has taken his obviously in-depth knowledge of communication in business and linked it to some of the bard's most brilliant aphorisms. The end result is an easy read and an enhanced understanding of what we all need to do in order to communicate more effectively. Even the most experienced speakers need to take a look at this volume for, as stated in Julius Caesar, "Methinks there is much reason in his sayings."