Talking From 9-5: Women and Men at Work: Language, Sex and Power

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Description

Deborah Tannen looks at the role played by talk 'from 9 to 5', focusing in particular on the differing conversational rituals that typify men and women. Those common among men involve opposition such as banter, joking and playful put-downs; common among women are ways of maintaining the appearance of equality, avoiding boasting and downplaying authority. Arguing that no one style is superior, Tannen shows that when conventions are taken literally, there are negative results for both sides. She illuminates the different ways men and women make decisions, ask for information and delegate. Then shows how these styles affect how we are judged in the workplace. Talking from 9 to 5 is a brilliantly incisive book that offers powerful new ways of understanding what's really going on at work.

Reviews

'A wise book. She brings to light valuable nuances on a subject that many of us no doubt thought we were familiar with' INDEPENDENT 'Both men and women will be fascinated' DAILY MAIL 'Absolutely worth a look' COSMOP0LITAN 'Many types of reader should benefit from this book. It should be required reading for managers; one of Ms Tannen's most telling points is that failures in communication at work can do more to mar careers and cause personal unhappiness- they can cripple a whole business by allowing valuable but verbally inept employees to be fired, while less compitent but smoother colleagues get promoted above the level of their skills.' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW '...scrupulously balanced...' THE TIMES 'Her book is a worthy one marshalling complications with affection and assurance and leaving us to draw our own conclusions...' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'As usual, Tannen's observations are detailed and fascinating.' NEW SCIENTIST

Author Bio

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.