Here we have an oldie but goldy. I wrote on a recent post that I was re-reading a classic and promised a review, so here we are.
For those not familiar with the author, Larry King: he was a major voice in the broadcasting scene in the US from the fifties until his passing in 2021. He did both radio and television, but his main hit was the show Larry King Live, which was run on CNN for over 25 years. His format was easy: he would just interview one guest (exceptionally he would host a round of them). No music band, no other show elements. Just an interview.
His guests were predominantly American politicians, actors, singers and sports figures, although he also invited some foreign dignitaries, including Mikhail Gorbachev, president of the Soviet Union in the 1980s. He was famous for his easygoing interviewing style and getting people to share their experiences publicly.
So who would be better to write a book on how to talk with people? Published in 1994, “How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere” was translated into many languages and had several reprints, although its original contents was, and still is so valid that it was never rewritten.
Larry King will present us with different situations anybody may encounter where there is a need, or call, to talk. From everyday conversations, to social talk, to interviewing, to business and public speaking. He will point out the main concerns an unskilled “talker” like you and me will be worried about and provide some advice about what needs to be considered in each situation, a sort of “Dos” and “Don’ts”.
And he will do this garnishing the book with his own experiences and anecdotes, taking it away from a set of guidelines or practical rules and making it easy and interesting to read. Sure enough, some (or even many) of the protagonists of his stories are not well known by younger readers or those without a knowledge of American society (maybe Bill Clinton rings a bell, but Ross Perot?). I have to say, while I can recognize most of the appearing names in relation with politics or show business, sports, especially baseball figures are a complete mystery to me. But this is not relevant to get the point of each story.
We will read about how to overcome bloopers, what keeps conversations running and how to address any audience´s expectations. Also, what makes a good guest, i.e. a good talker, and how to handle them. And the importance of preparation but also of humor.
To me the most impressive points in the book are the little “pearls of wisdom” one can find in the text. Let me just mention two of them, which have marked the way I have conversations:
- To be interesting, you must be first interested.
And
- I never learn a thing while I’m talking.
Ultimately, one of the books I can most recommend to anybody. Either to improve your talking skills or just for the fun, read it.
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