Deborah Tannen

Deborah Tannen's #1 bestseller revolutionized the way men and women talk (and listen) to each other. Whether at home, at work, or elsewhere, the communication gap between the sexes can lead to troublesome misunderstandings. The problem dates back to childhood, when boys and girls learn to use language in distinctly different ways; years later, their adult efforts to talk often place them at cross-purposes, even when both are sincerely trying to communicate....

Why does talk in families so often go in circles, leaving us tied up in knots? Linguist Deborah Tannen reveals why talking to family members is so often painful and problematic -- even when we're all adults. Searching for signs of acceptance and belonging, we find signs of disapproval and rejection. Why do the seeds of family love so often yield a harvest of criticism and judgment? In I Only Say This Because I Love You, Tannen shows how important...

The following series of lectures draws on linguistics, or the scientific study of language, to show the many ways in which language has a profound effect upon human relationships. These lectures address the various aspects and implications of what Professor Tannen calls 'conversational style.' It also looks at the dynamics of specific situations such as the workplace and classroom where the role of conversational style is of particular importance....

Are your words working for you? You say something at a meeting and it is ignored, then when someone else says the same thing, everyone embraces it as a marvelous idea. You devote yourself to a project, but don't get credit for the results. You give what you think are clear instructions, but the job is not done, or done wrong. Sometimes it seems you are not being heard, not getting credit for your efforts, not getting ahead as fast as you should. Now,...

When I wrote You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation I didn't know that what everyone would respond to most strongly is the question, "Why don't men like to stop and ask for directions?" (Before the book was published, no one talked about this gender difference; as a result of the book, it is now the ubiquitous subject of jokes, cartoons, skits, greeting cards, and casual conversations.) The answer to this question will be revealed...

This discussion between best-selling authors Deborah Tannen (You Just Don't Understand) and Robert Bly (Iron John) is presented as a sort of continuing education program. It is utterly delightful. The authors are both funny and serious. They care a great deal about the topic of women and men's conversational styles. The production is so well done that even questions from the audience are picked up by the microphones. This would be excellent for both...

As a woman, you may face unfair challenges in the workplace -- from being passed over for promotion to being ignored in conversation. Unconscious bias and negative assumptions are working against you. HBR's Women at Work Collection will help you break through these barriers and help you get what you want from your career. This two-book set includes HBR's 10 Must Reads on Women and Leadership and the HBR Guide for Women at Work. The Must Read volume...

Many leaders consider "executive presence" a make-or-break factor in high-powered promotions. But what is this elusive quality, and how do you develop it? This book explains how to build the charisma, confidence, and decisiveness that top leaders project. Whether you're delivering a critical presentation or managing a hectic meeting, you'll be inspired to approach the situation with new strength. This volume includes the work of: • Deborah Tannen •...

What will it take to create a more gender-balanced workplace? We've combed through hundreds of articles in the Harvard Business Review archive and selected the most important ones to help you understand where gender equality is today-and how far we still have to go. This book will inspire you to: better understand the path women must take to leadership; learn the root causes of the barriers that exist for women in the workplace; check your own gender...