List of Boxes
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1. The Twenty Biggest Communication Mistakes School Leaders Make and How to Avoid Them
The Top Twenty Reasons Educators Fail to Communicate
Euphemisms Feel Good but Don’t Send a Clear Message
Too Much Political Correctness Can Send Wimpy Messages
How Straight Talk Can Make You a Better School Leader
When the Right Thing to Say Is “Nothing”
More “Must-Do” Tips for Always Saying the Right Thing
2. How to Say the Right Thing to Students
Ten Guidelines for Communicating With Students
Straight Talk Is the Language of Choice With Kids
How to Talk to Young Children on Their Level
How to Talk to Today’s Teenagers
Differences in Talking to Boys and Girls
Another Dozen Do’s and Don’ts for Saying the Right Things to Kids of All Ages
How to Give Clear Directions and Instructions Every Time
Socrates Had It Right: How to Ask Effective Questions
How to Give Students “Pep Talks” That Really Work
How to Give Authentic Praise
How to Help Kids Talk Themselves Into Success
Dealing With Touchy Topics (Alcohol, Drugs, Sex, Eating Disorders, and Other At-Risk Behaviors)
How to Talk to Kids About Death and Dying
How to Talk to Tough Kids (Including Gang Members)
How to Talk to Kids About School Violence
How to Talk to Kids About National Tragedies
3. How to Say the Right Thing to Parents
What to Say to Put Parents at Ease
Success Secrets for Communicating “Must-Know” Information
Straight Talk at Parent-Teacher Conferences
How to Explain Grades and Test Scores
How to Share Good News With Parents
How to Break Bad News (Failure, Retention, Disciplinary Action, Athletic Ineligibility)
Don’t Beat Around the Bush About Bad Behavior
How to Talk to Parents About Student Secrets, Surprises, and Other Sensitive Subjects (Dependency, Pregnancy, Homosexuality)
What to Say to Angry, Out-of-Control Parents and Other Adults
More Pointers for Saying the Right Thing to Parents
4. How to Say the Right Thing to Peers and Colleagues
Successful Job Interviews: How to Ask the Right Questions and Give the Right Answers
How to Ask for and Offer Help to Peers and Colleagues
The Language of Coaching and Mentoring
The Proper Art of Bitching: How to Complain About the System and the People in It
How to Criticize a Colleague Without Losing a Friend
What to Say and Not Say When Giving References and Recommendations
What to Say and How to Say It in Performance Reviews
How to Pay Tribute to a Colleague
How to Say the Right Thing to the Central Office
How to Say the Right Thing to the School Board
5. How to Say the Right Thing to the General Public and the Media
Smooth Schmoozing: How to Make Small Talk
How to Sway Opinion and Persuade Nonbelievers
How to Handle Complaints From the Public
How to Make the Most of Good News
“Houston, We Have a Problem”: What to Say When Trouble Strikes
How to Apologize and Admit Mistakes to the Public
Spin-Doctoring for Amateurs
Dealing With the Media: What to Say to Reporters
Do’s and Don’ts of Public Speaking for School Leaders
6. How to Say the Right Thing in Special Situations
Secrets of Successful Ceremonial Greetings
How to Give and Receive Compliments
How to Show Appreciation and Say “Thank You”
How to Say “No” and Make It Stick
Advice for Leading Prayers, Giving Invocations, and Pronouncing Benedictions
What to Say to Someone Who Is Not Going to Get Well
7. How to Say the Right Thing in Writing
Writing Is Different—or Is It?
A No-Nonsense Writing Clinic for School Leaders
Interoffice Memos: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Cyber Straight Talk: Making the Most of Electronic Messages
Real-World Report Writing
How to Say the Right Thing in Business Letters
Correct Forms of Address for Letters to Special Public Figures
How to Write Straight-to-the-Point Press Releases and News Items
8. How to Say the Right Thing With Gestures and Body Language
How the “Silent Language” Speaks Volumes
Avoid Sending Mixed Messages
Understanding the Vocabulary of Body Language
Using the Power of Gestures
Stay out of Trouble: Avoid the Pitfalls of Different Meanings for Different Groups
Smile, You Really Are on Candid Camera
9. How to Target Communication to All Stakeholders
Tale of the Tail: Customizing Communication
Old Stand-bys Aren’t Enough
New Tools for Saying the Right Thing to Everyone
One Strategy That Works With All Stakeholders
A 7-Step Code for Saying the Right Thing
More Ready-to-Use Tips for Targeting Messages to Specific Audiences
How to Be a Communications Hero
A Final Word
Resources
Resource A. 101 Ways to Be a Better Communicator Starting Tomorrow Morning
Resource B. What Others Say About Communication: Quips, Quotes, and Anecdotes
References
Index
