'This book is a tour de force. Finally, a crystal-clear, razor-sharp and entertaining account of how the spoken word really works.' – Geert Jacobs, Professor of Linguistics, Ghent University, Belgium

'At last, a book about how language works that is for everyone... provides fascinating insights into the complexities of language without being technical or boring!' – Stephanie Schnurr, Professor of Linguistics, Warwick University, England

'This book is a must-have!' – Fiona Rossette-Crake, Professor of English Linguistics, Université Paris Nanterre, France

Imagine if you could always get what you want. Just by speaking properly

For decades academics have been slowly cracking the secret codes of spoken language used by successful speakers to get what they want.

Now in this practical and eye-opening guide, Jonathan Clifton, a linguistics expert who has been decoding language for decades, identifies these tactics, explaining how and why they work.

And he sets out 100 ways you can apply these secret codes of spoken language yourself, and achieve your goals in life, love and work. Debate, small talk, negotiation, advertising, apologies, presentations, and news interviews, all are covered by this practical and often amusing guide.

Dr Clifton, an associate professor at the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, France, has been teaching communication to students at universities in Europe and India for the past 25 years.

He has come to realise that academics are often writing only for each other and their work is often obscure and inaccessible to a wider public. To spread the practical benefits of linguistics, he is presenting the insights of his research to a popular audience in a clear and jargon-free manner.

His message is that if you want to improve your communication skills, you must study how other people use language as they go about their daily business. Then you'll be able to crack the codes of conversation for yourself – and talk your way to success.

Imagine what a difference that could make to your life! Just by using the right words.

Reviews

'Drawing from years of research and university teaching, Jonathan Clifton masterfully guides the reader through the secret codes of conversation – without the academic jargon. Through easy-to-follow examples taken from contemporary scenarios, this book encourages you to notice the subtlest of cues in language, and it equips you with concrete communication strategies. From celebrity interviews to police negotiations, from adverts to everyday chatter – if you ever wondered how people really communicate and how they achieve their goals, you won't be able to put this book down!' – Erika Darics, Professor of Applied Linguistics, University of Groningen

'Jonathan Clifton is an outstanding scholar, as his many academic publications attest. Yet, what makes him truly stand out from the 'academic crowd' is his ability to translate complex analyses into plain language. Combine this with an excellent nose for captivating cases, and you have a recipe for success, as this book shows! Because seriously, who wouldn't want to know how to crack the language codes as used by the likes of Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, and Meghan and Harry?' – Dorien Van De Mieroop, Professor of Linguistics, Leuven University

'This wise book resonates with academics and professionals by showing how communication shapes reality.Talking for Success is a one-of-a-kind guide to communication strategy that is both specific and actionable. These very valuable insights are also rooted in strong research but shared in an engaging and conversational tone. I highly recommend it!' – Jacqueline Mayfield, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Management, Texas A & M International University

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