Review: This is a 4 volume video training series, each on about an hour in length. The format is classroom setting with instructor and class of about 25 being videotaped. Most of the video is the instructor presenting concepts and advice type ideas concerning interpersonal communications. Some audience participation is used to make points, and several vignettes showing wrong way/right way of dealing with issues are effectively blended into the series.
The overall quality of presentation is good, pace is just about right, enough repetition on the key points to help the memory. Some issues are covered in great detail that I thought could have been done in less time while others (like handling conflict) were handled rather lightly. The instructor was easy to hear and understand, though a comment - her voice sounds similar to Hillary Clinton and it was remarked to me that some find that abrasive - though I did not.
There is a work book and facilitators book with the series. Gary Grice informed me the workbook was expensive and did not add much. I agree after reviewing it. While I suppose you could view the tapes individually, I recommend you use the whole series as there is some building of concepts. While I learned a few new tidbits that will help, much of this was information I've had for some time. This would be an effective series for someone identified as potential leadership material but needing some grounding in interpersonal communications.
Tape 1
This tape covered basics of communications, starting with a self assessment quiz which serves as an overview of what will be covered. Topics covered include: how to meet people, ice breaker techniques, small talk techniques, how to avoid first impression blunders, how to remember names, politically correct language (like MS instead of Miss, gender neutral form), body language tips, etiquette, and networking in a social setting. Several vignettes were used to illustrate wrong then right way examples.
Tape 2
This tape covered concepts on perception, how to listen for correct information, separating fact from opinion, how to determine and take advantage of your personal communication style, how to "size up" people in order to best provide them what they want, how to alter your communication approach to be more persuasive with different people in different contexts and how to read body language in context with what people are verbally saying. The section on you personal communication style was excellent. Again, several vignettes were used to illustrate wrong then right way examples.
Tape 3
This Tape provided information on listening skills, then on message delivery skills such as front loading (tell what to expect first), power vocabulary, verbal buffers (how to ease confrontation when negative message needs to be given), voice quality techniques, how to give and receive feedback, how to give negative feedback, how to counteract putdowns, unfair criticism. Several vignettes were used to illustrate wrong then right way examples for each segment. While mostly good information, this tape went slow for the reviewer in spots.
Tape 4
This tape covered coaching skills, how to conduct and participate in a team meeting and how to handle conflict. While the information provided was useful, I found this to be the weakest of the 4 tapes, as each of this subjects were covered too lightly.