"Don't Shut Up: How to Talk So the World Listens by Prakhar Gupta and Mudit Yadav"
Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi
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| Don't Shut Up: How to Talk So the World Listens by Prakhar Gupta and Mudit Yadav |
Authors: Prakhar Gupta, Mudit Yadav
ISBN: 978-0670099788
Genre: Self-Help, Communication & Social Skills
Length: 280 Pages
Publication Date: 2nd February 2024
Publisher: Penguin eBury Press
Cover Designer: Sparsh Raj Singh | LinkedIn: Sparsh Raj Singh
Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/3vm8b2f
About the Writer: Prakhar Gupta is an entrepreneur, podcaster, content creator and keynote speaker. Equipped with a deep understanding of human behaviour, Prakhar creates content around psychology, philosophy, culture and life. His ideas have popularized him on the internet and within a few years, he has built a community of over half a million followers across YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Prakhar co-founded LearnWithPrakhar, India's first EdTech platform for super skills, in 2021. He holds a degree in economics and psychology from Columbia University, New York, and is a regular speaker at top institutes across India.
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| Prakhar Gupta |
Instagram: @prakharkepravachan
About the Writer: Mudit Yadav is a keynote speaker and executive coach who has spoken to more than 4,50,000 people from over forty-eight countries and also at multiple TEDx events. He is also the co-author of Don't Shut Up: How to Talk So the World Listens. He works with celebrities, executives and entrepreneurs, enabling them to be more successful, develop greater presence, elevate their communication skills and lead a life of abundance. He has conducted sessions in six continents for various organizations, including AmEx, Workday, Google, Siemens, PwC, EY, Deloitte, Cisco, Caterpillar, Roche, IIMA and IIMC. He is also a chartered accountant, CFA charterholder and ex-strategy consultant.
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| Mudit Yadav |
Instagram: @mudit_y
Disclaimer: This review is only intended to initiate discussions. The opinions and views presented in this article are my own and do not reflect anything about the book's author.
REVIEW
"Don't Shut Up" by Prakhar Gupta and Mudit Yadav promises to equip readers with the tools to navigate any conversation confidently and finesse, from icebreakers to boardroom showdowns, with plenty of waypoints in between (nailing that first date, delivering a compelling speech, creating a personal brand at work, or finally learning to say no).
Divided into two parts, the book tackles the social complexities of young adulthood (by Gupta) and the professional world (by Yadav).
The strength of this practical handbook lies in its structured approach. Each chapter is divided into digestible sections that cover various aspects of communication with precision. The authors adeptly blend theoretical frameworks with real-life examples, facts, and anecdotes, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement.
The book's second half, authored by Mudit Yadav, shines with its clarity and systematic approach. Readers will find invaluable insights into effective communication in professional settings presented in a concise, cohesive, and engaging manner.
However, the charm of the "Grown-Up Zone" doesn't translate to Prakhar Gupta's "Studenthood to Adulthood." The frenetic energy of the first part, while undeniably enthusiastic, lacks organization and cohesive flow. Some chapters feel out of place and poorly executed.
Additionally, a couple of situations in the first part suffer from a glaring blind spot regarding inclusivity. Gupta's disclaimer that his advice is "for the heterosexual experience" (for a particular chapter) feels unnecessary, exclusionary, and potentially alienating. Perhaps the most egregious misstep is Gupta's advice on coming out to parents. While it might be intended as a joke, it trivializes the coming out experience, which can be nerve-wracking and emotional. The focus should have been on creating a safe and supportive space for communication. Such instances detract from the book's credibility and perpetuate harmful stereotypes and attitudes.
While Gupta's social advice occasionally stumbles, his section offers some effective toolkits for difficult conversations with parents, witty comebacks, conveying disagreement, building confidence, and apologizing.
So, should you "Don't Shut Up?" Despite its shortcomings, the answer is a qualified yes for those seeking a polished handbook on conquering professional interactions. Mudit Yadav's section is a gem, offering actionable tips for the aspiring power communicator. However, the unevenness of the first part and the occasional lapses in judgment make "Don't Shut Up" a book best dipped into with a discerning eye.
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