Book Review: "Don't Shut Up: How to Talk So the World Listens" by Prakhar Gupta and Mudit Yadav

          

"Don't Shut Up: How to Talk So the World Listens by Prakhar Gupta and Mudit Yadav"

Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi

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: 2^nd 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.

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.

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.

Happy Reading!

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Book Review: EASE: A poetic journey within by Mukhpreet Khurana | Poetry & Prose

Book Review

EASE: A poetic journey within by Mukhpreet Khurana

EASE by Mukhpreet Khurana

Author: Mukhpreet Singh Khurana

ISBN: 978-9389530254

Genre: Poetry and Prose

Length: 207 Pages

Publisher:  White Falcon Publishing (11 October 2019)

My Ratings: 5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/34y3xLE

About the author:

Mukhpreet finds his meditation in poetry. He is a believer and practitioner of humanity and gratitude. He is a motivational speaker and is a budding entrepreneur alongside being a poet. You won’t be surprised to see him sitting with a cup of coffee, a journal, a laptop and some poetry to brew. He feasts on conversations, and is an empathetic listener.

He is spiritual, is spontaneous in wit and in humour. He is a mentor for budding writers, is an extrovert and is a networking bee. He believes all positive is not negative for a reason and all negative is not positive for a reason, too. He has a thing for handwritten letters and he makes sure to write out a bunch of them every month.

He already has a book published titled Unlocked Silences to his name. The book takes a poetic trip down the lanes of self-love and self-awareness.

Mukhpreet Singh Khurana

Follow him on Instagram: @mukhpreetkhurana
Like his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mukhpreetsinghkhurana/
Follow him on Twitter: @khuranajee

REVIEW

EASE by Mukhpreet Khurana is actually beyond what its title suggests. The book is a collection of poetry and prose, which mainly focuses on self-love, self-healing, gratitude and more; we will discuss that later. There are some poetries written in collaboration with different writers. The book also contains a few sketches/arts.

Moving on to the language, it is really simple enough to comprehend the hidden meaning behind them all. About the writing style, I would emphasize more on the author’s voice. The voice is like the heart of this book; it literally puts you at ease. The way and the style in which the writer has communicated his thoughts with such calmness and with the help of real examples and beautiful yet non-deceptive analogies. The book will make you feel comfortable, heartwarming, it will pamper you and at times it will guide you on the right path also.

Now, the content of the book. A poetic journey within. You will be able to deal with outside effectively only if you are aware of your insides. EASE is all about that last bit. As I mentioned a few subjects above, there are many more things addressed here by the author Mukhpreet Khurana. I will talk about a few from them. Not to generalize but it is as real as you are, anxiety, hesitancies, broken heart and being introvert. These poetries will take away all your worries and show you the path to acceptance, the first step of healing. Author has also addressed modern problems like acceptance of our own decisions and choices, respecting them, privacy and judgmental eyes surrounding you. The author has portrayed the ways of nature with a hint of spirituality. As it says, will acknowledge your worries, appreciate your efforts and will make you love yourself. You will learn to forgive and set yourself free.

Let’s move to my favorites. Calm, I hear you, I wonder, Artificial, Sometimes, We shall, A dream, Newer and Breathes in you. I loved them. ‘Calm’, this was one of those poetries which make you start believing in them and the author. You will know that whatever comes ahead would be for your good. ‘I wonder’ portrays this time, where being busy is glorified, how we humans are chasing money and not taking time for ourselves. ‘Newer’ talks about the comfort zone, which convinced me of the author’s perspective.

After reading this book, I assure you that, it is meant for you all, the readers, no matter what age you are. Truly it is written with love, it will pamper you, appreciate you and at times will guide you right. Sorry for repeating that numerous times but I loved it. Highly recommended!

Happy Reading!

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Book Review: 150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine by Neeraa Maini Srivastav

Book Review

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine by Neeraa Maini Srivastav

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MIDS Fit & Fine

Author: Neeraa Maini Srivastav

ISBN: 978-8122316094

Genre: Personal Development & Self-Help

Length: 128 Pages

Publisher:  Pustak Mahal (2017)

My Ratings: 3.5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2X22Gnf

About the author:

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Neeraa Maini Srivastav is a writer and an advertising professional of Indian origin. The compelling need to express has made her contribute her sensibilities to India's largest movie production and media houses such as Mukta Arts and The Times of India. From building brands to penning mindful features for publications, she straddles both worlds with equal elan and is now making a foray into screenwriting for both television and cinema. Her unparalleled panache and grace in her narrative shines through her previous tomes.

Neeraa Maini Srivastav

With 3 works of acclaimed young adult fiction to her merit, 'The White Crow' (introduced as syllabus by a reputed school in Mumbai), 'The Adventures of the Bubblegum Boy' (successfully adapted to a theatre production) and '1 friend request sent from Hanuman', Neeraa seamlessly flows into her first work of non-fiction. Neeraa's avid interest and education in new age spirituality and metaphysics makes her reflect the more profound truths beneath  the obvious, egging her on in her own way to make a difference, however small to every life encountered.

Email: neerauthor@gmail.com

Website: neeratheauthor.com

Twitter: @Neera_M_S

REVIEW

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine is a self-help book which contain 150 stimulating and motivational ideas to empower your personality, make you positive and enhance your intellect.

Structure

The book is divided into three sections based on the three levels of our human-existence─ body mind and spirit. Each section contains 50 ideas/advise/suggestions that would either motivate you or suggest you to do something that ensures your health and happiness and welfare of yours and of earth. Each idea is of average 120-130 words maybe (not accurate calculation) and are very brief, but are to the point. There are illustrations also at every second page and that is really cool and helpful remembering the particular point or idea.

Mind Your Body- There are tips to stay fit and healthy from hair to bones. There are some ‘ideas’ as they call it, for boys as well as for girls, separately if needed. I like how author talked about hygiene of genital areas and related content, stating that it is as important as anything else.

Mind Your Mind- It is filled with Be Positive, De-stress, Being Humble, Value Money (especially your parents’ hard earned money) and list goes on. How to contribute to your society and country. Meanwhile, be a good person, leave all your anxiety and speak to all different kind of people, be a learner and stand tall.

Mind Your Spirit- This section depicts how to and where to drive your energies and keep your spirit clean. It shows the importance of being humble, speaking truth and thinking of others and not just about your wellness. How power of faith and gratitude can help building positive attitude towards life. And keep close with Mother Nature.

My views

First I will discuss the negative points. There are plenty of ideas like 150 and most are like we all know about. We know that it should be done, so this book works as a reminder that have many ideas assembled at one place and made it accessible. Most of the titles for these ideas give away the image that what it would be about.

The descriptions are so brief, that mostly doesn’t seem to help, not more than title could have served. For example, there are simple things like, keep away from junk food and drive responsibly or be it taking advice/guidance from trustworthy elders, are not that easy and can be difficult. Author has mentioned the reasons and why to follow a particular idea but it would be helpful if provided with various ways and methods to apply them effectively.

Let’s discuss the positive. The book is filled with positive and motivational ideas that will just lift your energies. There are very small things addressed that we ignore and seek our attention which is simply best. Like, breathtaking matters, decluttering and maintaining screen time. Illustrations were so interesting and engaging. Thanks to them, that I could read the book with all interest I got.

Also, there are some life saving ideas. My favorite of them all was ‘Choose Mindstyle over Lifestyle’. The book also signifies the moral values. If taking in all the tips and applied in life, it really can empower one’s personality and make a wise person.

Thank you, TheBookGeniePR for this review copy!! Happy Reading!

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