Life's a Pitch!: From Hosting to Toasting... from News to Schmooze Book

Life's a Pitch TM is a lighthearted "how to" book that provides practical ways to make positive, memorable first and lasting impressions. Topics addressed can benefit all ages, lifestyles, and professions; from high school and college students to job seekers, entrepreneurs, and top executives. Like it or not, admit it or not, many of us could benefit from working with a communications coach. In Life's a Pitch TM, author and communications professional, Soni Dimond, guides us in knowing how to effectively interact with others in various social and professional situations, and she has all the bases covered.

Part One, "Pitch with Panache," deals with skills that even the socially savvy need to know: how to apply common sense manners, the art of polite conversation, how to dress appropriately for various occasions, dining do's and don'ts, telephone etiquette, and the value of showing exceptional appreciation to others.

Part Two, "Pitch Like a Pro!," helps those looking to boost their professional careers with communication skills that complement the positive impressions they present on their resumes and cover letters. Soni then moves on to job interviewing skills and handling negotiations fairly and respectfully. Next up is how to effectively "work a room" with the goal of building relationships first and enjoying self-promotion as a result. Chapter 9, "Be Positively Fabulous, Dahling!," drives home the fact that using positive, confident verbal and body language in any communication can have a powerful effect on your message.

Part Three, "Enrich Your Pitch," deals with sharpening communication skills and overcoming the paralyzing fears of public speaking. This part of the book is an empowering page-turner for those who need speech rehearsal or media training. It reveals speakers' secrets, from presenting yourself to an audience of any size in the best possible manner to working proficiently with a camera and microphone. Soni targets the tips that pundits know and spokespeople need. She applies more than twenty-five years of newsroom and public relations experience to help readers work with both print and electronic media.

Part Four, "The Ceremonial Pitch," addresses handling celebrations with savoir-faire, from hosting and toasting and being a thoughtful guest to handy tips for handwriting notes. And to start training for a super self image and public image, Soni recommends personal reassessments at the start of each new year. Ask yourself, "If I'm ready now, why wait?"

Get out of the dugout! Anytime is the right time to hit a homerun in personal and professional image enhancement. As Soni says, "Life's a Pitch! Have a ball!" This book is a fun read. We can laugh out loud and more importantly, laugh at ourselves. It's all about how each one of us can learn to win...if we know how to play. Ladies and gentlemen, it's game time!