A lot of people believe that listening to an audiobook isn’t the same as reading a paper book.
I get that – kind of like it’s “cheating” when you don’t have to sit and hold the book.
I think they’re both reading, because the words go into your brain – just using different senses. (If a blind person listens to a book, doesn’t that count as reading it?)
I prefer paper books, just because it lets me relax and focus and just enjoy the process. Audio books are OK, but I’m usually “reading” them while I’m doing something else – driving, walking, etc. So I’m always a little distracted and miss things.
But there’s an exception: When the author does the reading (instead of a professional narrator).
With a narrator, it’s smooth and polished. But when the author reads it, it feels like I’m sitting across from them at a coffee shop and having a conversation. It’s not just hearing words; it’s picking up on the inflections and emphasis that’s important to them. It feels like you’re one-on-one with them and they’re talking directly to you.
So I’ve got a deal for you.
My most recent book that came out last year is called How to Read a Room.
And the audiobook is available until November 5 for 60% off.
And I get to read it to you.
I’m a little prejudiced, but I think it’s really good. During my career, I taught over 3,000 seminars in all kinds of situations – from corporate meetings to online webinars to a few people sitting around a table. That means I had to walk into 3,000 different rooms and figure out what was going on so I could craft a valuable experience for people.
But the bigger issue is that I’m a lifelong introvert.
I can deliver content well, but going into a new situation has always been challenging. It still is, because I never know what I’m walking into.
This book is what I learned from 35 years of entering new situations and figuring out how to thrive – not just survive – in each environment.
It also applies in any situation, from social events to dinner parties to job interviews to meeting anyone for the first time. There are some very simple principles that can make the whole thing . . . not just manageable, but enjoyable.
Bottom line: I’d love to have you pick up this book and let me read it to you. I can ride along in your car or come with you when you’re gardening or even when you’re going for a run (and it’s the only way I’d ever be able to keep up with you). It’ll just be you and me.
How’s that sound?
Here’s what it says on the back cover:
What if you could enter any room—a business meeting, a social situation, a conference, an interview—with complete confidence, knowing just what to say and how to act, yet still be 100 percent yourself? Sound impossible? It’s not. It’s not even complicated.
In How to Read a Room, communication expert Dr. Mike Bechtle shares his simple four-step process for accurately assessing any situation so that you can be comfortable, confident, and genuinely you. He helps you discover what’s happening in a room before you ever say a word; connect and converse with anyone; develop listening skills, empathy, and social intelligence; build real relationships; understand when and how you’re called to lead and to serve; and make a positive impact on every room you enter.
Whether you’re an introvert who feels awkward or struggles with what to say, or you’re an extrovert trying to be mindful of a tendency to take over conversations, this book will help you hit all the right notes and still be the unique person you were created to be.
You’re getting an $18.99 audio book for $$7.60.
I paid more than that the last time I bought a Grande Nonfat No-Whip White Chocolate Mocha at You-Know-Where.
And the book will last a lot longer than the mocha.
OK, I’ll leave you with that. Click here for the details and access to the offer.
I’ll send a reminder before it expires. It say the discount “ends November 5” – but I’m not sure if that means it’s still available on the 5th, or if the last day is the 4th (and it ends on the 5th). If I find out, I’ll let you know.
Lastly – since you’re getting this, you’re part of our “tribe.” Buy the book, let me read it to you – and if you have comments or questions, you can shoot me a note at mike@mikebechtle.com. I promise to read it, and I promise to answer.
Kind of like having coffee together!
Check it out here – and forward this to anyone else you know that might befit. (I know a few managers that bought copies of the paperback for their entire work teams. This would be a cheap way to make that happen!)
Know that you’re appreciated!
Mike