Book Review: TOTAL COMMUNICATION©: THE DNA OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION (By Vivek Hattangadi)

Book Review: TOTAL COMMUNICATION_©: THE DNA OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

By Sapna Ullal (Creative Writer)

After a long week at work, there is nothing more inviting than settling down to a delicious Sunday brunch, with a stimulating book in hand. But what if the Sunday brunch was like a magic pill? Infused with an extra nutrient that transformed the diner into an expert communicator?

This is where Vivek Hattangadi’s book Total Communication steps in. The ideas presented here are not, per say, new, but the presentation of the chapters in the form of 10 Sunday Brunches makes it a quick and enjoyable read for the busy professional on the go. And while the food analogies in the book may have you reaching out for dhoklas and theplas, and do nothing for the waistline, they do make the reader a better communicator within 10 weeks. Less time than it takes to attend a proper communications course while keeping full-time studies or a job intact!

The chapters (Sunday Brunches) themselves are divided into many helpful sections. The “Chewing Gum” at the beginning of every chapter is a quote that breaks the ice nicely and affords a glimpse into the topics that follow. The “Digestive Aid” at the end is a fun exercise to ensure readers practice what they learn throughout the week, between two Sunday Brunches.

In an increasingly health-conscious country with a burgeoning internet-savvy population, it becomes all the more imperative for pharma managers, sales personnel and doctors to communicate clearly and effectively with their clients or patients. Unfortunately, in Indian education the focus is on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, leaving soft skills to be learnt on the job. Total Communication fills in this gap in the publishing market and helps the layman in general and healthcare professionals in particular to acquire holistic communication skills. With its witty food analogies and illustrations, the general reader too will find it a humorous and effective Sunday read.