The Art of Communication

Good conversation is at the heart of networking, meetings, interviews, negotiations and raising your profile. It can ease your way in work, enabling you to build alliances, create strong relationships with staff, bosses and clients, succeed at interviews, motivate and inspire. But conversation is something most of us were never taught! We learn to speak as babies, but how conversation actually works is something most of us pick up only haphazardly, and many have yet to learn. Why is it some of us are stuck for words, but others blabber or can’t stop? What is it that some people have naturally which enables them to converse comfortably and easily, to engage people and build better relationships? The Art of Conversation will show you step by step how to converse skillfully and enjoyably with other people, at home, at work, on the phone and in the street- even if you’re daunted now, discover the difference good conversation can make in every aspect of your life. Learn to: -Overcome the most common block to good conversation- fear; find out how to break the silence and keep the conversation going – Understand the different types of conversation and how they work- which topics and language are suitable for the occasion – Learn simple methods for being heard and understood, including speaking clearly and audibly, listening well and using non-verbal communication – Find out how to hold a conversation in tricky situations, including how to disagree, how to speak to those in authority and people you find difficult -Use conversation to form relationships, improve friendships, make the sale, chat people up, to learn, influence and persuade.

The Art of Dialogue The actor’s profession is, first and foremost, an open system of communication in an endless dialogue with his character, with his partner, with the director, with the spectators, with the playwright, with the role – but at the end of this list we should say – the actor also has an infi nite dialogue with himself. When the actor himself is open, then he knows how to open others, and then they open up to him. The opening of another system, and of another view, allows the actor to learn something new, to go beyond the boundaries of his familiar knowledge of the world and himself. In Theatre, dialogue is the art of creating with others. And for this, you need not only the talent of a Person but also the skills and mastership of an Artist. In this book, you will be introduced to my research about dialogue on stage, sketches of working methods and, of course, practical exercises. It’s important to me that you fi nd something useful here, something questionable and even something which you don’t need at all. I hope you will fall in love with dialogue on stage, and open up its artistic beauty for yourself.

We live in an era of aesthetics. Art has become both pervasive and powerful – it is displayed not only in museums and galleries but also on the walls of corporations and it is increasingly fused with design. But what makes art so powerful, and in what does its power consist? 

According to a widespread view, the power of art – its beauty – lies in the eye of the beholder. What counts as art appears to be a function of individual acts of evaluation supported by powerful institutions. On this account, the power of art stems from a force that is not itself aesthetic, such as the art market and the financial power of speculators. Art expresses, in a disguised form, the power of something else – like money – that lies behind it. In one word, art has lost its autonomy. 

In this short book, Markus Gabriel rejects this view. He argues that art is essentially uncontrollable. It is in the nature of the work of art to be autonomous to such a degree that the art world will never manage to overpower it. Ever since the cave paintings of Lascaux, art has taken hold of the human mind and implemented itself in our very being. Thanks to the emergence of art we became human beings, that is, beings who lead their lives in light of an image of the human being and its position in the world and in relation to other species. Due to its structural, ontological power, art itself is and remains radically autonomous. Yet, this power is highly ambiguous, as we cannot control its unfolding. 

In this book, a leading proponent of New Realism applies this philosophical perspective to art to create a new aesthetic realism.

*Now also published as The Villa on the Riviera*The French Riviera is the setting for this absorbing tale of family intrigue, scandal and romance, against the glamorous background of 1930s artists and aristocracy.Polly Smith is struggling to make a living as an artist when her friend and patron, Oliver, invites her to his father’s house in the south of France. Thrilled to escape cold, wet London, Polly asks for her birth certificate to obtain a passport – an act which unexpectedly turns her world upside down. For her mother is in fact her aunt; her father is unknown; even her name isn’t right.Fleeing to the Riviera, Polly finds that the serenity and sunshine brings her art to life as never before. But all is not well in the grand house. Oliver’s father was forced to leave England in a cloud of scandal and his past is about to catch up with him.But even as Polly finds herself immersed in a web of suspicion and deception, her own future begins to take on a new and fascinating shape…The perfect read for fans of The Villa and Summer’s Child, this is a beguiling and evocative tale that will transport you away to the Riviera itself.

An exceptionally mature and tautly written first novel reminiscent of Josephine Hart's Damage.Haunted by childhood loss, 23-year-old Louise takes on her late mother's name and sets out to find Nicholas, the man she has always held responsible for her death. Now a middle-aged lecturer, husband and father, Nicholas has nevertheless been unable to shake off the events of his past, when he and Louise’s mother, Lydia, had a clandestine, destructive and ultimately tragic affair. As Louise infiltrates his life and the lives of his family, she forms close and intimate relationships with both his son and his wife, but her true identity remains unknown to Nicholas himself. Tensions grow and outward appearances begin to crack, as Louise and Nicholas both discover painful truths about their own lives, each other, and the woman they both loved.Told alternately from the perspectives of Louise and Nicholas, and moving between the past and the present, The Art of Losing is a stunning debut novel that shows how love, desire and loss can send out more complicated echoes across our lives than we can ever imagine.

‘An insomniac’s dream buy!’ THE SUN‘If you lie awake wondering how to get a good night’s sleep, this could be the answer to all your problems.’ HAPPIFULThe secret to sleeping better at night for a happier, calmer, more successful day.We’re bombarded with confusing and contradictory advice about achieving a better night’s sleep. So, what’s the secret?The Art of Sleeping combines the latest scientific research, expert advice, and Rob’s own tricks and tips about dealing with insomnia to create a concise, practical, and engaging handbook on achieving better sleep.By exploring the three key pillars of sleep: behaviour, environment, and diet (BED), readers will find themselves equipped with techniques to aid sleep and relaxation, and to live a happier, calmer, and more successful life.

Chance brought Kirsty, Clare, Janice and Patsy together fifteen years ago. But friendship has bound them through time. Until now.Over the years, In the small town of Ballyfergus, these four women have shared tears of joy and sorrow, countless glasses of wine and cups of tea. Men have come and gone, children been born and left home. Life has taken them down paths they never expected, but through it all their relationship has endured.But all that's about to change – this year their friendship will be tested as never before as:• Widowed Kirsty falls in love with someone she shouldn't.• Patsy struggles to cope with her beloved husband's redundancy and a shocking revelation from her daughter.• Janice is forced to address ghosts from her past.• Clare takes control of her life, only to discover that her new-found independence comes at a high price.Can the sisterhood survive the strains placed upon it and come through it unscathed? Find out in this warm, emotive tale from a hot new talent, perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly and Maeve Binchy.

The new must-read thriller from the author of Strangers on a Bridge, Louise MangosArt college drop-out Lucie arrives in a Swiss ski resort looking for work – but instead finds Mathieu.Handsome, charismatic and from a good family, Matt seems like the perfect man. But as Lucie soon discovers, he has a dark side – one which will drive their relationship to a dramatic conclusion, and tear the life she has built for herself and their son apart.Left fighting for her freedom in a hostile foreign prison, and starting to lose her grip on reality, Lucie must summon all of her strength to uncover the truth, and be reunited with her son before it’s too late.The clock is ticking . . . but who can she trust?Praise for Strangers on a Bridge:‘As well-plotted and high-anxiety-inducing as any Hitchcock flick. 5 stars.’‘GREAT read, fast, with a number of twists and turns that you don't see coming!’ Janice Lombardo

"Denise Kelly's The Art of Healthy Living is a breath of fresh air in the health and wellness industry…"— Ross King , Television and Radio Presenter, Actor, Producer and Writer "This book explains it all and shows how to achieve optimum health and happiness. For those starting out on this journey I recommend this fabulous book!"— Jo Wood , Former Model, Television Personality and Entrepreneur "I thought I had a relatively healthy diet and a good outlook on life, but Denise Kelly’s insight and knowledge of the world of health, wellbeing and nutrition have opened my eyes."— Laura Hamilton , TV Presenter and Entrepreneur "Denise presents her ideas in a practical, informed and inspirational way that makes healthy living easy and fun."— Steve Neale , Speaker, Trainer, Psychologist and Coach, Co-author of Emotional Intelligence Coaching "It's a book that will warm your kitchen; nurture your bedside table and cuddle your soul. I have read it all, but I will forever keep to hand − for reference, guidance, recipes, medical grievances, encouragement and support. Every household should have a copy: in fact, it should be the law."— Frankie Park , TV Presenter, Model and Writer We could all benefit from a more energetic, vibrant, healthier quality of life. There are many reasons to live a healthy lifestyle and just as many approaches to achieving it. It’s not always easy to embark on a quest for a healthy life – some methods may seem too extreme, too limiting or too short lived, obstacles may often block the way. However, if you are looking to be inspired and motivated, the practical tips contained in The Art of Healthy Living , you will see improved creativity, an increase in personal development and elevated performance levels in work, sports, the classroom, relationships, the home and throughout your life. This book will help you: Live a healthy life to make you smarter and more motivated in both your personal and professional life Enjoy higher energy, better mental and physical ability and increased strength Learn how proper nutrition and exercise will enhance every aspect of your life Create motivation for a more toned and healthy-looking you Give yourself the knowledge and power to stand out and thrive

The original and bestselling leadership book! Sun Tzu's ideas on survival and success have been read across the world for centuries. Today they can still be applied to business, politics and life. The Art of War demonstrates how to win without conflict. It shows that with enough intelligence and planning, it is possible to conquer with a minimum of force and little destruction. This luxury hardback edition includes an introduction by Tom Butler-Bowdon that draws out lessons for managers and business leaders, and highlights the power of Sun Tzu's thinking in everyday life.