WHY PEOPLE DON’T BELIEVE YOU...

Building Credibility from the Inside Out

Rob Jolles, Berrett-koehler Publishers (OCTOBER) Softcover $17.95 (192pp), 978-1-5230-9589-6

Some people just seem to have a certain magic that highlights their credibility, draws people to them, and puts them on a fast track to success, while others struggle—even though their knowledge and skill levels may equal or even surpass those of their more successful colleagues. Rob Jolles identifies what that “magic” is, and why it makes those who have it more believable. He then shows that anyone can learn the skills needed to project confidence and credibility.

It turns out that for others to believe you, you must first believe in yourself. That sounds simple enough, but many people have been brought up and trained in self-doubt, self-criticism, and fear of failure. But failures are inevitable on the way to business and social success, and Jolles provides practical tactics to enhance credibility and keep you standing firm in your courage and self-confidence even when things get tough and doubt creeps in.

With the new perspectives and tools Jolles provides, you’ll banish the word worry from your vocabulary and conquer the fears that are sure to crop up when you decide to take positive action. You’ll learn how to shut down the negative voices in your mind, why imperfection is your ally, why the person who is speaking is not usually the one in control of the conversation, what to do during silences, why it’s not perfection but your mistakes and vulnerabilities that draw people to you, and more.

While our words may be important, Jolles shows that it’s the way they’re said that makes them, and us, believable. His tips for using our voices, facial expressions, gestures, and body language to captivate and convince an audience are invaluable for salespeople, teachers, doctors, managers, speakers, and all of us who hope to be heard, understood, and believed.