Comments on: Blog format and new book title feedback request

By: Mary DeVincent

Mary DeVincent — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:19:35 +0000

I love the 4 line saying and use it often, however I wonder if it may be too long for a book title. A couple of suggestions:

Speak strong and mean it
Without being mean!

Say and mean what you say
Without being mean!

Thank you for the wonderful very helpful books. Looking forward to the next one. Aloha

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:45:25 +0000

I had to comment because this is one of my favorite sayings and when I use it as a signature on my emails, I always get comments. I like your book cover. People will probably call it Speak Strong anyway, because those words dominate the cover.

By: Franke Gill

Franke Gill — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:47:16 +0000

If this is the first time a person has heard the phrase it is great. After three or four times it gets a bit old. Need a short title.

Here are a few title suggestions:

Speak Your Mind
Without Being Heartless

Speak from the Heart
Without Being Heartless

Solid Words–Soft Delivery

HOW TO SPEAK STRONG
Without Being Mean

Love your concept–it’s the only way to live!!!
F. Gill

By: Phoebe

Phoebe — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:57:12 +0000

I think the title could be shorter and still get the
meaning across. Perhaps: “Speak strong pleasantly and
mean it!”

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:16:50 +0000

I love it. Speak Strong is the crux of it all — and I’ve always loved the next lines. They flow and “say what you mean.” The book mock-up is catchy and would catch my attention on a bookshelf. Go for it!

By: Patty Thomas

Patty Thomas — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:25:40 +0000

I think the phrase sums it up perfectly. Each statement complements the other. Seperately the point would be incomplete.

Say what you mean - alone is to general
Mean what you say - be sure you can back it up
Don’t be mean when you say it - make your position known while keeping the other person’s perspective in mind.

How about “Speak with Confidence” for a book title? Seems like we all want that for a goal.

Your newsletter helps my success everyday. Thanks for all you do.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:59:40 +0000

This phrase is YOU. Your trademark somewhat. Your philosophy in a nutshell. It is one of the things that sets you apart from other communication advocates. I think in the current publishing world, you need more than the ordinary to grab the comsumer’s attention, and that this phrase fits the bill.

By: merylrunion

merylrunion — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:38:52 +0000

Here’s one more relevant piece of information about the book. I apologize for not putting it all out there with the initial feedback request.

The book is divided into five steps.
1. Confront the Censor
2. Say What You Mean
3. Mean What You Say
4. Don’t Be Mean When You Say It and…
5. Speak Strong.

Each section has four subsections and each subsection had 3 - 4 skills. That might make a difference in the title…

Great input folks! Thanks! Susan, what a title that book has!

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 02:08:50 +0000

How about some wordplay with Mean? … When Mean is Good.

Your title needs to sell. So I asked myself, what do people want?

* How to Change The World (One Awkward Situation at a Time)
* How to Win Without Beating Anyone!

The last marketing book I purchased had the interesting title, Waiting For Your Cat to Bark. What a point!

From practical title naming experience, I recommend a title that would sort alphabetically earlier (A to E).

Thanks for the opportunity to share input!

By: Tom Schones

Tom Schones — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:59:34 +0000

The subtitle feels wordy. How about:
Speak Strong - Learning to speak with honesty, integrity, and humility.

You might consider exchanging conviction for integrity. In any case, good luck with the new book. I have enjoyed your work, keep it up.