Seeking Simple English Books to Help Engineers Boost Communication in Call Centers

Hi,

Is anybody aware of any basic books on English that can be useful to improve communication skills? I wanted to suggest some to my engineers as most of them are deputed in call centers.

Regards,
Ashit

Few of the good books to improve English communication skills are:
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
- "English Grammar" by Thomson and Martinet
- Essays by Samuel Smiles (3-4 books) - an essential set of books, I must say, due to its superb composition and usage
- "Write Better, Read Better" by Reader's Digest Publication - for those who have a good command over vocabulary and grammar, again an essential book

In addition to the above, Kev Nair's course can also be considered. I'll get back to you with a few more names I'm not able to recall right now.

Regards,
Manish

Hi,

First, identify the areas:

1. Spoken - more hands-on training would help.
2. Written - if it's more grammar-related, then maybe I can suggest books with self-learning exercises.
3. Presentation skills - hands-on role-plays.
4. Corporate etiquette - training.

It would be better to put them through training. In my view, books on communication skills usually serve as a reminder of training but don't actually improve communication skills. You could do role-plays with them if you don't have too much time.

Thanks,
Amul

Hi Alok,

I think you need to purchase the "Cambridge Dictionary" book. The CD is free if you purchase the Cambridge Dictionary from the local book vendor.

Regards,
Moiz

Hi friends,

I am a trainer in English enhancement, and here are my views to improve your communication:

1. To make your speech organs flexible, get some voice and accent training. The book I recommend for this is "Voice and Accent Training Module" by Arjun Raina, director of NSD Delhi [Speakeasy English].

2. Get the book "Choose Your English" by The British Institute Mumbai. It is said that if you can reflect emotion through words, then you know real English. This book teaches you to express emotion, with a focus on British English.

3. Read and practice with "Living English Speech" by W. S. Allen.

If anyone is more interested in knowing how to improve communication skills using English, they may write an email to me at [Login to view].

Regards,
Rajesh

Hi,

You can go through these two sites; they are helpful:

- http://www.khake.com/page66.html
- http://esl.about.com/od/englishlearningreviews/

Richa
Bangalore