Beyond Texting

Publisher: Canon Publishers

Teens sign up for phone plans with unlimited text messages and 200 talk minutes, yet can't carry on an ordinary dinner conversation. Beyond Texting is the first book for teens to explain how to be plugged in without neglecting the necessity and power of physical, human interaction. Sure, MySpace and Facebook are wonderful ways to communicate with friends or stay in touch with a far off relative. Yet, success in the online world does not transfer to success in the art of conversation. Even the most outgoing teen may find a job interview, first date, or meeting with a teacher to be challenging because of lack of skills.

Beyond Texting presents communication tools and conversation skills to boost confidence, survive AND thrive. This book describes how to develop the ability to have a 3-D conversation while gaining interpersonal communication skills. Offering practical advice and cheat sheets Beyond Texting strives to help teens balance their digital and real world image and relationships. Beyond Texting is a reminder to a teenager that you do have the courage to speak up at school, that you should feel confident going on a date, that you can attend a party alone and that you are capable of a successful job interviewall without the crutch of technology. Authored by Debra Fine, bestselling author of The Fine Art of Small Talk, a nationally recognized conversation and communication guru.

Booklist Review (07/01/2014)  Beyond Texting: The Fine Art of Face-To-Face Communication for Teenagers 9780988969605 Debra Fine, Canon Publishers
Grades 7-11 This how-to-communicate guidebook offers young readers active tips for putting forward their best selves clearly and accessibly in all manner of social situations. From basics such as breaking the ice, keeping a conversation humming, and speaking with adults to more advanced topics making romantic connections, handling confrontation, dealing with cyber bullying, and integrating digital and in-person interactions, this slim volume offers a wealth of information. Fine cleverly draws comparisons between digital spheres and in-person interactions, and she helpfully offers suggestions for moving from virtual conversations to IRL (in real life) with a special exhortation to be careful when meeting online friends in person for the first time. While the advice for teens is handy, this may find a wider readership among adults who want to impart good advice to teens or better understand electronic communication. Though the block like paragraphs and sparse illustrations are less likely to appeal to the social media savvy, the advice calling for direct, honest, respectful, and confident in-person conversations is certainly valuable.
(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

Publishers Weekly review:

Beyond Texting: The Fine Art of Face-to-Face Communication for Teenagers Debra Fine. Canon (Midpoint Trade, dist.), $14.95 trade paper (136p) ISBN 978-0-9889696-0-5

Fine aims to help teenagers navigate their social and professional lives through effective communication. Suggesting that early relationships inform later ones, she encourages readers to move beyond their comfort zones to better understand themselves and others. Included are anecdotes about individuals facing various dilemmas (one student “comes across as disengaged in class” because she is shy and avoids eye contact with her teacher), as well as tips for making conversation, saying “no” to peer pressure, and balancing online and in-person relationships. Fine is keenly aware of the role technology plays in teenage relationships, while recognizing that building meaningful connections still requires work. Ages 13–up. (May) 

Bestselling author, keynote speaker and internationally recognized communication expert began her career as an engineer. She is the author of the bestselling books The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills--and Leave a Positive Impression and The Fine Art of the Big Talk How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work both translated and published around the globe.