Beyond Texting

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. Even the most outgoing teen may find a job interview, first date or meeting with a teacher to be challenging because of lack of skill. Offering practical advice and cheat sheets Beyond Texting strives to help teens balance their digital and real world image and relationships. This book is for the teen who wants to learn to:

·Prepare for face-to-face teacher meetings, dates, interviews and school events.
·Build social opportunities without the use of social networking sites.
·Avoid conversational "faux pas."
·Become aware of the importance of body language, eye contact and tone.
·Recognize when your online involvement is interfering with your offline existence.
·Interact with authority figures and an older, less technology-savvy generation.
·Eliminate the trauma of false friendships and bullying.

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.)

Debra Fine of Denver, CO 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.