The Power of Charm: How to Win Anyone Over in any Situation, by Brian Tracy and Ron Arden (2006, AMACOM)This quick read offers some handy nuggets of information, especially for those among us who juggle countless tasks and end up inadvertently short-changing colleagues, friends, and family in terms of attention along the way. The book stresses the importance of making others feel special and valuable, but that’s easier said than done. Over the course of 39 super-short chapters, authors Brian Tracy and Ron Arden describe how to incorporate charming behavior into your life without losing your spine: turning off the television or closing a magazine when speaking with someone over the phone; asking questions for clarification (remember that the person asking questions controls the conversation – think of job interviews); and simply asking people how their day went and paying close attention. They also teach behavioral modification to make readers more aware of the message their body language sends and how to appear—and be—more attentive and, well, charming. The authors do an admirable job anticipating cynical questions from readers, and they address issues like how to appear interested, but not creepy, while maintaining eye contact with someone. My one complaint: Charming people don’t ever seem to be allowed by the authors to multi-task, so I wonder how they could accomplish all that needs to be done while continuing to be charming. Nonetheless, the book provides a few good themes to draw upon in your interactions with others.