Advocacy: Championing Ideas and Influencing Others

By: John A. Daly

Narrated by: Tim Lundeen

Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a group of people gather together to generate ideas for solving a problem or achieving a goal, sometimes the best ideas are passed over. Worse, a problematic suggestion with far less likelihood of success may be selected instead. Why would a group dismiss an option that would be more effective? Leadership and communications expert John Daly has a straightforward answer: It wasn't sold to them as well. If the best idea is yours, how can you increase the chances that it gains the support of the group? In Advocacy: Championing Ideas and Influencing Others, Daly explains in full detail how to transform ideas into practice.

To be successful, leaders in every type of organization must find practical and action-oriented ways to market their ideas and achieve buy-in from the members of the group. Daly offers a comprehensive action guide that explains how to shape opinion, inspire action, and achieve results. Drawing on current research in the fields of persuasion, power relations, and behavior change, he discusses the complex factors involved in selling an idea - the context of the communication, the type of message being promoted, the nature and interests of the audience, the emotional tenor of the issues at stake, and much more. For the businessperson, politician, or any other member of a group who seeks the satisfaction of having his or her own idea take shape and become reality, this book is an essential guide.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: The Politics of Ideas
• Chapter 2: Communicate Your Idea with Impact
• Chapter 3: Frame Your Advocacy Message
• Chapter 4: Build Your Reputation, Create a Brand
• Chapter 5: Form Alliances
• Chapter 6: Your Idea Is Only as Good as Its Story
• Chapter 7: Who's Making the Decision?
• Chapter 8: Network!
• Chapter 9: Timing Is Everything
• Chapter 10: Create Persuasive Messages
• Chapter 11: Make the Idea Matter
• Chapter 12: Make a Memorable Case
• Chapter 13: Demonstrate Confidence
• Chapter 14: Steer Meetings Your Way

©2011 John A. Daley (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"Daly, a distinguished communications expert, has produced an exceptional study, which is comprehensive and well documented." ( Choice)

"A clearly written, vividly illustrated discussion of 'internal advocacy'.... The book is wonderfully rich in examples and narratives, and leaves the reader with a hefty tool kit for successful advocacy efforts." (George Cheney, coauthor of Organizational Communication in an Age of Globalization)

Practical advice for anyone in business

I had the privilege of attending one of professor Daly's classes at UT Austin, where he is a favorite among students, and for very good reason.

Novices and experts will find in this book excellent, practical advice that will help them advocate their ideas and projects in any function at work or in their personal life. This is not a book about a central idea or one that tries to sell you into a consulting practice - it is a collection of stories, techniques and strategies that will help anyone succeed.

I am recommending it as a must read to everyone on my team at work.

My only regret is the narrator, which is OK but not as fun energetic and engaging as professor Daly is in person. I guess I had high expectations. Still, an excellent listen. You may want to have pen and paper handy while listening to this one.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great book, could use better voice

The title of this work should have been titled commonsense things you know but didn't know you know. Great read, great advice. Highly recommend. The audio voice is rather mundane. Read the book if you have time.