Power Talk

Our words shape who we are, and Sarah Myers McGinty, Ph.D., builds on the groundwork Deborah Tannen laid in her study of conversational style. Her book argues that paying closer attention to the patterns in our speech can shift the balance of power in our favor.

Many capable professionals have watched a colleague receive praise and promotions for work they did themselves. McGinty points out that people who sound confident and authoritative tend to gain recognition, while those who dominate every discussion or push too hard can drive others into silence and miss information they need. To explain the difference, she describes two modes of speaking: Language from the Center, which conveys authority, and Language from the Edge, which is collaborative and responsive and can be just as effective.

McGinty's central claim is that no one should be limited to a single mode. Real success, she argues, depends on being able to use both, and the book explores how to speak from the center with conviction while keeping the openness of edge-style talk. It is aimed at working professionals who want to be heard and credited for their contributions.