Training Books

What a great resource. The stories recited in the book are poignant, humorous, and best of all, real. As a director of administrative support services I'm always looking for creative ways to get a point across. Stories work; these stories and the follow-up activities and presentation tips work.

My organization faces two challenges on a daily basis. First, what is the most efficient and effective way to collect, organize, manage and disseminate mountains of information? Second, how do we continue to streamline and simplify our administrative processes to provide more value-added service to our constituents?

The resources Lori and Mary provide through this text have enabled me to communicate more effectively with my staff during our planning and design sessions. The moral of these stories help us keep focused on the expectations and perceptions of our constituent base.

It's a book to be kept on your desk and referred to many times.

I find that I hear myself telling the same stories over and over again to colleagues when trying to make a point. On the one hand, this is good for sending a consistent message. On the other hand, I get tired of hearing the same thing, and need to make my points in new ways.

As the global marketing research manager for Invista (the world's largest fibers company with consumer and b2b brands such as Lycra(r) and Stainmaster(r)), I need to convert data to meaning that helps our leadership to make decisions. That is what the stories in Stories Trainers Tell do for me. When our managers understand the opportunities that stories point out in the research, they are better able to act with confidence and communicate with clarity.

While I contributed to the book, I also use what it offers to make me a better communicator. I can communicate the meaning I see in data more effectively when I have a story to help me out.

I recommend that you check out the book for yourself to learn how you can upgrade your thinking and practice no matter what role you are in.

I am a Director of Training for a fortune 500 company. Quarterly, I look for new resources that my 40 designers and trainers can use when developing and delivering material to our employees and agents. This book was the gem I've been looking for. Story telling is the most powerful thing a trainer can give their students - because the stories last in the mind forever when the technical details disappear. This book details the how, the what, the when, the where, and the why. Recently I bought a copy for each one of my staff - and the incredible results are already coming in!!! Thanks for my best new resource of the year!

To be successful as a project management consultant, it is important to be able to influence people to move in the direction in which they need to go (not always the direction in which they would like to go). The thing about using stories to influence is that people love stories and will listen even if they are resisting other management methods. This book has wonderful, rich content and is very easy to use. The commitment of the authors to help readers succeed is demonstrated by the sayitwithastory web site and newsletter. I am very pleased this terrific resource is available. [By the way, these stories work on family members also!]

Storytelling has been used to convey history and lessons for centuries. Before newspapers came on the scene, story tellers would travel from village to village telling stories to share the news of what was happening in other communities and the world at large...at least as large as it was back then. One could argue that storytelling has become almost a lost art as our communication mode has shifted more to content, facts, polices and procedures. In the corporate world, leaders and managers-and training professionals-have attempted to communicate without really reaching people "inside," where messages can resonate with a mental or emotional picture. It's that inner connection that has the potential of changing behavior and making a difference. To make that connection, communicators need to engage people's minds and hearts to help them "get" the message.

So here's a book on the stories trainers tell. Big book, thick. Whew! That's a lot of fluffy, touchy-feely soft stuff! That first impression will disintegrate as you open this wonderful resource. Sure, there's a treasure chest of stories, mostly from experienced trainers and professional speakers who use them regularly to build the effectiveness of their work. If this book were merely a collection of all those stories, it would be a helpful reference...sort of a Chicken Soup for the Trainer's Bookshelf. Fortunately, the authors have a deeper understanding of what communicators need, so they created an incredible tool kit for trainers, speakers, executives, managers, coaches, parents-the list goes on.

Each of the stories is presented with tips on how to use it, questions to enrich the telling, key point options, and follow-up activities. The stories-short, not long-are set apart in the text by the use of helpful shading. So, now we have more value than just a catalog of stories. But, wait! There's more. The book includes an explanation of different kinds of stories, when and how they can be used, with a cross-reference to the 55 stories. Want even more value? The stories are gathered into chapters that organize the resources for easier access: Appreciating Differences, Communications and Feedback, Customer Service, Influence and Motivation, Leadership, Living Our Values, Performance and Coaching, Problem Solving, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Training Fundamentals.

Are you sensing why I'm enthusiastic about this book? We're not done! I've only told you about what's in the back of the book! "Stories Trainers Tell" begins with an invaluable section on the why and how of using stories to enhance and enrich communication. Page after page of tips and insight educates and inspires the reader, deepening understanding to raise the level of professionalism and effectiveness in communication.

The CD-ROM? Pop this tool into your computer and enjoy an MP3 format delivery of audio dramatizations of the stories in the book. Readers can now learn as listeners also, and most of the recordings are authorized for replay to audiences. Playing a recording of someone else telling a story, then facilitating the interpretation and application of what was heard offers a new dimension to the richness of communication, thought stimulation, and movement to action.

Then there's the reading list and the index. So much! You'll be captivated with a cover-to-cover read, entranced by the stories yourself. This book will sit prominently on your shelf as a primary resource for years to come. I half-apologize for the long review, but this book deserves the accolades.

Great book on tracking. I discoverd I needed an air scenting book, not tracking for SAR k9 work but if your into tracking its a great book.

This book was interesting and easy to read. Good ideas for training a tracking dog.

For those of you looking to train a serious working dog, this is the book for you.

I have a police service K-9 and utilized the training found here to help my dog (German Shepherd).

But not all dogs can do this so, the selection tests at the begining of the book were a great help.

This book was writtten by the guru himself.All thruout the book which is easy to understand the writer is very confident and shares his knowledge and expieriences.This book is very informative and great for the beginner to the expert.

This book is an excellent resource and a very interesting read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in tracking.

I thought this book was great for coaching athletes and putting together specific groupings of exercises to work on specific skills. The challenge though was that I bought it for myself and thought it would help me design something to help my triathlon speed. I'm thinking it requires a higher degree of background knowledge than I have at this point.

Exactly what I was looking for.
Some brilliant drills in here.
I was hoping for more speed ladder stuff, but the amount of different stuff in here is great.

It's nicely organized with some good text.

A few descriptions were not so great.

Definitely recommended.

This book is packed with so many drills, you'll be able to do different combinations each time as you work on your speed and agility.

brilliant book. packed with more drills than youd be able to do so each training session can be as different as you want. good dvd to show you how to do the drills aswell. youd feel quicker just lookin at the book

This book and companion DVD are fabulous training tools for any sport requiring speed, quickness and agility. The materials are well organized and very illustrative, allowing you to customize a program for your individual needs. I've read other books like this and have been left wondering sometimes what to do, but these materials are clear and easy to utilize. Whether you're an athlete or a coach, this small investment will pay big dividends.

Nice book. I chose the book because of the Amazon.com reviews. It appeared to be what my Grandson had requested and he seemed pleased to get it as a Christmas present. We will have to wait to see if the information in the book helped him with the training.

This book is absolutely fantastic. After reading numerous other training books and still having difficulty with my young dog I stumbled onto this book by accident. Spencer covers every aspect of training the puppy right through to advanced blinds and marks. His style of writing is very clear and his use of anecdotes helps to illustrate the real life ramifications of various techniques. Until I read this book I had great difficulty training consistent blind retrieves. Spencer's explanation of the correct use of conditioning flags has made it so much easier. I have read this book at least ten times and learn something new every time. I can't recommend it enough.

James B. Spencer's Training Retrievers For Marshes And Meadows will hold a specific appeal for hunters who use retriever dogs in their work. Beginners are taught how to gain rapport and train dogs, from basic obedience to training for the hunt - and receive instructions particular not only to retrieving in general, but to the breed.

Before, during and continuing with the training of my current yellow Lab, I have read quite a few books on the subject. I wish I would have had this one sooner! Easy to read and great instruction all in one book.

I found out about this book in 1991 shortly after I had gotten a Lab puppy that I wanted to train to be a working dog.

I had read all the popular books at the time, but none made it clear to me - what I needed to make clear to my dog !!

I met a man on Compuserve who raised and trained working retrievers in the Midwest. He highly recommended this book, but it was difficult to find, and in those days we did not have "AMAZON.COM".

Anyhow, I finally got the book and my dog Molly became the best working dog I have ever had the pleasure to hunt with. She was nothing short of amazing at spotting birds down, and she could easily blind retrieve the ones she did not see fall (almost always a double).

This book also taught me the concept and importance of teaching "force training" for retrieving, and it indeed works.

Molly is 15 yrs old now and is "retired", but if she was physically able she would hunt with me tomorrow.

So my strong advice here is get this book if you have a young dog that you want to be well trained and a pleasure to hunt with. Also, well trained dogs make MUCH better and happier pets!!

-- Cain

Text-wise, this book is to-the-point concise and can be read in one sitting. However, the photographs are startlingly beautiful and will definitely inspire you to listen to whatever this woman says, lol! And if the dates of the photos are accurate, she was about 40 when photographed for this book... wow!! As a matter of fact, I love Karen's (excellent and logical) video/dvd workouts and have been following them for a long time. She's probably one of the overall top instructors in the country today and, boy, it shows. I recommend you buy this book. It features an excellent total-body strength program and this, with some cardio exercise, will be really effective!

If you are looking for an introduction to fitness, need some inspiration, or are just trying to figure out how to get into the exercise mind-set...this book can show you the way. You will want to read this book on a regular basis to keep yourself motivated and your dreams of becoming fit alive!

Karen has a philosophy of exercise, which comes across in all her videos and especially in this book. She believes in controlled movements for maximum results. You will not waste one minute if you follow her instructions. She is known for inspiring millions of women with her best-selling workout videos.

Karen believes that people don't follow through with their fitness program because it doesn't fit into their lifestyle.

"Understanding that exercise needs to be a priority in your life is essential to staying on a program." --Karen Voight

As a Karen Voight fan, I have collected her videos and have found them to be the best on the market. Her book is also the best fitness book for women I have found so far. Each picture in this book is Karen! She actually posed for each shot. In this way, she can literally show you how to do each exercise.

This book has many pages of pure text, and Karen is an excellent writer. She gives four steps to get your fitness program on track and then dives into a chapter on how to find real satisfaction from exercise. In the next chapter, she focuses on weight loss and lifestyle. After discussing the five guidelines you must follow to achieve low body fat and defined muscles, Karen gives attention to each muscle group by providing a series of sequential photographs to explain the exercises. (pg. 32-87).

These pages contain exercises for the arms, legs, buttocks, abdominals and back. You will recognize these exercises from the videos, but this book is nice to take with you when you are traveling. The last chapter of this book contains 20 most-asked questions. You can discover everything from beginning to exercise to how often you should exercise. This book is designed to inspire women of all fitness levels. One look at Karen's sleek physique and you will be running to your workout room! Karen has truly found total fitness. The kind which heals the body, mind and spirit. Her Yoga videos are also quite relaxing, yet challenging.

During you workout sessions, you might start to see roadblocks and this might keep you from working out. Karen explains the possible causes for these roadblocks and gives the solutions so you keep motivated and Karen can keep her credentials as a Top Instructor. She really excels at motivation and you can also trust her to give you the best information on fitness. She is unquestionably the leader in the fitness world. The fitness-savvy stars of Hollywood are quite fortunate to have her to instruct them. Now you can also have her as your very own in-home instructor. Just put in a video or take out this book and Karen's motivational message will walk into your life.

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection of
best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

Renowned fitness instructor Karen Voight released this book in 1996 as an exercise and weight loss guide for women. Her goal was to help women to commit themselves to a healthy lifestyle and to make exercise a priority in their lives. She identifies five factors that are particularly important for helping women to achieve low body fat and defined muscles as follows: 1) moderate intensity, 2) high frequency, 3) long duration, 4) lower body emphasis, and 5) compound followed by an individual exercise. Keeping these factors in mind, she present chapters on five main body areas--arms, legs, buttocks, abdominals, and back--offering a series of weighted exercises as well as precise instruction for each of these areas. She also includes an excellent chapter on stretching, an often-neglected but necessary part of a fitness regimine.

Follow the exercise information, Karen offers helpful motivational tips and then moves into healthy eating. Here, I found her information to be a bit dated. Although her "seven sensible menus" would still be fairly viable today, some of her recommendations--e.g., to snack on carbs-ladden rice cakes--are not as current. But for the most part, however, Karen Voight has managed to create a timeless fitness manual which is enhanced by the beautiful, sepia-toned photographs of Karen's amazingly fit body executing the exercises. This would be a helpful book for any woman looking to embark on a basic exercise program as taught by a master instructor.

I'm new to Karen Voight's exercise programs..only having tried some of her routines this year. I was so impressed with the video, that I decided to get the book. Another reviewer commented on the back exercises....I must admit that finding them in the book was a nice surprise, as most fitness instructions tend to focus on the usual bottom, abs, legs, and sometimes arms. After using the back exercises just a few times, I've noticed a nice line of separation around the spine. I tend to slouch sometimes, and my shoulders are now much squarer. I didn't think the book carried much on the way of the "mind", that's included in the title, but does address a proper fitness attitude. Also included are diet tips, and how to work fitness into a busy schedule. Great photos, and very simple explanations for the workouts. Karen says in the book that she used to dance and model swimsuits, and that her exercises are geared to those 2 body types. Her figure alone is a testament to her system. This book is worth the investment!

This book is a work of art. I've never seen such beautiful photography in an exercise book. Excellent exercises for each area of the body (especially the back) and it's divided up nicely. Also, since it's spiral bound and quite large, you can lay it flat beside you as you work out. Great book when you need inspiration. She's a perfect fitness role model.

My 10-year-old granddaughter really liked this book, and wants to read more in the series

This heroic tale will leave you breathless. It will bring love and hope to your heart but don't think that it is this romantic love story just yet. The thrill is out of control! Winnie Willis loves horses just like her mom but ever since the accident Winnie has been trying to find a sense of hope and belonging but it doesn't help when her father has moved Winnie and her sister, Lizzy, ten times in the last year. She doesn't really care much until now. She has a chance to buy the horse of her dreams but where will she ever get the money? On top of that her father announces that they are going to move again. She wants that horse more than anything. Can she talk her father into staying and will she get the money to buy that horse? With as wild as that horse is no one in the town wants to believe she can tame it. Do they just need some faith? That I'm leaving for you to find out.

Out of all the books I've read this is one of the best! Two thumbs way up! You won't stop reading, I couldn't!

-Candice

Winnie Willis is a 12-year-old horse gentler who corrects the behavioral problems of other people's horses. Though Winnie has a way with instinctively understanding what's behind a horse's misbehavior and how to turn these bad habits around with gentle love and care, she sometimes struggles to understand the people in her life.

Winnie, her inventor dad and her younger sister, Lizzy, move around a lot following the death of Winnie and Lizzy's mother. They've now settled in Ohio where Winnie opens her own horse gentling business. With her father's inventions littering the yard and the house, and her sister's fondness for lizards and unusual cooking skills, Winnie finds herself comforted through her interactions with the horses placed under her care.

Each of Winnie's adventures involves fun-loving, comical characters (both animals and humans) with life lessons interjected along the way. Her stories offer practical tidbits of real-life horse training know-how as well as subtle pointers on how God and spirituality impact everyday circumstances in powerful ways.

--- Written by Michele Howe

I borrowed this book from the library, and I loved it so much I bought it the next day! They're perfect with God, AND horse combined.I now have all 8 bookes in the series, and I love them so much that I don't read any thing else.I bet it took a big imagination to create such uniqe caracters as Catman and Barker.I would recomend these books to ANYONE!

I adore this book! I was hooked after I read it for the first time. I've read every one in the series, and can't wait until she writes more. This book has 3 very important ingredients to make a good book: God, family, and horses!
You've gotta read this book!!

I have a huge collection of exercise videos, and this dvd-book combo has got to be the most effective one that I own. Each unique 15 minute segment is superbly crafted into a cardio and weight training combo. I feel that, at last, I am doing exercises correctly with the proper form. The production quality of the dvd and book is excellent. I have been alternating these exercises with Alycea Ungaro's "15 Minute Everyday Pilates" which I also highly recommend.

Many people do not have time to go to a gym or do not like the gym-atmosphere. This book has the solution to these problems. Instead of trekking to the gym three times a week, spending the money on gas, this book enables you to work out in the comfort of your home. Pagano, a personal trainer for more than 20 years, starts the book by introducing basic principles of fitness, including the healthy range of bodies, the BMI, fitness testing and the benefits of cardiovascular fitness.

This easy-to-read book is very colorful, filled with glossy pictures. In order to exercise the whole body, various exercises are introduced that target specific parts of the body. Each pose or move is artfully demonstrated using an actual photograph. Hence, those using this book have a clear visual of the expected pose and chances of error are lessened.

The author also provides short descriptions of the procedure so that those moves not demonstrated in the photographs can also be executed. A live action DVD is also included in this book, making it even easier to follow the steps. The best part of the exercise regimen is the fact that not many types of equipment are required to get the full effect. A body ball, two dumbbells and a mat is all that is needed.

This book will enable anybody to get real results without leaving the comfort of their home. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a more healthy and fit lifestyle.

Armchair Interviews says: Nice solution to the time-related problem of gym use.

I am 24 years old and looking to get in shape for my sister's wedding this spring. I wasn't looking to lose weight, but to tone. I want to have nice, defined arms and a taught tummy for her big day!

This book/dvd is awesome. It can be done in your living room with 2 sets of weights and a medicine ball. I was skeptical about a 15 minute workout and how much I would feel, but you sweat! I normally do 2 15-minute workouts at a time and end up huffing and puffing by the end. But it's not like the other 8-minute workouts where the first 2 minutes aren't bad and then the last 6 are impossible. It is done at an even pace that is manageable throughout all 15 minutes. And you cover it all: you warm up, do cardio, do weights, and cool down.

The voice-over on the DVD is great. She tells you how to do it, what your other body parts should be doing/feeling, how to breath, where you should feel it, and how to slow it down or speed it up depending on your comfort level. The video also references the page the move is on in the book so you can look it up if you are having difficulties with it.


I'm really glad to have this book/dvd. It isn't too time consuming or too much of a hassle to do, but yet you feel it and notice a difference. I've been doing it for a month and people have already commented on my newly trimmed hips. I highly recommend this book for all ages and all levels of fitness. You won't be disappointed.

I am a 23 year old living in New York City and have just discovered this amazing book. When I get home too late to go out for a run, or do not have the time to get to a gym, the 15 minute workouts are perfect. I like to follow along with the DVD which provides four different workouts. I especially like the "Hop, Jig, and Jump" because you get to break a sweat while jumping around your room. It is an easy and fun way to get sweaty and get in shape.

I am a woman in my 70s who has fortunately discovered this remarkable exercise book, The 15-Minute Total Body Workout. While I do own other exercise books, I find Joan Pagano's current publication of greatest value to me. The included DVD makes it easy to follow each routine. Starting slowly, I've now used the first section, Step-Touch, for two weeks, alternating it with twice a week exercise sessions at my local senior center. Now I'm ready to become familiar with the other routines.

In addition to the DVD, each section in this flexible book offers wonderful photographs for easy-to-follow moves. For all senior citizens interested in staying fit, let this become your exercise Bible, as it's becoming mine. What 15 minutes of exercise can do to enhance your energy level is truly remarkable.

N. Keefe
Salt Lake City, UT

This book clearly states the pros and cons of having a Malamute. They are as discribed. I wish there was more training information in the book. The history is nice, but more content would be effective. The feeding and other care needs more elaboration. Good overview.

I have owned 2 Malamutes & this is the most informative book I've every read about them. I am getting a new pup this spring & can't wait to use some of the ideas in the book. These are the most beautiful dogs on earth & they love people, they are also the smartest!

Briefly..
We read this book, and others before adopting our Malamute. We found it to be right on the money. Especially important are the parts of the book that discuss on whether you personally are up to adopting a Malamute.
Personally, I wouldn't have another Dog, period. But they are absolutely not for everybody. Better read this book and some others before getting one of these precious and gorgeous animals. If you decide not to, it makes a beautiful addition to any library.

I am owned by a Malamute - only mine is the giant breed and I have to say that this book is EXCELLENT and right on the mark. I loved the history of the breed as well as what I can expect. Yes, they are stubborn. Yes, they are pack animals, with the family as their pack and yes they do howl! The section on whether or not this dog is right for you was great! Not everyone can be owned by a Mal - and I thank the author for that!!

The information is precise and well researched and the pictures are absolutely beautiful. After being owned one of these gorgeous creatures, you won't want any other kind of dog!

I have the book lying out on my table and everyone always wants to look through it.

If you are a Mal owner - this is one great book to have!

As a prospective Mal owner I found this book very imformative, more so than some of the larger and more expensive books which I have in my collection. Especially the section ARE YOU THE RIGHT PERSON FOR A MAL. I found this especially interesting as a Mal is not suitable for just anyone. A well written book with plenty of good information which some other books don't cover enough. I recommend this book to anyone, new and old Mal owners alike.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to troubleshoot and take care of their Mac themselves. It covers in detail the set up, administration and daily care and feeding of OSX.

If you are studying for the ACHDS exam, this book is all you need. I just got back from taking my exam and received a 96% score. Everything from this book with prepare you for the exam. I would of gotten a perfect score but I think my nerves got in the way.

Get this book, you won't regret it.

The book is very well written with clear explanations, and detailed lessons. Because you read about it and then go through an excersize, you retain the information better. I would recommend this book because it really does almost feel like you are in a class when you are reading.

I needed this book to study for my Apple Certs, and found it to be very concise and all of the sections were explained well. It was more of a review for me, but once in a while, I found a tidbit of information that I did not know. I was kind of exciting finding little "secrets" about an OS that I have been working with and developing on for years.

I recommend this book if you are looking to study on your own or if you just need, or want, more insight into the way Mac OS X works. The information is fairly complete and when it is not exhaustive, I found that the authors had placed direct URLs to many of the great resource web sites.

If it is Apple certification you want, you can choose to use the web based Applecare technician training or this book. To do a great job on your cert tests, I recommend both. The book allows you to learn and study when you are not in front of a screen. Completely web-based programs require me to print out a lot, and I found I did not have to with the book in hand.

Easily the best software to learn the Internet.

Interactive and actually fun.

This software really is impressive. It teaches all aspects of the Internet. I am really impressed with this software. Keep it up!

Pleasantly surprised. It really gives you a full in depth understanding of all aspects of the Internet.

I wish you would make a Windows 98 CD. I would like to know how to use my computer as well as I can use the Internet now.

I have just received the product very recently and my son finds it very interesting and has been great fun as well as educational for him. Thank you for the great product.

I found out about this cd from my stock broker. I am 57 years old and have never operated a computer until I purchased one in August of this year.This cd has amazed me in how easy it is to learn about the internet. I certainly think that the cd and my gki stock were both good buys.