Like a star baseball player, every good manager should aim to be a five-tool expert. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking are basic skills for any employee, but the manager who stands out is the manager who commands these skills. To improve your standing with your employees and superiors, it's essential to understand each of these areas of communication. InThe Manager's Communication Toolbox, the authors offer tips, checklists, and examples, along with other expert testimony for best practices.

Over the years, the practice of these skills has changed as a result of technology. Everyone emails these days, but in this book, the authors dig deeper into what to say, when to say it, and how to say it in a business setting. Rethink your thinking skills—find more time in your day by being more aware of your tendencies. And for everyone who worries about giving speeches and making presentations, find out how to improve, and the steps you can take to show off your managerial communication skills.

Everett A. (Ev) Chasen is a partner in Foxwood Communications LLC, a communication consulting firm offering writing, mentoring, training, and communication planning services in the Washington, D.C. area. Ev is a former member of the Federal Senior Executive Service, with 35 years of government experience as a speechwriter, communications manager, and public affairs officer.

Robert R. (Bob) Putnam has provided public relations counsel to (and written speeches for) top officials at several well-known national healthcare associations, as well as for members of the president's cabinet and a U.S. Senator. Working as a newspaper reporter, he won Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association's top honors for feature writing.