Publishers Weekly
05/13/2024
This sensible debut from Chen, CEO of the communications training agency Soulcast Media, explores how people from “quiet cultures” (which privilege humility, listening, and avoiding conflict) can thrive in workplaces with a “loud culture” (which values outspokenness, directness, and open ambition). Chen describes how her Taiwanese immigrant parents raised her to value “ ‘quiet’ traits,” which led bosses to overlook her during her former career as a TV news reporter. Her “quiet capital framework” offers advice on how more reserved employees can garner recognition for their work, encouraging readers to establish a “career brand,” or reputation, by identifying what tasks they excel at and pitching projects that allow them to demonstrate those strengths. Anecdotes from Chen’s career illustrate the guidance, as when she emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself by recounting how she successfully petitioned her boss to let her fill in for the news station’s usual anchor whenever they called in sick. Useful suggestions for improving one’s communication skills dig into the nitty-gritty components of speech, entreating readers to talk “at a higher pitch when showing enthusiasm” and a lower pitch when “we want to convey authority and seriousness.” Introverts will appreciate the guidance on standing out. Agent: Rachel Ekstrom Courage, Courage Literary. (July)
From the Publisher
*A Next Big Idea Club Must-Read of 2024*
“I believe this is one of the very best books on communication I’ve ever read. A must read for anyone and everyone in business today!”
—Bob Burg, bestselling coauthor of The Go-Giver
“A master guide for how to thrive at work. Chen shows us the way to be heard without having to be loud.”
—Vanessa Van Edwards, national bestselling author of Cues and Captivate
“Smart, Not Loud is great for anyone who wants to get better at understanding their quiet coworkers, and it helps those who are naturally quiet find ways to speak up and stand up for themselves effectively.”
—Matt Abrahams, lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and host of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast
“If you’ve struggled to be heard in the workplace, thought your work would speak for itself, or refrained from voicing your opinion because you didn’t want to rock the boat, Smart, Not Loud will teach you that even the quietest among us can wield power in an astute, strategic way.”
—Laura Huang, author of Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage
“This book truly resonates with those from Quiet Cultures, offering relatable examples and practical tips that will have you nodding in recognition and laughing at the shared experiences.”
—Lung Nien Lee, chairman of Citi Private Bank, South Asia
“A helpful, step-by-step blueprint to becoming a confident communicator and a strong self-advocate, and to getting the attention you deserve—all while staying true to yourself.”
—Ximena Vengoechea, author of Listen Like You Mean It and Rest Easy
"Smart, Not Loud offers a clear diagnosis as to why so many talented people feel unseen and undervalued at work. Chen not only empathizes with those raised with 'quiet culture traits,' she lives it as well. An essential read for anyone looking for practical ways to accelerate their career."
—Elaine Lin Hering, author of Unlearning Silence
"Smart, Not Loud provides thoughtful strategies for sharing your work with pride, especially when that might be foreign to what you were taught. It's not about adopting a brand-new personality; it's about shining and becoming visible at work with all the wonderful things you already have."
—Meredith Fineman, author of Brag Better, speaker, and entrepreneur
"Smart, Not Loud powerfully reminds us that we don’t need to change who we are to get the recognition and rewards we deserve—we just need to sharpen some of our communication skills. And Jessica Chen will show you how with expert advice and clarifying examples. Though I was raised in a Quiet Culture, I now know how to thrive in a Loud one."
—Therese Huston, Faculty Development Consultant at Seattle University and author of Let’s Talk
“Jessica Chen's book weaves her own experiences with that of others to create a narrative that is completely relatable. Her clear frameworks support personal growth as soon as applied. This is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to amplify their voice without losing what makes them unique.”
—Angela Cheng-Cimini, SVP, Talent & CHRO, Harvard Business Publishing
"Introverts will appreciate the guidance on standing out."
—Publishers Weekly
