What is something we each do, from cradle to grave, sometimes effectively and sometimes not so effectively? Communicate! We have conversations throughout life. Our words are powerful and can be life giving. This book helps us to teach our students, age 13 and up, to use conversation as the God-given tool that it is.

There are 21 chapters, and the plan is simple: read the chapter, execute the prescribed plan of action, and (optionally) memorize the Bible verse and quote at the beginning of each chapter. Most chapters take a week, with two weeks suggested for the longer ones. It is recommended that students use the first volume first, but older students do not need to do so.

Chapter topics include making good first impressions, written conversation, being interviewed, political activism, giving and receiving compliments, and more. The activities are meaningful and easy to implement. For example, in the chapter on compliments, students are taught how to give them with sincerity and are given specific ideas. In the plan of action, students might toss a beanbag back and forth, stating something positive about the receiver. Or they might search the Bible for insights about flattery and its consequences.

This would be fun to use around the dinner table or as an adjunct to a formal speech class. All of our kids can benefit from this book!

Product review by Christine Field, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February 2007