Smile & Succeed for Teens: A Crash Course in Face-to-Face Communication

Smile and Succeed feels good right out of the box, as Kirt Manecke chose the matte surface. Small details matter. I was delighted to see such good advice that all college kids, highschool kids, and adults need to hear being laid out in a friendly and concise manner. The illustrations are just terrific too. They accentuate some of the critical messaging while keeping the book lively and much fresher than most self help books I've read.This is a friendly and approachable book that discusses best practice topics like body language, eye contact, professionalism, etc. He even goes into advanced topics like customer service. The book is a great tool for our teens to hear some of the same advice we've been giving them for years from a new voice, and it offers advice we likely haven't thought to give our kids yet. But I have managed and met adults who are well into their careers and could use this book as well.

Smile and Succeed for Teens is a potentially life changing must-read for teens. The book is full of valuable tips and information designed to help today's youth develop skills imperative for their success in dealing with employers, customers, family, and friends.The author wastes no time with fluff or padding, which in my opinion can cause readers, especially boys, to quickly loose interest, instead he dives right in with The Top Ten People Skills. If your teen decides to employ any techniques from this book, The Top Ten People Skills should be it. In this short chapter teens are taught how to smile, make good eye contact, shake hands firmly, introduce themselves, ask questions, use proper body language, just to name a few. A host of other topics are covered in the subsequent chapters like dealing with customers, applying for jobs, and the importance of volunteer work.The priceless information covered is presented in an easy straightforward and concise manner, perfect for today's busy teens or reluctant readers. In just 144 pages, the author provides readers with a vast amount of advice that is an asset to their future success. I was so impressed with this book that I have already order additional copies for each of my teenagers and have recommended it to friends and family raising teens.I highly recommend picking up a copy of Smile and Succeed for Teens. You and your teen will be thankful you did.

Not 100% valuable for younger teens, but overall pretty helpful.

My two older kids (11 and 13) read this together as a summer (reading/discussion) project. The book isn't long (it's bulleted when needed), and it's a gentle reminder to use their smile as a tool to interact with adults and others. It also sets up a basic premise and guidance on how to best serve customers (potential clients for babysitting, lawn mowing, pet sitting, etc) - and sets down the expectation that blank stares and 'huh?" aren't ways to handle things you don't know. While some may think it's too basic, I thought it was perfect for this age and in this digital world when correspondence is by text/email. (Which he covers! YES!) Loved it, and highly recommend. It's short, sweet, and to the point. Keeping as a reference so as they get older, they can skim it, if they need to.

Great to use for SEL curriculum, highly recommend

There are so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom packed in this easy - to - read book. Parents of teens will learn a lot, as well!

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, sometimes your smile is the source of your joy" as Thich Nhat Hahn accurately observed. Kirt Manecke nails the critical point for bringing a whole lot of joy to millions with his straightforward and practical Social Skills lessons. Valuable for persons of any age, I rate this a top text for teens especially due to the joy they will give themselves and others over a life time. You have me smiling for certain with this read Kirt Manecke. Excited to share forward.

Good