Lions Don't Need to Roar

August 31, 1992
As in society at large, reflecting the priority of packaging over content or performance, the emphasis of this guide to business success by Benton, who heads a consulting firm, is on how to create and maintain a favorable impression. Starting with appearance, eye contact, posture and other body language designed to develop ``professional presence,'' the author stresses the need to establish good personal relations. The book is larded with advice and philosophy of CEOs and lists of do's and don'ts (when not to smile, etc.), skills and attitudes needed to emulate leaders. Benton even proffers suggestions on how to behave while being fired. An appendix serves as a convenient capsule of all preceding advice. BOMC, QPB and Fortune Book Club alternates.

September 1, 1992
In the 1970s, John Molloy advised careerists to "dress for success." During the 1980s, image consultants touted the "psychology of appearance." Now Benton, who has headed an executive development and career counseling firm for more than 15 years, explains how to establish a "professional presence." Her book is divided into three parts: how to make a good and strong first impression, how to get ahead, and how to stay ahead. Although Benton's primary advice is to "be yourself," she offers tips on posture, body contact, gestures, when to speak up and when to be quiet, how to enter a room, etc. She recommends ways to develop interpersonal skills by using storytelling and humor, by asking questions, and by asking for favors at precisely the right time. She shows how to hone communication skills in interviews, public presentations, and memo and report writing. Finally, she suggests that one follow his or her natural instincts and take chances. Presumably, one does not need to read a book to find out how to be oneself; regardless, Benton offers a number of sensible, practical guidelines that everyone can make use of at one time or another. ((Reviewed Sept. 1, 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)