Includes bibliographical references (p. 189-191) and index.

Life's a pitch : selling your ideas to the president or the PTA -- Set goals (because if you don't know what you want, you won't get it) -- Speak loudly (without saying a word, ssshhh-- ) -- May I have your attention, please! -- Who's buying? -- Your place or mine : know the venue -- Seize the moment -- The big news about small talk -- Listen well and they'll eat out of your hand -- What questions do you have? -- Once more with feeling : making the emotional connection -- Practice pointers for polished pitches -- Persistence persuades : the vastly neglected art of follow-up -- The likability factor -- Give good phone and email -- Advance or retreat : determining when to withdraw -- Some final thoughts.