"Human-Centered Communication: A Business Case Against Digital Pollution" by Ethan Beute and Stephen Pacinelli is a groundbreaking book that arrives at a crucial moment in the digital age. In a world overwhelmed by digital noise and distractions, this book offers a timely and compelling argument for a more thoughtful and human-centered approach to communication. Beute and Pacinelli, along with industry-leading experts, provide a wealth of insights and practical strategies for individuals and businesses seeking to cut through the clutter and establish genuine connections in the digital realm.

One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on the importance of human-centered communication in the tech-enabled future. In an era dominated by technology and automation, the authors make a convincing case that the true competitive advantage lies in understanding and harnessing the power of human relationships. By drawing on the expertise of a diverse group of professionals, the book offers a well-rounded perspective on how to build trust, engage authentically, and enhance one's reputation in a digital world.

Furthermore, the authors' focus on the role of video in human-centered communication is particularly relevant. Video communication is not only more visually engaging but also allows for the conveyance of subtle nuances and emotions that are often lost in text-based interactions. The book equips readers with the knowledge and confidence to effectively use video in various communication channels, from live video calls to recorded video emails, enabling them to connect on a deeper level with their audience. "Human-Centered Communication" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape by putting human connections at the forefront of their communication strategy. It offers actionable insights that have the potential to transform the way individuals and businesses engage with their prospects, customers, and stakeholders, ultimately leading to more meaningful and productive relationships.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an unbiased review.
Did not Finish - I am not the target audience for this book

I am having a hard time with this one. I rarely ever do not finish a book but this book is now marked. DNF
The premise is that there is so much digital information out there that we are drowning in the competing information - intrusive emails, texts, advertising, videos, blogs, podcasts, etc. and the fact that we need to choose what is important. The more I read, the more I believe this book needed an editor, and the more I wanted to put it down and move on to something more interesting. I am only 15 % done and I believe in finishing what I start and I want to give the book a fair chance, but I am struggling. It may just be that the intro is telling me what they are going to tell me and seemed to tell me everything in each chapter. I believe in broad strokes intros rather than finely detailed intros, so I was already drowning.

So much of what is discussed is repetitive. Describing "human-centered" communication over and over tells me that they don't believe that the author doesn't think we can understand one concept from page to page, chapter to chapter. This might be important in future chapters because of the the guest writers in future chapters, but not in the introduction. I will keep going at least a bit further - or maybe get into one of the chapters whose title calls to me.


I read more and still couldn't finish it. I skipped around and tried to get into a couple of other chapters. They are ALL about using video to sell people stuff. Parts are inconsistent from one paragraph to the next. One paragraph says to just wing it and talk off the cuff, don't use a script - or even bullet points because it make you look inauthentic and the next says to be professional and polished but not too polished so you look human. One paragraph says that we have to focus our time and cautious of digital pollution and the next one says use video, which is digital pollution, to reach your clients.. Guest writers didn't help.

This book just wasn't for me. I am not the target audience.

I am glad that someone went out, did their research and thought it wise to share their take on virtual connections and life on the digital sphere. I even found the sub-title, "digital pollution,' appropriate because on my phone alone I have access to different apps, all of which feed me information sometimes in the form of memes, phrases, music and everything in between that I now find it easier to get news headlines from social media (and that is also another area of fake news and all)
This book explores how best to navigate amidst all that noise to create meaningful connections, build trust and sustain it be it in business or just socially- and it's a good read, however it also has lots of content that makes this book one you read over a prolonged period of time, often taking notes- questioning case examples and not just for general entertainment.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

Took me quiet some time to finish this book (ok, two months) because I was extremely busy with college, and it was dense in its subject matter. But while reading through some parts every once in a while, even though it took me a bit of an effort in concentrating and fully understanding what the essays are trying to convey, that is completely on me and not on the book. Probably shouldn't have crammed my reading time on this in-between researching for my thesis.