I Wanted Fries with That: How to Ask for What You Want and Get What You Need

  • 3h 24m
  • Amy Fish
  • New World Library
  • 2019

SPEAK UP AND PERSUADE

At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced an injustice, large or small — a restaurant botching our lunch order or a boss who isn’t following the guidelines for workplace etiquette — and suffered in silence for fear of offending anyone. When we fail to speak up, however, we shortchange ourselves. Amy Fish encourages standing up for yourself (and others) by complaining effectively. Her suggestions will appeal to anyone who wants to speak up and isn’t sure where to start, including managers navigating workplace disputes, couples who argue about the same things over and over, and even someone with a friend with bad breath. Illustrating her points with funny real-life stories, Fish reveals pragmatic methods to redress grievances with civility, honesty, and fairness for everyone involved — whether you’re trying to right the wrongs of the world or just claim the french fries you ordered.

About the Author

As ombudsman at Concordia University in Montreal, Amy Fish resolves complaints from students, faculty, and staff. She has written for the Huffington Post Canada, Reader’s Digest, and the Globe and Mail and appeared on CBC Marketplace and CTV News. She lives in Montreal.

In this Book

  • About the Book—The Hole in the Story
  • How to Get Greener Lettuce—Involve the Artist
  • How to Register for a Sold-Out Event—Admit When You're Wrong
  • How to Get the Insurance Adjuster to Show Up—Put Yourself in Their Shoes
  • How to Get the Person in Front of You to Move Their Seat Up—Go Step-by-Step
  • How to Get Your Appliance Repaired—Be Clear and Concise
  • How to Get Clingy Children to Back Off—Use the Resolution Continuum
  • How to Exchange a Onesie (When You'd Rather Get Your Money Back)—Be Prepared to Compromise
  • How to Report a Rhyming Physician or other Health-Care Professional—Consider Your Timing
  • How to Get a Ski Jacket Repaired without a Receipt, and Also Return a Coffeemaker—Two Stories with the Same Ending
  • How to Find a Unicorn Frappuccino—Listen for Clues
  • How to Get Your Log-in ID and Password to Function Correctly—Stay on it
  • How to Get Your Money Back When Your Favorite Dress is Ruined—Some Questions Remain Unanswered
  • How to Get Your Teacher to Raise Your Grade—Show the Evidence
  • How to Stay Alive While Your Complaint is Being Investigated—Remain Calm
  • How to Get Your Guests to Arrive on Time for Dinner—Learn the Serenity Prayer
  • How to Ask Your Husband to Put down His Cellphone during Dinner—Set the Bar Low
  • How to Get Your Boss to Stop Changing Her Mind—Report Her to the Fashion Police
  • How to Ask Someone to Freshen Their Breath—Be Direct
  • How to Get Someone to Shower More Frequently Because They Stink—Be Compassionate
  • How to Get Your Volunteers to Dress More Appropriately—Reframe the Situation
  • How to Get Bacon Out of the Synagogue Refrigerator—Collect Data
  • How to Prevent Grandma from Falling on a Pile of Broken Pipes—File an Official Complaint
  • How to Get on the Kiddie Coaster with Your Three-Year-Old If You are Wet and Black—Ask for the Manager
  • How to Get Your Coworkers to Clean the Kitchen—Be More Threatening
  • How to Call Out Another Mom for Suboptimal Cupcake Behavior—Speak up Even if it Hurts
  • How to Accidentally Get Your Waiter Fired—Rise above the Fear
  • How to Get the Break You Deserve at Work—Know Your Rights
  • Conclusion
  • Endnotes
  • Backmatter
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