The communication of leadership : the design of leadership style / Jonathan Charteris-Black.

The book describes how each of these leaders designed a unique style that integrated verbal and non-verbal modes of communication. It argues that leadership style is performed through the cumulative interaction of non-verbal modes {u2013} dress, body language, physical possessions, symbols and symbolic actions {u2013} with verbal strategies for communicating visions, values and legitimacy. In order to understand how each of these leaders undertakes a dramatic {u2018}performance{u2019} of leadership, Jonathan Charteris-Black uses Erving Goffman{u2019}s notion of {u2018}Front{u2019}. Noting the inherent similarities between the mutual dependency of actors with audiences and leaders with followers, the book suggests that leaders {u2013} like actors {u2013} use metaphors and symbols to satisfy followers{u2019} psychological and symbolic needs and that leadership is communicated through impression management, metaphor and media choices. A fascinating and well executed study, this book will interest students and academics working on leadership, applied linguistics, communication studies and politics.