Decoding CEO-Speak

"The language used by corporate bosses is a rich genre that informs – or misleads – entire societies. In their book, Decoding CEO-Speak, accounting professors Russell Craig and Joel Amernic have dived deep into the hyperbole and distortions routinely uttered by chief executive officers."

Jane Gadd, Director Journal

"This innovative book is essential reading for anyone interested in making sense of the language games played by CEOs. Decoding CEO-Speak is especially useful for policymakers, employees, investors, trade unions, scholars, students, journalists, and others trying to decode what the masters of the contemporary world are saying, and also what they would rather not say."

Prem Sikka, Member of UK House of Lords and Emeritus Professor of Accounting, University of Essex and University of Sheffield

"A lucid, compelling, and entertaining exposition by two world-class authorities on the subject. Russell Craig and Joel Amernic ensure a contemporary flavor with an epilogue on pandemic-speak. This scholarly work assembles a wide literature, advice on method, and illustrative exemplars of CEO-speak. It is set to become the benchmark for texts on the subject."

Niamh Brennan, Michael MacCormac Professor of Management, University College Dublin and Founder/Academic Director, UCD Centre for Corporate Governance

"Russell Craig and Joel Amernic have written a leadership book for our times. They help readers understand society’s fascination with top leaders through the power of words with an eye toward accountability. The message of Decoding CEO-Speak is that communication matters. Language matters. Tone matters. What a refreshing and provocative message to counter today’s post-truth leadership where words seem to lose their currency. This book is a must-read for all students of leadership and communication, practitioners, and academics alike."

Gail T. Fairhurst, Distinguished University Research Professor, University of Cincinnati