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Liked It “This is a great book that I think anyone looking to improve their communication skills should read. It's full of useful tips on how to communicate effectively and how to neutralize an aggressive person. Reading this book will help improve your relationships by improving your way of...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“This is a great book that I think anyone looking to improve their communication skills should read. It's full of useful tips on how to communicate effectively and how to neutralize an aggressive person. Reading this book will help improve your relationships by improving your way of communication. A must read for both halves of a struggling relationship.”
meghan c wrote this review 9 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Easy to read, helpful guide for preparing for difficult, interest based conversations.”
Ruth B wrote this review Sunday, October 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Excellent book. Great examples. Originally recommended by DKC.”
Peter C wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Lot of steps to remember but very insightful.”
Felicia G wrote this review Thursday, July 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A decent self-help book. Learned some skills to deal with difficult conversations with ...”
Feili T wrote this review Thursday, July 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I listened to this book on audio about five years ago, and I listened again recently. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: everyone who communicates with human beings needs to read/listen to this book. I mean, how often do you get a chance to find out about human interactions from a bunch of Harvard researchers?
HeidiMiller wrote this review Thursday, April 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
If you've ever had a simple conversation go awry or if you've ever had a confrontation get out of control, this book will likely end up being a great resource for you. Douglas Stone and the authors take motivations, emotions and identity out and dissect them for a better understanding of why people act and react the way they do in difficult conversations, both at work and at home. This book will help with professional interactions, with bringing up tough issues with your spouse or partner and even with friends and kids.
For me, the most useful parts of this book were:
* focusing on the "and" stance: replacing "but" with "and," and acknowledging that two things can be true simultaneously
* contribution versus blame: admitting your own contributions to a situation and asking for others' contributions, exclusive of blame
* starting from the third conversation: approaching a situation from a neutral, curious stance rather than from one's own point of view
* focusing on going into conversations from a questioning stance and sincere desire to understand the other party rather than proving one's own point of view
Many of the techniques Doug Stone et al. recommend are rather advanced--they won't come easily or feel natural the first time. However, trying one or two new things in low-risk situations (with your kids, for example, versus with your boss) is a pretty easy way to give their suggestions a try.
Has anyone else tried these? What were your results?”“We have to have conversations that we don't want to have all the time. I am hoping to learn easier ways to have these conversations from this book.
Teacher Reads wrote this review Monday, November 10 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Debbie S.”
“This book is very helpful. It helps you plan and think about conversations you know you have to have but don't want to have. Great advice and information is given. I use several of the suggestions even now.”
Fran wrote this review Sunday, April 27 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“READ THIS BOOK.
mcoote wrote this review Monday, May 28 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Yes, it's about difficult conversations...but it's also just about dealing with people in general, not least of all ourselves.
And, unlike so many books of this type, it doesn't simplify, condescend, or try to be cute. Hooray!”
“This is a book everyone needs to read. Mastering its content will keep marriages intact and work relationships healthier. It has so much to say about how to talk about serious concerns without playing the blame game. This is an important book for those wanting to improve their interaction with other human beings.”
Chesscoach wrote this review Wednesday, May 9 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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