Talking Across the Divide

How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World

By: Justin Lee

Narrated by: Justin Lee

A guide to learning how to communicate with people who have diametrically opposed opinions from you, how to empathize with them, and how to (possibly) change their minds

America is more polarized than ever. Whether the issue is Donald Trump, healthcare, abortion, gun control, breastfeeding, or even DC vs Marvel, it feels like you can't voice an opinion without ruffling someone's feathers. In today's digital age, it's easier than ever to build walls around yourself. You fill up your Twitter feed with voices that are angry about the same issues and believe as you believe. Before long, you're isolated in your own personalized echo chamber. And if you ever encounter someone outside of your bubble, you don't understand how the arguments that resonate so well with your peers can't get through to anyone else. In a time when every conversation quickly becomes a battlefield, it's up to us to learn how to talk to each other again.

In Talking Across the Divide, social justice activist Justin Lee explains how to break through the five key barriers that make people resist differing opinions. With a combination of psychological research, pop-culture references, and anecdotes from Justin's many years of experience mediating contentious conversations, this book will help you understand people on the other side of the argument and give you the tools you need to change their minds - even if they've fallen for "fake news."

©2018 Justin Lee (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Hope

In the polarized reality of 2019 in the United States, we could all use some hints to help us tackle thorny issues in interpersonal conversation. This book sets out a framework for productive dialogue that asks the reader/listener to try new techniques for communication. He explains the barriers we've unconsciously built in favor of our own world views, and in opposition to any change in those views.

For anyone who has experienced the frustration and hopelessness of a ruined dialogue with a family member or friend, I would recommend listening to this book more than once. I have been communicating inefficiently for some time, and it will take practice to learn a more constructive method. I expect to return to these lessons to remember to respect my dialogue partner in the hope of having that respect returned. The prospect of (at least) being understood, and the desire to repair damaged relationships is too attractive to abandon faith. I'm almost afraid to aspire to changing anyone else's mind, but the idea *is* tantalizing.

Everyone should read this book

In a time where we are so divided and listening only to our echo chambers, this book gave valuable insight on how to listen to the other side to learn what makes them feel they are the hero in their story. I am involved in local politics and it has helped me immensely when canvassing door to door.

Essential for changing the world

I couldn’t love this book and it’s very practical advice more. Really will make a difference to your interactions. Read and repeat for effective change

life-changing

absolutely loved it. very helpful. thanks for teaching how to be affective .. I didn't realize I was going about things wrong

Bravery

How could I rate this anything other than a 5 stars? Justin Lee does something that most of us avoid like the plague. Talk to the other side. While I don’t think I have such a compelling story to tell as he does, we can all utilize the steps that he lays out so well. I listened to this book but I kind of wish I had the paper copy so that I can highlight certain parts. I will use the tips and techniques that Justin has proven effective to try and forge through the rhetoric and misinformation. Wish me luck.

A Simple Outline for Tough Conversations

You'll note I didn't say "easy." Truly communicating with people who disagree with you can be incredibly hard, painful, and frustrating. I appreciate the way the author breaks the process down into manageable steps that can be adapted to your own specific situations.

This has been a great listen

Really a book that should be resourced for church evangelism or taught in school for that matter.

Great book with practical advice on bridge building and true dialogue

We live in a world that seems to encourage polarizing positions and groups: Social media, 24 hour news channels catering to specific political leanings, even algorithms in the background of our search engines. We find ourselves in echo chambers. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with others who hold differing opinions can be challenging or impossible. The author, Justin Lee, examines and identifies the impediments to meaningful dialogue and provides practical advice and tools to help the reader talk across the divide.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever tried to have a conversation with another who held an opposing position and walked away feeling like they were hitting their head on a wall.

Well written and well read.

dry

A lots of information to take in. I will need to listen to it again.