We Need to Talk

How to Have Conversations That Matter

By: Celeste Headlee

Narrated by: Celeste Headlee

"We need to talk."

They are, perhaps, the most dreaded four words in the English language. But in her timely, insightful, and wonderfully practical audiobook, We Need to Talk, Celeste Headlee - who earns a living by talking on the airwaves of National Public Radio - makes the case that they are urgently needed.

Today, most of us communicate from behind electronic screens, and studies show that Americans feel less connected and more divided than ever before. The blame for some of this disconnect can be attributed to our political landscape, but the erosion of our conversational skills as a society lies with us as individuals.

And the only way forward, says Headlee, is to start talking to each other. In We Need to Talk, she outlines the strategies that have made her a better conversationalist - and offers simple tools that can improve anyone's communication. For example:

• Be there or go elsewhere. Human beings are incapable of multitasking, and this is especially true of tasks that involve language. Think you can type up a few emails while on a business call or hold a conversation with your child while texting your spouse? Think again.
• Check your bias. The belief that your intelligence protects you from erroneous assumptions can end up making you more vulnerable to them. We all have blind spots that affect the way we view others. Check your bias before you judge someone else.
• Hide your phone. Don't just put down your phone; put it away. New research suggests that the mere presence of a cell phone can negatively impact the quality of a conversation.

Whether you're struggling to communicate with your kid's teacher at school, an employee at work, or the people you love the most, Headlee offers smart strategies that can help us all have conversations that matter.

©2017 Celeste Headlee (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

very relevant to today's political climate

This book was packed with good information and advice that I will be applying to my professional conversations. It made me more aware of bad habits that I, unintentionally, was exhibiting during conversations and also made me really appreciate the couple friends I talk to about random stuff all the time - because listening is an act of love.

loved it

Communication skills and listening skills are the key to better relationships! A must have! Highly recomended!

fantastic starting place

specifically identified multiple deficiencies I have with having and being present in meaningful conversations and helped me formulate actual plans to correct.

I'm listening

it was very good. lots of lights shed,
I encourage those that least think can use this book to give it a shot....the most.
thanks for your words.

awesome!

Everyone should be required to read this book. Learned so much about things I need to improve in my day to day interactions with friends, colleagues, and family.

Worth more than one listen

Packed full of information on communication. If you are looking for a book yo help you understand how to be a better conversationalist, start here. The author brings in her expertise and science to lead listeners towards the path of meaningful conversation. This is one that I will listen to again and again, as I expect to hear new information that I may have missed the first time around.

you have to read it

From working with other people to your significant other, this book will help you understand and "hear" them more. Top 5 soft skills book for me

We need to listen!

Great conversation starts with opening our ears, not just our mouths.

I first saw or heard the author on a Ted talk clip at a training class. The small snippet was enough to spur my interest in the book. I was not disappointed as she expounded on many different subjects, research, and antidotes to bring to life how the art of conversation is at the very least in hibernation these days.

It is a fascinating read on a subject that frankly doesn't have a lot of coverage.

A much needed book for our time

Since finishing this book, I have become so much more aware of how much people talk about themselves (myself included) and barely listen or ask questions. This awareness is frustrating, but reading this book has made me realize it isn't only in my corner in the world, and that if I want it to change, I can start by improving my own conversational skills (and listening skills!).

The author does a terrific job stating her case and makes a lot of great points, while never sounding preachy (she herself states often how guilty she regularly is of the faux pauxs she criticizes. I hope everyone will read this book.

Great insights!

Great insights into the power and difficulties of having good conversations. Truly offers solutions to problems upu don't realize you have.