About the Book

It's no secret that the art of effective communication is on the decline.  Between the rise of technology and the increasingly erosive political landscape, Americans feel less connected and more divided than ever.

In an incredibly timely and insightful book, NPR veteran Celeste Headlee outlines strategies to become a better conversationalist and improve communication skills:

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.

Freshman Common Read: High Point University, Western Carolina University, University of Georgia

Critical Praise

“Civil discourse is one of humanity’s founding institutions and it faces an existential threat: We, the people, need to talk about how we talk to one another. Celeste Headlee shows us how.”   — Ron Fournier, New York Times bestselling author of Love That Boy and Publisher of Crain’s Detroit

“We Need To Talk is an important read for a conversationally-challenged, disconnected age. Headlee is a talented, honest storyteller, and her advice has helped me become a better spouse, friend, and mother.”  — Jessica Lahey, author of New York Times bestseller The Gift of Failure

“This powerful debut offers 10 strategies for improving conversational skills. Tidbits from sociological studies and anecdotes from history, including from civil rights activist Xernona Clayton’s groundbreaking conversations with KKK leader Calvin Craig, round out a book that takes its own advice and has much to communicate.” — Publishers Weekly

“In the course of her career, Headlee has interviewed thousands of people from all walks of life and learned that sparking a great conversation is really a matter of a few simple habits that anyone can learn.” — Jessica Stillman, Inc.

“This book is necessary…Headlee’s treatise on creating space for valuable mutual reciprocity is one that should become a handbook in any school, business or even a doctor’s office where the everyday person visits.” — George Elerick, Buzzfeed

“A well-researched and careful analysis of how and why we talk with one another—our strengths and (myriad) weaknesses…A thoughtful discussion and sometimes-passionate plea for civility and consideration in conversation.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Refreshingly honest….In the era of the lost art of conversation, Headlee helps us find our voice.” — Henry Bass, Essence

“The perfect pre-Thanksgiving read to head off family squabbles and turn the holiday meal into a feast of ideas instead of a political fracas.” — Karin Gillespie, Augusta Karin Gillespie, Augusta Chronicle

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780062669025
• ISBN 10: 0062669028
• Imprint: Harper
• On Sale: 09/19/2017
• Pages: 272
• List Price: $14.99
• BISAC1 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Conflict Resolution
• BISAC2 : FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Dysfunctional Families
• BISAC3 : LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Communication Studies
• BISAC4 : LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / Sociolinguistics
• BISAC5 : LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Rhetoric
• BISAC6 : SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Self-Esteem
• BISAC7 : SELF-HELP / Self-Management / Stress Management
• BISAC8 : SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Success
• BISAC9 : SELF-HELP / Self-Management / Anger Management (see also FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Anger)
• BISAC10 : SELF-HELP / Communication & Social Skills