5 books that will improve your communication skills

No matter what your profession or passion, for many of us, the way we communicate'both with others and with ourselves'is key.And in reflecting on our own tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to communication, my guess is that manyof us could benefit from a lesson or two in the arts of negotiation, persuasive language, positive self-talk, and taking feedback gracefully and, when necessary, with a proverbial grain of salt, as well.An added bonus of brushing up on how we communicate'Most of these skillstend to transcend relationships and can be just as useful with family and friends as with colleagues, supervisors, and direct-reports.Here are fivebooks'each onecomes highly recommended from a member of the team here at Idealist.org'that offer actionable insights on how to bestpractice and improveyour communication skills.SEE ALSO:5 books that will help you become more persuasive1. 'Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion' by George J. ThompsonVerbal Judo is the classic guide to the martial art of the mind and mouth that can help you defuse confrontations and generate cooperation, whether youre talking to a boss, a spouse, or even a teenager.Our favorite quote:Motivate others by raising their expectations of themselves.2. 'Just Listen: The Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone' by Mark Goulston M.D.Barricades between people become barriers to success and happiness, so getting through is not just a fine art, its a crucial skill. Readers learn how to listen effectively, shiftan angry or aggressive person into a calmer, more receptive state, and use empathy jolts to bridge a communication gap.Our favorite quote: Understanding a persons hunger and responding to it is one of the most potent tools youll ever discover for getting through to anyone you meet in business or your personal life.3. 'Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High' by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al SwitzlerCrucial Conversations offers the reader tools to prepare for high-stakes situations, transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue, make it safe to talk about almost anything, and be persuasive, not abrasive.Our favorite quote:People who are skilled at dialogue do their best to make it safe for everyone to add their meaning to the shared pool[they]do their best to ensure that all ideas find their way into the open.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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