Communication Archives

How to Have a Good Conversation: 3 Principles to Follow

Why should you give your full attention while someone is talking to you? What are the basic principles of having a good conversation? Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott explains that your behavior, body language, tone, and communication style are critical to courageous conversations. Scott discusses three principles to follow that will establish mutual trust and understanding with the other person(s) so you can have an effective courageous conversation. Let’s dive into how to have a good conversation.

How to Tell if Someone Is Angry: Body Language to Look For

Can you tell when someone is angry? What angry body language cue can lead to health problems? Retired FBI Special Agent Joe Navarro covers a variety of emotions that you can detect in other people by reading their subtle behaviors. In The Dictionary of Body Language, he describes two angry body language cues to look for. Read more to learn how to tell if someone is angry by reading their body language.

Negotiation Genius: Book Overview and Takeaways

What’s the book Negotiation Genius about? Are you ready to be an expert negotiator who gets the best deals? In Negotiation Genius, Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman give advice to prepare, create value, and maximize satisfaction in your negotiations. They also look at common obstacles you might face and explore ways to avoid them or use them to your advantage. Read below for a brief Negotiation Genius book overview.

The Element of Conflict in a Narrative: The Driver of Change

What’s any story really about—regardless of its plot? What function does conflict serve in a narrative? Writer Lisa Cron contends that stories are about how we, rather than the world around us, change. That change is driven by conflict. Humans are wired to resist both conflict and change. But, ultimately, we know that this is how anything moves forward. Keep reading to learn about the element of conflict in a narrative.

How to Tell if Someone Is Uncomfortable: 3 Body Language Cues

What are some common uncomfortable body language cues? What might you be able to tell by observing their arms and feet? Joe Navarro, a retired FBI Special Agent, is no stranger to people feeling uncomfortable around him. Over time, he realized that certain subtle behaviors pointed to uneasiness. In The Dictionary of Body Language, he shares three cues for identifying discomfort in somebody’s body language. Keep reading to learn how to tell if someone is uncomfortable by observing their actions.

Fierce Conversation Quotes on Beneficial Discussions

Do you want to talk about your thoughts and feelings more? What are the top Fierce Conversations quotes that stick in your head? Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott is a guide to having effective dialogue at work or in your personal life. After reading this book, you’ll have all the skills you need to solve issues and achieve happiness in life. Continue reading for the best Fierce Conversations quotes to remember.

Cause and Effect in a Story: Satisfying Our Need to Know Why

How does a well-written story fill our need to understand the reasons behind everything? What does “Show, don’t tell” mean for writers? In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron argues that our brains evolved to absorb information through stories. So, writers must write in a way that satisfies our brains’ expectations of story. This includes creating causal links that appeal to the brain’s need for cause-and-effect structure. Continue reading to learn about the need for cause and effect in a story and how to achieve it.

How to Tell if Someone Is Confident: Body Language Cues

Can you detect confident body language in other people? Do you exhibit subtle behaviors that communicate to others that you’re confident and comfortable? In The Dictionary of Body Language, Joe Navarro offers a reference guide that explains a wide breadth of body language cues. He argues that, with this knowledge, you can improve your relationships and understanding of other people, both at work and in your personal life. Continue reading to learn how to tell if someone is confident at the moment.

Fierce Conversations: 2 Models for Effective Discussions

What are Fierce Conversations’ models for truthful discussions? How can you have a productive conversation in small and large groups? In Fierce Conversations, Susan Scott explains that you must choose an effective conversational model to structure important discussions. Following a conversational model is crucial because it allows you to respectfully introduce the topic and learn from all perspectives. Below are two models from Fierce Conversations that you can use for small groups or large meetings.

Better Small Talk: Patrick King’s Advice for Talking to Anyone

What’s the point of small talk? Why is it important to be skilled at it? Life is full of conversations—in both personal and professional settings. In Better Small Talk, Patrick King shows how you can improve the quality of your small talk and use it to shift conversations into more interesting and meaningful territory. Continue reading for an overview of this practical and relevant book.