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holleearchibald's review
4.0
Perfect for introverts who want to start a direct sales business! Anyone who feels disconnected from other people. This book is a must read. I'll be reading this again and again.
katie_chandler's review
4.0
If you care about being a good listener and conversationalist, then I would say this is a good place to start. The chapters and topics don’t lend themselves well to audiobook format, unless you’re willing to pause frequently to ponder and self-evaluate. In general this book teaches mindfulness in the way we approach others and how we use words, which seems simple and obvious. Chapter 3 gives more specific conversation ideas. I’ll probably read this book again to absorb more through visual learning.
Though it was included in the text only as a side-note, I’m intrigued about the training of samurai warriors (including the art of flower arranging?) and would like to learn more.
Though it was included in the text only as a side-note, I’m intrigued about the training of samurai warriors (including the art of flower arranging?) and would like to learn more.
tommyhousworth's review
4.0
I could review this book on this website, but I'd rather tell you about it face-to-face. That's a testament to the Sakyong's latest offering, "The Lost Art of Good Conversation", which reminds us of how enlightening and powerful connecting with each other can be in this age of speed, aggression, and gadgets.
This book was a good reminder for me, as I have become very disengaged from the art of listening and courageously reaching out to others for conversation. I think it serves those of us who have "gotten off track" very well. More importantly, we have an entire generation coming up who have always lived with email, Smartphones, IM, social media, and the like. They've never truly learned the art of a good conversation because it hasn't been required of them to formally function in our society (yet). But the time will come when they must, and this book is a good tool in teaching the nuances of making real connection, not in a Miss Manners kind of way, but in an uplifting way, layered with the benefit of recognizing one another's inherent dignity and the spiritual value we need to rediscover in one another.
This book was a good reminder for me, as I have become very disengaged from the art of listening and courageously reaching out to others for conversation. I think it serves those of us who have "gotten off track" very well. More importantly, we have an entire generation coming up who have always lived with email, Smartphones, IM, social media, and the like. They've never truly learned the art of a good conversation because it hasn't been required of them to formally function in our society (yet). But the time will come when they must, and this book is a good tool in teaching the nuances of making real connection, not in a Miss Manners kind of way, but in an uplifting way, layered with the benefit of recognizing one another's inherent dignity and the spiritual value we need to rediscover in one another.
eharrison's review
3.0
I appreciated the look at conversation. Some of the insight seemed a bit thin, but the content was interesting.
jrc2011's review
3.0
Overall, I enjoyed this book - it was a quick, light read. I'd classify this primarily as a mindfulness book -- lots of "think before you speak" with the big takeaway being to be compassionate in your responses to others. More of the "yes, and" instead of "no but" -- and don't stir up a debate or an argument that doesn't really matter nor add anything to the world. Use conversation to build connections -- not to build yourself up.
There's also a nice focus on balance and reciprocity: you shouldn't have to pry information out of other people nor should you do all the talking. It's not a practical guide to topics and navigating subjects of conversation -- you'd be better off doing a search for "quality conversation starters." This book is more of a "frame of mind" guide to being thoughtful, considerate and agreeable.
Though it may represent content previously published by the author, it's in a nice format with plenty of bolded sections that provide food for thought. So, instead of browsing Reddit, pick up a book like this to browse for a few minutes instead.
There's also a nice focus on balance and reciprocity: you shouldn't have to pry information out of other people nor should you do all the talking. It's not a practical guide to topics and navigating subjects of conversation -- you'd be better off doing a search for "quality conversation starters." This book is more of a "frame of mind" guide to being thoughtful, considerate and agreeable.
Though it may represent content previously published by the author, it's in a nice format with plenty of bolded sections that provide food for thought. So, instead of browsing Reddit, pick up a book like this to browse for a few minutes instead.
malachi_oneill's review
3.0
like the Art of Small Talk with a insightful spiritual / Buddhist viewpoint.
athblakewood's review
4.0
This book taught me more little snippets than I thought it would far beyond learning conversational skills. This book was a reminder of enjoying and savouring connection, of being present, and how connecting with others will always be a heartbeat already within us when paying attention.
antidietleah's review
3.0
I definitely struggled at first but there were some good little nuggets. This book is best enjoyed slowly: its broken into mini topics that are only a few pages that end with a reflection. I would suggest just perhaps reading one a day and not trying to rush through it.