Book Review: “The Communication Book: 44 Ideas for Better Conversations Every Day”

“The Communication Book: 44 Ideas for Better Conversations Every Day” is a book by Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschäppeler, two writers and consultants with a background in business and psychology. It offers a collection of ideas and strategies for improving communication and making our conversations more effective and enjoyable.

Overview

“The Communication Book” is structured as a collection of 44 ideas, each of which is presented in a brief and concise format. The ideas are organized into four categories: listening, asking, talking, and meeting and they cover a wide range of topics related to communication and conversation.

The book begins by exploring the importance of listening in communication and offers strategies for becoming a better listener, including techniques for active listening, empathy, and feedback. It then goes on to explore the art of asking, including strategies for asking open-ended questions, clarifying, and seeking feedback.

The book also covers the art of talking, including strategies for effective storytelling, public speaking, and presenting, as well as the art of meeting, including strategies for effective meetings, networking, and persuasion.

Key Takeaways

One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of listening in communication. Krogerus and Tschäppeler argue that listening is a crucial skill that is often overlooked and that becoming a better listener can have a big impact on our communication and relationships.

Another key takeaway is the role of asking in communication. The authors argue that asking effective questions is a powerful tool for gathering information, building rapport, and advancing conversations, and they offer strategies for asking open-ended questions, clarifying, and seeking feedback.

Quotes from The Communication Book

Here are a few quotes from the book that highlight some of the key ideas:

1. “Listening is a crucial skill that is often overlooked. It is the foundation of effective communication.”
2. “Asking open-ended questions is a powerful tool for gathering information, building rapport, and advancing conversations.”
3. “Storytelling is a powerful way to communicate ideas, persuade others, and build relationships.”
4. “Public speaking is an essential skill that can be learned and improved with practice.”
5. “Effective meetings are the key to successful teamwork and collaboration.”
6. “Networking is an essential skill that can help you build relationships, gather information, and advance your career.”
7. “Persuasion is the ability to influence and persuade others through your communication.”

Conclusion

Overall, “The Communication Book” is an engaging and practical guide to improving communication and making our conversations more effective and enjoyable. Krogerus and Tschäppeler’s writing is clear and concise, and they provide a wealth of ideas and strategies for improving communication skills. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone looking to improve your communication skills, this book is sure to have something to offer.