The Art of Communicating
by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Zen teacher's short book on mindful speech and deep listening: communication as nourishment or poison, the four elements of right speech, listening with compassion, and the practice of returning to the breath before speaking. It is simple, calm and quietly demanding.
Read it if…
you want a contemplative approach to speaking and listening.
Skip it if…
you want techniques for persuasion; this is about presence and kindness.
Three things you will actually use
- Listen to relieve suffering, not to respond.
- Speak truthfully, kindly and only what helps.
- Breathe before speaking; the pause changes the words.
Do this first
In one conversation today, listen without planning your reply, and breathe before you speak.
Our verdict
Short and serene; a different kind of communication book.
Compare with other Relationships books
Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person
The School of Life · Relationships
Short, dry, corrective.
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