When it comes to effective communication, a wise man once advised, “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” If ever there was a time to employ such advice, it is today. In our modern society we are conditioned from youth to expect constant distractions and interruptions. The result is an ever-shortening attention span which is potentially detrimental to our relationships, both social and professional.

Employers, love interests, friendships, and even casual business relationships can all be scuttled when someone senses that the person they are speaking to is not fully attentive. This is a more serious problem than most people realize. When a drifting mind starts to become a habit during conversations, you will find people respecting you less and less.

The good news is this behavior can be corrected. In this book you will learn easily-adaptable techniques for focusing and remaining fully-engaged in a way that will allow you to extract the most from your conversations. The people you talk with on a daily basis will perceive that you are paying attention, and, most importantly, that you actually care. When that happens, your relationships will take on a whole new dimension, bringing a deep level of fulfillment and opening new opportunities in all areas of your life.

Topics covered include:

- The difference between active and passive listening

- How to tune into nonverbal cues

- Achieving self-directed mindfulness for staying engaged

- Identifying and overcoming your natural barriers to active listening

- Tips and tricks for cultivating a “listening mindset”

- Recognizing your own biases and assumptions, and learning to thwart them

- Exercises for improving your overall attentiveness

- The role of emotional validation in effective communication

- The art of de-escalating conflicts

- Techniques for navigating difficult conversations

- How mastering active listening often precipitates strong leadership

Do not for a moment think that becoming an active and empathetic listener is for the benefit of others. It is for your benefit, first and foremost. Upon training yourself with this material, you just might be amazed to discover what you’ve been missing. A whole new world of insight and satisfaction awaits you.

William Howard