Life-Changing Conversations: 7 Strategies to Help You Talk About What Matters Most

by Sarah Rozenthuler, Neale Donald Walsch (Foreword)

Talk is our key action tool for moving forward at work and in our personal life, yet how often do we feel we've missed crucial opportunities or failed in our communication? This book explains why effective talk can be truly transformative and provides a practical guide to having the kinds of conversations that will turn your life around. Expert psychologist and coach Sarah Rozenthuler provides the seven keys to calling up your courage, focusing on your intention, creating positive space, speaking your truth, having a flexible style, cultivating constructive controversy, and obtaining closure. Throughout the book you will find real - life examples of problem situations, including negotiating with difficult neighbours, asking for a raise and ending a long - term relationship. The author shows through extended sample dialogue how, in each case, a difficult situation was worked through and a positive result achieved.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Do you feel stuck for words at crucial moments?’ Do you find you haven’t really been herd? Does your communication let you down?’ As I replied yes to each of these questions I instantly realized how useful the information in this book would be, and how it would help with so many things including situations surrounding jobs. This has to be the most insightful and practical book that I have read so far this year by an experienced author who guides you through scenarios, explanations and outcomes. Conversation has to be one of the most powerful things that shape our lives into what they are, from dramatically affecting relationships to expressing our thoughts, ideas, passions and individuality it is something that at times we take for granted. It is a read that is utterly thought-provoking where you cannot help but loose yourself and discover the most truth-drawing, personal outcomes about yourself that is truly enlightening. As you learn more about yourself you end up being able to identify the ‘weak links in the chain’ thus then being able to work on your weaknesses so as to turn them into strengths. I was constantly amazed by Sarah Rozenthuler’s understanding and depth of knowledge that was complimented with research and evidence, of theory and practice. The writer’s style was warm, positive and most encouraging that swept you along on a journey of self discovery, enlightenment and change that was completely engrossing and mesmerizing from start to finish. This book has to be one of the most vital reads that I have now clutched on my person, being a most essential guide for anyone as it addresses a universal audience that is directed at everyone. I found myself re-evaluating my actions and thoughts on life and myself, making one ultimately a lot more proactive, oozing in self-confidence. I do truly believe that anyone can get something out of reading this book, with such depth of feeling that is ingrained within the pages. Self-discovery and communication with others can be a challenging subject and those few who take the first steps out of their comfort zone by reading this book, will undoubtedly be greatly rewarded.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could be life changing for anyone! Lots of practical advice, several different scenarios gone over that each person might be able to put themselves into. Marriage, jobs, confrontations in almost every part of our lives.

I never thought about conversations as being that deep or that much work! I really liked the job one though. I am not sure in marriage if it should be I am going to do what I want. That is my reasoning for the 4 stars. When you are married, it isn't just about you.

The Bible was quoted in here, so maybe it should be quoted for marriage help too. That isn't what the Bible wants you to do. Also, the Bible clearly states the heart is wicked. So be careful when listening to your heart.

The excercises in the back are thought provoking and will lead you onto a richer deeper communication with others.

I received a copy on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Corrie Allegory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. Can't understate the value of these techniques, and their abilities to bring about deep human connection. Just being aware of the mechanics of a conversation is empowering, feels like I've been let in on a rule book I didn't know existed, and I now know how to play the game.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sarah Rozenthuler is a British psychologist specializing in organizations. While reading her book, I had two perspectives.
1. Lots of name-dropping of "well-known" psychologists -- most of whom I never heard of. I felt like I was reading a text-book for a psychology class.
2. The personal antecdotes or examples about conversations were interesting to read.

Two sentences I especially liked, great food for thought:
"Our relationships -- in our personal, professional and intimate lives -- are the ultimate arenas of growth."
So true! Life is an arena.
"Technology is changing the way we communicate and while it means that we can more easily be in contact, it doesn't always mean that we're in touch, soul to soul."
We text, tweet, Facebook, Pinterest, email. But are we really in touch? Rozenthuler explains in detail problems with technology.

Rozenthuler also gives seven strategies for talking and examples of people using these strategies.

I was glad to have the opportunity to read this book, thanks to Netgalley. However I do not believe I came away with a better ability to be a conversationalist or more courage to ask for difficult items such as a raise.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Italy we have a famous guru (Nardone) that writes more or less the same book, that are pretty useful in my opinion because they have the theoretical explanations but, more, they have real life examples that, IMHO are much more useful that psychologies notions; even if as a psychotherapist I consider some of this "life-changing conversations" a bit oversimplified, as a "normal person" I can understand their appeal.

In Italia abbiamo un famoso guru (Nardone) che scrive più o meno lo stesso tipo di libri, che possono essere considerati utili perchè oltre alla spiegazione teorica fanno parecchi esempi "reali" che, secondo me, sono più interessanti, specialmente per i "profani"; poi, anche se alcune di queste "conversazioni-cambiavita" sono delle ipersemplificazioni, posso capire il loro fascino.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND DUNCAN BAIRD PUBLISHERS FOR THE PREVIEW

[Peter Blackbourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book certainly will change lives!
Its already beginning to have an effect in my circle of friends in Australia where a few "Big Conversations" were waiting to unfold. It has helped give clarity and taken the pressure out of the conversations allowing communication to flow from a very compassionate heartspace.
I've also found it very useful in my normal conversations and for my own personal development.
In summary...a wonderful book, very practical and insightful.
I highly recommend it!

[Esther Louw · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some great points but largely a waste of time. Would not recommend.