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The Art of Conversation: How to Communicate Effectively by Refining Your Social Skills
If shyness is negatively impacting your life and you’re ready to break free from social awkwardness and fear, then you’ve found the right book.
We’re not born knowing how to handle social situations. Social skills are developed through trial and error by interacting with others, and gradually we learn how to conform to the expectations of social life. But sometimes it’s not so easy to know what to say or how to act.
Social skills are critical for success in life, but they can also be hard to come by. If you’re struggling to communicate effectively and overcome your fear, you need a guide to help you along the way. You need this book.
Step by step, chapter by chapter, this book will help you learn how to let others know you’re interested in what they have to say, keep them interested in you, and achieve open and eloquent conversation.Along the way, you’ll also
How to keep a conversation going and avoid awkward lulls.Why eye contact is important.How to read a room or a person’s mood and determine the best way to communicate.Why laughter is essential in social situations.How to build relationships through respect and trust.Why your physical appearance matters when you’re conversing?How to end a conversation without making the other person feel unwelcome.
And much, much more!
Don’t let your shyness keep you from experiencing the richness of life. Social skills can be learned and refined, and they can change your life.
We’re not born knowing how to handle social situations. Social skills are developed through trial and error by interacting with others, and gradually we learn how to conform to the expectations of social life. But sometimes it’s not so easy to know what to say or how to act.
Social skills are critical for success in life, but they can also be hard to come by. If you’re struggling to communicate effectively and overcome your fear, you need a guide to help you along the way. You need this book.
Step by step, chapter by chapter, this book will help you learn how to let others know you’re interested in what they have to say, keep them interested in you, and achieve open and eloquent conversation.Along the way, you’ll also
How to keep a conversation going and avoid awkward lulls.Why eye contact is important.How to read a room or a person’s mood and determine the best way to communicate.Why laughter is essential in social situations.How to build relationships through respect and trust.Why your physical appearance matters when you’re conversing?How to end a conversation without making the other person feel unwelcome.
And much, much more!
Don’t let your shyness keep you from experiencing the richness of life. Social skills can be learned and refined, and they can change your life.
- GenresCommunicationSelf Help
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2019
64 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 20, 2020
[Review in English + Reseña en Español]
The Art of Conversation: How to Communicate Effectively by Refining Your Social Skills, by Stephen Haunts
Stephen Haunts Ltd. 2019
87 pages.
Genre: Non Fiction / Verbal Communication
This book is a manual of techniques to improve verbal communication skills. It includes suggestions for shy people or those suffering from social anxiety to overcome the paralyzing fear of being judged, and to interact and communicate effectively through meaningful conversations; although the points are valid to improve the conversation level of any individual.
The basic premises of the book are: 1) It is necessary to accept oneself in order to perceive the acceptance of others. 2) Conversation is necessary, but it should also be a joyful, light and enjoyable experience. 3) The pauses in a conversation are tactical points to introduce valid points, increase understanding and direct the course of the talk. 4) First impressions are not always correct. 5) Respect and total attention to the interlocutor is indispensable. 6) Taking your time to consider the facts demonstrates wisdom and courtesy. 7) We all have limits on what and how we share it. 8) You have to learn when and how to approach, but also when and how to abandon a successful conversation.
I think that this guide is quite complete, concise, orderly, simple to understand and follow, and that it can function as an effective growth tool for anyone interested in improving their social skills through the art of conversation.
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The Art of Conversation: How to Communicate Effectively by Refining Your Social Skills, por Stephen Haunts
Stephen Haunts Ltd. 2019
87 páginas.
Género: No Ficción / Comunicación verbal
Este libro es un manual de técnicas para mejorar las habilidades comunicativas verbales. Incluye sugerencias para que las personas tímidas o quienes sufren de ansiedad social logren sobreponerse al temor paralizante a ser juzgadas, y puedan interactuar y comunicarse de manera efectiva a través de conversaciones significativas; aunque los puntos son válidos para mejorar el nivel de conversación de cualquier individuo.
Las premisas básicas del libro son: 1) Es necesario autoaceptarse para poder percibir la aceptación de los demás. 2) La conversación es indispensable, pero también debería ser una experiencia alegre, ligera y disfrutable. 3) Las pausas en una conversación son puntos tácticos para introducir puntos válidos, aumentar la comprensión y encaminar el cauce de la plática. 4) Las primeras impresiones no siempre son correctas. 5) El respeto y la atención total hacia el interlocutor es indispensable. 6) Tomarse su tiempo para considerar los hechos demuestra sabiduría y cortesía. 7) Todos tenemos límites respecto a qué y cómo lo compartimos. 8) Hay que aprender cuándo y cómo abordar, pero también cuándo y cómo abandonar una conversación con éxito.
Considero que esta guía es bastante completa, concisa, ordenada, sencilla de entender y de seguir, y que puede funcionar como una efectiva herramienta de crecimiento para cualquier persona interesada en mejorar sus habilidades sociales por medio del arte de la conversación.
The Art of Conversation: How to Communicate Effectively by Refining Your Social Skills, by Stephen Haunts
Stephen Haunts Ltd. 2019
87 pages.
Genre: Non Fiction / Verbal Communication
This book is a manual of techniques to improve verbal communication skills. It includes suggestions for shy people or those suffering from social anxiety to overcome the paralyzing fear of being judged, and to interact and communicate effectively through meaningful conversations; although the points are valid to improve the conversation level of any individual.
The basic premises of the book are: 1) It is necessary to accept oneself in order to perceive the acceptance of others. 2) Conversation is necessary, but it should also be a joyful, light and enjoyable experience. 3) The pauses in a conversation are tactical points to introduce valid points, increase understanding and direct the course of the talk. 4) First impressions are not always correct. 5) Respect and total attention to the interlocutor is indispensable. 6) Taking your time to consider the facts demonstrates wisdom and courtesy. 7) We all have limits on what and how we share it. 8) You have to learn when and how to approach, but also when and how to abandon a successful conversation.
I think that this guide is quite complete, concise, orderly, simple to understand and follow, and that it can function as an effective growth tool for anyone interested in improving their social skills through the art of conversation.
------------
The Art of Conversation: How to Communicate Effectively by Refining Your Social Skills, por Stephen Haunts
Stephen Haunts Ltd. 2019
87 páginas.
Género: No Ficción / Comunicación verbal
Este libro es un manual de técnicas para mejorar las habilidades comunicativas verbales. Incluye sugerencias para que las personas tímidas o quienes sufren de ansiedad social logren sobreponerse al temor paralizante a ser juzgadas, y puedan interactuar y comunicarse de manera efectiva a través de conversaciones significativas; aunque los puntos son válidos para mejorar el nivel de conversación de cualquier individuo.
Las premisas básicas del libro son: 1) Es necesario autoaceptarse para poder percibir la aceptación de los demás. 2) La conversación es indispensable, pero también debería ser una experiencia alegre, ligera y disfrutable. 3) Las pausas en una conversación son puntos tácticos para introducir puntos válidos, aumentar la comprensión y encaminar el cauce de la plática. 4) Las primeras impresiones no siempre son correctas. 5) El respeto y la atención total hacia el interlocutor es indispensable. 6) Tomarse su tiempo para considerar los hechos demuestra sabiduría y cortesía. 7) Todos tenemos límites respecto a qué y cómo lo compartimos. 8) Hay que aprender cuándo y cómo abordar, pero también cuándo y cómo abandonar una conversación con éxito.
Considero que esta guía es bastante completa, concisa, ordenada, sencilla de entender y de seguir, y que puede funcionar como una efectiva herramienta de crecimiento para cualquier persona interesada en mejorar sus habilidades sociales por medio del arte de la conversación.
April 24, 2020
When I started reading the book I was impressed when the author mentioned the Myer-Briggs personality test in the very first chapter. Being one of 'I' personality, I was actually taking notes from the book about potential good suggestions. From 5 pages of notes, What I found.
Yes, the book has some good content regarding, why introverts fail to have a conversation often, importance of having a conversation- nurture the psychological need, innate desire of approval; harmful effects of loneliness; how to start a conversation- breaking the bubble, ice breaker games, small talks, like-minded groups; group dynamics; the importance of listening; body language and clues; how to sustain conversation-putting people at ease, taking out social mask, open mind, good listening skill, empathy; importance of appearance, how to end conversations.
However, chapter 5 onward, you will find repetitive things, empathy, listening skill, open mind, accommodating diversity. In fact, you can find the section- 'Playing it smart' under chapter 9 and conclusion at the last more effective than most of the writing. After a certain point, it looks like another has just tried to fill in under different subheads of a regular Buzzfeed article. The part where the author talked about how to sustain a conversation- very dull and generalized writing with poorly knitted loose threads. Other negatives things are that content is very poorly organized (very disappointed). In general self-help books being non-fictional have very attractive writings, lots of examples and references, this book lacks these things (only a few).
Yes, the book has some good content regarding, why introverts fail to have a conversation often, importance of having a conversation- nurture the psychological need, innate desire of approval; harmful effects of loneliness; how to start a conversation- breaking the bubble, ice breaker games, small talks, like-minded groups; group dynamics; the importance of listening; body language and clues; how to sustain conversation-putting people at ease, taking out social mask, open mind, good listening skill, empathy; importance of appearance, how to end conversations.
However, chapter 5 onward, you will find repetitive things, empathy, listening skill, open mind, accommodating diversity. In fact, you can find the section- 'Playing it smart' under chapter 9 and conclusion at the last more effective than most of the writing. After a certain point, it looks like another has just tried to fill in under different subheads of a regular Buzzfeed article. The part where the author talked about how to sustain a conversation- very dull and generalized writing with poorly knitted loose threads. Other negatives things are that content is very poorly organized (very disappointed). In general self-help books being non-fictional have very attractive writings, lots of examples and references, this book lacks these things (only a few).
September 2, 2020
An effective constructive conversation is something worth spending your time learning it. Stephen Haunts, the author, outlined a practical guide to refine the reader’s social skills by mastering the art of conversation. Whether the reader is an introvert or having a social anxiety or simply a reader who seeks to master the art of conversation, this book provides a concise, simple to follow steps that will add up to the reader’s personal growth.
Although the book is about mastering how to communicate effectively with others but outlining the fact that silence is an important tool for speakers to make use of amazed me. As I do believe that silent moments, when used effectively, have a great impact on the whole conversation context.
The most important aspect is to understand one’s own self as this is a trap we all fall into. How to get out of your comfort zone and discover your personal traits are hidden messages outlined by the author encouraging the readers to unleash their hidden potentials.
I shifted the flow of my conversations when I applied the effective listening tactics, making an eye contact, seeking to understand, and reading the body language cues and gestures. I believe readers will have the same shift once they apply these tactics effectively.
This book will not teach you how to start a conversation but also how to end it in addition to what kills a conversation, so it is recommended for people looking for effective communication techniques.
Although the book is about mastering how to communicate effectively with others but outlining the fact that silence is an important tool for speakers to make use of amazed me. As I do believe that silent moments, when used effectively, have a great impact on the whole conversation context.
The most important aspect is to understand one’s own self as this is a trap we all fall into. How to get out of your comfort zone and discover your personal traits are hidden messages outlined by the author encouraging the readers to unleash their hidden potentials.
I shifted the flow of my conversations when I applied the effective listening tactics, making an eye contact, seeking to understand, and reading the body language cues and gestures. I believe readers will have the same shift once they apply these tactics effectively.
This book will not teach you how to start a conversation but also how to end it in addition to what kills a conversation, so it is recommended for people looking for effective communication techniques.
February 27, 2020
I came by this book via Booktasters, in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw the title of this book I tought it would be very interesting, seeing something that should come naturally, from the point of view of a process, I thought maybe it would serve as a formula for people who suffer from social anxiety, or extreme shyness.
It totally worked, I actually made some step – by – step experiments and it was amazingly effective, getting to know oneself, while stepping out of our comfort zone, it gave great results, it also helped me listen more effectively, which was a pretty good way to understand people around me, they were obviously delighted by feeling attention was being paid to them. The comments on body language are also important since it is complementary to actually “listening” to someone.
In the end, considering my jobi s actually in a comercial area, it helped me visualize the process of understanding the other person’s wants and needs, which is invaluable in terms of them becoming our active and happy clients.
When I saw the title of this book I tought it would be very interesting, seeing something that should come naturally, from the point of view of a process, I thought maybe it would serve as a formula for people who suffer from social anxiety, or extreme shyness.
It totally worked, I actually made some step – by – step experiments and it was amazingly effective, getting to know oneself, while stepping out of our comfort zone, it gave great results, it also helped me listen more effectively, which was a pretty good way to understand people around me, they were obviously delighted by feeling attention was being paid to them. The comments on body language are also important since it is complementary to actually “listening” to someone.
In the end, considering my jobi s actually in a comercial area, it helped me visualize the process of understanding the other person’s wants and needs, which is invaluable in terms of them becoming our active and happy clients.
February 12, 2025
“The Art of Conversation" by Stephen Haunts starts with an interesting premise: who couldn’t benefit from improving their conversational skills? Whether it’s deep analytical discussions or simply brushing up on small talk, this book promises to help readers become better communicators.
The initial mention of the Myers-Briggs personality test adds a layer of credibility, as Haunts ties conversational strategies to different personality types. This approach feels practical and engaging, setting a solid foundation for what could have been a game-changing guide to improving communication.
However, as you get deeper into the book, it starts to feel repetitive. Many of the points made early on are revisited multiple times, and while the advice is useful, it doesn’t offer anything revolutionary. If you’ve read other books on communication or personal development, you’re unlikely to find much new here.
That said, the book is a simple and quick read, making it a worthwhile investment for someone looking for a refresher on conversational basics. Haunts provides clear examples and straightforward tips that could benefit readers who struggle with small talk or lack confidence in social settings. However, for anyone already comfortable with day-to-day conversations, the book doesn’t dig deep enough to make a lasting impact.
Overall, "The Art of Conversation" is a decent guide that’s worth the time it takes to read, but it’s not going to revolutionize your life unless you’re starting from a place of complete isolation as an introvert. It’s practical and approachable, but it falls short of being truly transformative.
The initial mention of the Myers-Briggs personality test adds a layer of credibility, as Haunts ties conversational strategies to different personality types. This approach feels practical and engaging, setting a solid foundation for what could have been a game-changing guide to improving communication.
However, as you get deeper into the book, it starts to feel repetitive. Many of the points made early on are revisited multiple times, and while the advice is useful, it doesn’t offer anything revolutionary. If you’ve read other books on communication or personal development, you’re unlikely to find much new here.
That said, the book is a simple and quick read, making it a worthwhile investment for someone looking for a refresher on conversational basics. Haunts provides clear examples and straightforward tips that could benefit readers who struggle with small talk or lack confidence in social settings. However, for anyone already comfortable with day-to-day conversations, the book doesn’t dig deep enough to make a lasting impact.
Overall, "The Art of Conversation" is a decent guide that’s worth the time it takes to read, but it’s not going to revolutionize your life unless you’re starting from a place of complete isolation as an introvert. It’s practical and approachable, but it falls short of being truly transformative.
August 20, 2025
Stephen Haunts’ The Art of Conversation is a practical, easy-to-follow guide that sharpens both personal and professional communication. It balances theory with actionable tips, helping readers build confidence, active listening skills, and rapport. The tone is approachable, making complex ideas accessible. While not overly in-depth, it’s an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to improve everyday social interactions.
March 27, 2020
Majorly discussed about the how to start, how to convey, methods of ice-breaking conversation, time for laugh, absorbing mind words through body language, Mainly dressing is the real body language from others point of view, closing a successful conversation & how to get others into your conversation.
***I Recommend people who are looking for best communication technique, This book is Good***
***I Recommend people who are looking for best communication technique, This book is Good***
March 25, 2022
As an ambivert, my introvert side was deeply called out! But at the same time, it was a very good read and it made me understand people more. Empathy is key, it will never be wrong to think of other people's feelings before speaking out.
But honestly speaking, it could have been better if some of the chapters weren't too repetitive and seem like fillers to bridge point gaps.
But honestly speaking, it could have been better if some of the chapters weren't too repetitive and seem like fillers to bridge point gaps.
September 7, 2022
I was feeling that I wasted my money because I knew most everything he wrote about. There are also some things I’d like to challenge the author about. For someone new to the social skills game its good. Not for me.
May 10, 2025
2.5 rounded down.
Honestly this was a bit generic. Very little actual helpful information and told in a very bland manner. It kinda felt a bit like it was enabling masking for neurodivergents as well, which I'm not a fan of.
Honestly this was a bit generic. Very little actual helpful information and told in a very bland manner. It kinda felt a bit like it was enabling masking for neurodivergents as well, which I'm not a fan of.
December 2, 2019
Excellent book. Takes you out of your comfort zone and puts you into the world of real communication. A must read for those that have social anxiety and freeze when getting to know others.
February 1, 2020
Whether you are a gifted speaker or not, this book should be required reading for pretty much everyone. Many wonderful speakers that I have known in the past would greatly benefit from reading the chapter on listening, and those who get anxiety whenever they even think of socializing would benefit from the book even more. Every single chapter had something wonderful to contribute to someone just wanting to fit in. I can see the book being used as a text book in schools that are teaching a life skills class, and for parents with children who are autistic, it would be a great resource for trying to help your children become better communicators. I would love to see this book rewritten for children who shy away from making friends, and for middle school students who have a hard time finding their way and fitting in with others. I wish I had this book when I was a teenager. It would have helped me make a good first impression during job interviews, and especially when making presentations during class. If the author doesn't make a picture book out of this, I might have to write one myself because conversation is truly a lost art, and it needs to be rediscovered.
June 8, 2020
a good insight to start new conversations.
July 3, 2020
Good pick for those feel so self-conscious and anxious while socializing.
February 14, 2021
Very relevant and highly recommended, combine it with Les Giblin classics to have an edge in your Job and daily routines! Take on main street and the corner office.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews