The Art of Conversation

Discover the power of real conversations and connect deeply with others If you've ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “Why did I say that?” or “I wish I'd spoken up…”, you're not alone. In the newly updated second edition of The Art of Conversation, Judy Apps shows you how to turn everyday chats and business conversations into something deeper, more meaningful – and a lot less awkward. Whether you freeze up in social settings or want to connect better with the people around you, this book is packed with brilliant, down-to-earth solutions. Discover how to start great conversations and keep them flowing, how to handle tricky moments, and how to express yourself with ease and confidence. Inside the book: Spot what's really going on in a conversation and respond in a way that moves it forward Use voice and body language to express yourself more powerfully Employ technology to enhance, not replace, genuine human connection Build stronger, more honest relationships with important people in your life The Art of Conversation is is about being real and connecting deeply and meaningfully with those who matter most to you. Whatever base you start from, its secrets will transform every aspect of your life.

Preface ix Acknowledgements xi Introduction to the Second Edition 1 Part 1: Getting Going with Conversation 7 1. The Dance of Conversation 9 2. Connecting Is What Matters Most 17 3. Getting in the Right State 39 4. Getting a Conversation Going – The Basics 51 5. Listening 61 Part 2: The Power of Conversation 77 6. Influencing a Conversation 79 7. Different Kinds of Conversation 89 8. Expressing Yourself 115 Part 3: Conversation and Technology 127 9. Various Communication Technologies 129 10. Human Elements in the Use of Communication Technology 139 Part 4: Sailing Through Tricky Waters 153 11. When the Going Gets Tough 155 12. Game Playing 163 13. Disagreement and Confrontation 175 Part 5: Creative Conversations 185 14. Changing the World One Conversation at a Time 187 About the Author 197 Image Credits 199 Index 201