About We Need to Talk
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Wave (September 19, 2017)
“WE NEED TO TALK.”
In this urgent and insightful book, public radio journalist Celeste Headlee shows us how to bridge what divides us–by having real conversations
BASED ON THE TED TALK WITH OVER 10 MILLION VIEWS
“We Need to Talk is an important read for a conversationally-challenged, disconnected age. Headlee is a talented, honest storyteller, and her advice has helped me become a better spouse, friend, and mother.” (Jessica Lahey, author of New York Times bestseller The Gift of Failure)
Today most of us communicate from behind electronic screens, and studies show that Americans feel less connected and more divided than ever before. The blame for some of this disconnect can be attributed to our political landscape, but the erosion of our conversational skills as a society lies with us as individuals.
And the only way forward, says Headlee, is to start talking to each other. In We Need to Talk, she outlines the strategies that have made her a better conversationalist—and offers simple tools that can improve anyone’s communication. For example:
- BE THERE OR GO ELSEWHERE. Human beings are incapable of multitasking, and this is especially true of tasks that involve language. Think you can type up a few emails while on a business call, or hold a conversation with your child while texting your spouse? Think again.
- CHECK YOUR BIAS. The belief that your intelligence protects you from erroneous assumptions can end up making you more vulnerable to them. We all have blind spots that affect the way we view others. Check your bias before you judge someone else.
- HIDE YOUR PHONE. Don’t just put down your phone, put it away. New research suggests that the mere presence of a cell phone can negatively impact the quality of a conversation.
Whether you’re struggling to communicate with your kid’s teacher at school, an employee at work, or the people you love the most—Headlee offers smart strategies that can help us all have conversations that matter.
Purchase Links
HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About Celeste Headlee
Celeste Headlee is the host of the daily news show On Second Thought on Georgia Public Broadcasting. She has spent more than a decade with National Public Radio and has been a host for Public Radio International since 2008. Celeste has appeared on CNN, the BBC, PBS, and MSNBC. She’s also a classically trained soprano who doesn’t get enough time to sing anymore. She has one son and one rescue dog, and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Find out more about Celeste at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Tour Stops
Wednesday, October 4th: Dwell in Possibility
Thursday, October 5th: StephTheBookworm
Monday, October 30th: A Lovely Bookshelf on the Wall
Friday, November 3rd: Literary Quicksand
Monday, November 6th: Stacy’s Books
Tuesday, November 7th: Dreams, Etc.
Wednesday, November 8th: Leigh Kramer
Monday, November 13th: Openly Bookish
Wednesday, November 15th: Wining Wife
Monday, November 20th: Thoughts On This ‘n That
Monday, November 20th: Jathan & Heather