Better Conversations (coaching Ourselves And Each Other To Be More Credible, Caring, And Connected)

By (author) Knight Jim
Short description/annotation:
This book will help you  communicate clearly, help you learn, help you connect, help you be better.  At the heart of its innovation is the belief that we can "self-coach" ourselves to become better communicators. 

Description:
This book will help you  communicate clearly, help you learn, help you connect, help you be better.  At the heart of its innovation is the belief that we can "self-coach" ourselves to become better communicators. 

Table of contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Chapter 1: Radical Brokenness and Better Conversations Chapter 2: The Better Conversations Beliefs Chapter 3: Listening With Empathy Chapter 4: Fostering Dialogue Chapter 5: Asking Better Questions Chapter 6: Connecting Chapter 7: Finding Common Ground Chapter 8: Redirecting Toxic Words and Emotions Chapter 9: Building Trust References Study Participants Index
Review quote:
"I thought I knew how to have a conversation; I’ve had millions of them. Some were good, others not so much so. But I want to have GREAT conversations, and Jim Knight has taught me how. The proof is in: better conversations are possible and the results are worth the investment."
Review quote:
"Better Conversations stimulates the mind, spirit, and soul of those who coach, regardless of their role or position, by unpacking and reshaping the mental models that drive how they think, speak, and act. . . I found myself frequently thinking about how helpful this book will be to nearly every human who interacts with others whether in school or beyond."
Review quote:
"I read more education books than I care to admit.  Some are good, some are bad, and very few are great.  Jim Knight’s book Better Conversations is BRILLIANT!  Insightful, innovative, and practical are the three words that kept coming to me when I was reading and learning from his book.  Jim treats the subject of communication as an art and gives all of us, regardless of position or years of experience, practical ways to use our voice to improve the teaching and learning environment, as well as ourselves!" 
Review quote:
"Better Conversations is just what the title says. Jim Knight moves learning conversations ahead for educators to deepen trust, meaning, and actions. He summarizes current thinking from multiple authors that will make learning for adults and students better. Activities at the end of each chapter can be used for self-reflection, team learning, and schoolwide focus on learning. The vignettes are real issues in schools, which makes this book very important for our profession."
Review quote:

"Doing the Better Conversation study, I think I have started to see a better version of myself, and who doesn’t want that? . . . "

Review quote:

"The Better Conversations process pushed me to video record myself in the same way that I ask others to engage in video protocols with the purpose of deeper understanding. Reflecting on my experiences felt like a gift I gave myself. I actually savored the time and experience of answering questions and considering my strengths as well as areas in which I can grow."

Review quote:

"I find that I am using the Better Conversations process in all walks of life, not just in professional coaching. I am seeing aspects of my personal life differently because I am focusing on what I can do to control my reactions to situations. It is forcing me to think more about practicing what I preach."

Review quote:

"I’ve learned a lot by reading through the materials, practicing the activities, and changing entrenched responses. I have slowed down, learned to listen, and become keenly aware of choices I have in communicating with