LETS TALK: HOW TO HAVE BETTER CONVERSATIONS

Read this fascinating book and youll become a better listener, a better conversationalist and better company Adam KayA brilliant book on the art of conversation Matt HaigA compulsory book for these divided times Sathnam SangheraAn intriguing exploration of the importance of a proper chinwag Sara CoxA terrific book from a terrific broadcaster. Worryingly good Jeremy VineAn insightful, important read Stacey DooleyA genuinely brilliant broadcaster Matthew SyedA masterly book Matthew dAnconaBrilliant in the year and just as brilliant on the page Anita AnandFascinating and thought-provoking Jane FallonInformed, open-minded, fair, astute, caring and funny Ricky GervaisA grand theory of conversation Dan SnowThe conversation king Laura Whitmore...How do you talk to someone who doesnt want to talk to you?What happens in the brain when were having a good conversation?What have smartphones done to how we connect?Conversations are broken. And while effective dialogue is supposed to lead to greater fulfilment in our personal and professional lives, all the scientific evidence points towards us sharing fewer interactions than previous generations. From ever decreasing face-to-face meetings to echo chambers online, we no longer have the necessary tools to talk to each other.Nihal Arthanayake is bucking this trend. As the world becomes increasingly more fractured, he has built a platform of 1.2 million listeners a week on BBC Radio 5 Live who regard him as one of the best people of his generation at having public conversations. Guests from the worlds biggest stars to leaders of inner-city gangs have lauded his seemingly innate ability to stimulate positive discussions without the need for confrontation. Now he wants to understand how he developed his skills, what it exactly means to have a great conversation and, most importantly, how he can teach us to have better interactions in our everyday lives.Lets Talk blends Nihals experiences as an acclaimed interviewer with expert and celebrity opinion on the secrets and psychology behind successful communication. From tracing the evolution of dialogue to discovering what lights up in the brain when were enjoying a good discussion, Nihal speaks to conversational authorities including Lorraine Kelly, former president of Ireland Mary McAleese, Professor Tanya Byron, internationally bestselling author Johann Hari, Matthew Syed, and many more, to find out why good conversation has eroded over time and how we can fix it.Part how-to and part manifesto, Lets Talk is Nihals accessible, anecdotal and invigorating toolkit to having better conversations with anyone, any time.