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Rating: 
Summary: Who says conversation is dead?
Review: Hey, listen up! The art of being a good listener isn't determined by DNA. Dr. John Lovitt believes anybody can master the skill if they're willing to work at it.In this first of a series of books aimed at teaching people to communicate well, Dr. Lovitt defines what makes a truly good listener: "Listening," he writes in chapter three, "is when listeners provide verbal and non-verbal responses to understand or match the intended message of the messengers." True listening, he goes on to explain, requires several processes: listening for content, context and key feelings and listening and observing for non-verbal cues and behavior. Most of us manage to muddle along reasonably well with our standard listening skills. However, says Dr. Lovitt, those who listen for a living need to do better, particularly if their goal is to validate and/or help the messenger. Wittily illustrated by San Antonio, Texas, artist Bill Bristow, WHO'S LISTENING ANYWAY is written in clear, concise language and with an enthusiastic style that makes the lessons it contains relatively painless. Using an eight-element scale he developed himself, Dr. Lovitt guides the reader into the first steps toward a better understanding of our fellow humans. "The more people are listened to," he writes, "the less baggage they have to store. The more they are listened to, the cleaner their attics become. The more they are listened to, the less wounded they are. Being thoroughly understood and loved for who they are allows people to take a huge step forward toward wholeness, and, therefore, wellness of mind, body and spirit." Shall we talk?
Rating: 
Summary: For so much more than business!
Review: Long ago I began to notice that people seemed to have programmed answers.
For example, when you cross paths with someone, and your eyes meet, one of
you says, "Hello, how are you today?" And as you continue passing each other
by as your schedule presses upon you, a quick, "I'm fine, thanks" is given.
But are you fine? Does the person asking how you are, truly care? Or do they
feel that an obligatory courtesy must be given because your eyes met? Don't
mistake what I'm saying. I am aware that in depth and meaningful
conversations don't happen every time our mouths open. Do we, however, take
the time to notice the people we are having a moment with? Do we care about
them beyond the pressing demands of our day?
This book asks important questions that find their prompting from a
foundation based on Scripture. This is a tremendously important book for
anyone who wishes to minister effectively. What about eye contact during a
conversation? Do you set boundaries as a listener AND as a communicator? Do
you realize that body language speaks louder than words? What are some of
the subconscious roadblocks to listening and communicating? Are you aware of
bullies in a conversation and/or people that set traps during communication?
These are a few of the topics discussed cogently in the pages of this book.
After reading this book I spoke with the author. He is a brilliant man who desires to glorify the Lord with his life and his writings. As I read this book, I was convicted about placing myself before others as I speak and/or listen. I asked him if this was an "in between the line" theme of his. Yes, it was. You see, one of the biggest stumbling blocks in any conversation is caring more about yourself than the other person you are speaking with. Do we glorify God in our speech and attentive listening? Do we convey grace and mercy as we converse? Are we a reflection of our God who cares so deeply about His children? These are absolutely crucial precepts in entering into any dialogue. This is a very rewarding book that can further us as business people, friends, and most importantly, witnesses of the Saviour.
Rating:
Summary: For so much more than business!
Review: Long ago I began to notice that people seemed to have programmed answers.
For example, when you cross paths with someone, and your eyes meet, one of
you says, "Hello, how are you today?" And as you continue passing each other
by as your schedule presses upon you, a quick, "I'm fine, thanks" is given.
But are you fine? Does the person asking how you are, truly care? Or do they
feel that an obligatory courtesy must be given because your eyes met? Don't
mistake what I'm saying. I am aware that in depth and meaningful
conversations don't happen every time our mouths open. Do we, however, take
the time to notice the people we are having a moment with? Do we care about
them beyond the pressing demands of our day?
This book asks important questions that find their prompting from a
foundation based on Scripture. This is a tremendously important book for
anyone who wishes to minister effectively. What about eye contact during a
conversation? Do you set boundaries as a listener AND as a communicator? Do
you realize that body language speaks louder than words? What are some of
the subconscious roadblocks to listening and communicating? Are you aware of
bullies in a conversation and/or people that set traps during communication?
These are a few of the topics discussed cogently in the pages of this book.
After reading this book I spoke with the author. He is a brilliant man who desires to glorify the Lord with his life and his writings. As I read this book, I was convicted about placing myself before others as I speak and/or listen. I asked him if this was an "in between the line" theme of his. Yes, it was. You see, one of the biggest stumbling blocks in any conversation is caring more about yourself than the other person you are speaking with. Do we glorify God in our speech and attentive listening? Do we convey grace and mercy as we converse? Are we a reflection of our God who cares so deeply about His children? These are absolutely crucial precepts in entering into any dialogue. This is a very rewarding book that can further us as business people, friends, and most importantly, witnesses of the Saviour.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Hearing is Not Enough
Review: Today I see more energy wasted, personally and professionally, that could avoided if clear listening occurred. This book sets forth simple, yet profound concepts that had better be followed if you don't want misunderstanding to get in the way. I highlight my favorite insights and this book got pretty colored up. Favoite tip was in non-defensive listening, learning how to diffuse, even turn, a verbal attack through listening.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Hearing is Not Enough
Review: Today I see more energy wasted, personally and professionally, that could avoided if clear listening occurred. This book sets forth simple, yet profound concepts that had better be followed if you don't want misunderstanding to get in the way. I highlight my favorite insights and this book got pretty colored up. Favoite tip was in non-defensive listening, learning how to diffuse, even turn, a verbal attack through listening.
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