Read Talking Across the Divide How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World Justin Lee 9780143132707 Books

Product details Paperback 272 pages Publisher TarcherPerigee (August 14, 2018) Language English ISBN-10 9780143132707 ISBN-13 978-0143132707 ASIN 0143132709

Talking Across the Divide How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World Justin Lee 9780143132707 Books Reviews

• I purchased this book thinking it's written to guide a group discussion but it is focused on one-on-one discussions. It gives tools to understand the specifics regarding the topic under discussion and guides you in responding to accurately address the objections of the person to whom you are speaking. In hindsight I think most communication on difficult topics occurs one-on-one rather than in groups.
• A lot of blogs and essays out there will warn you about the dangers of filter bubbles and bemoan the increasing polarization of our society. And while this book covers those topics, it goes beyond by laying a blueprint for having productive dialogue through listening. It never promises this will be easy or comfortable, but it does show how it can be possible and how you can make it happen. The book is full of real world examples from Justin’s extensive experience in the Christian and LGBTQIA+ communities. I highly recommend reading it.
• The world has never been as polarised as it is today.
  
  LGBTQ+ activists versus Christians.
  
  Liberals versus Conservatives.
  
  Left versus Right.
  
  This is where Justin Lee’s latest book, “Talking Across the Divide” has proven to be a game-changer.
  
  In this book, he gives us the tools we need to dialogue with those we disagree with.
  
  No, he doesn’t teach us how to argue effectively, but to dialogue.
  
  “Strategic Dialogue” is a term he coined to refer to a particular way of communicating with people you dialogue with.
  
  It’s a technique designed to reduce tension, change attitudes, and remove obstacles to the truth.
  
  In this book, he outlines 3 basic steps of strategic dialogue he has used for the past 20 years to great success.
  
  Firstly in Step A, we have "Preparation" where you prepare not only yourself, but also your audience and the space you’re in.
  
  Then comes, "Dialogue" where you use strategic listening, storytelling and repeating them to break down barriers.
  
  Finally, in "Next Steps", we make an ask, debrief and evaluate and repeat the entire process again.
  
  This is a book filled not only with theory, but is also full of practical advice on how to engage someone in strategic dialogue.
  
  I liked the case studies he presented where he used the exact steps outlined in this book to dialogue with people he disagreed with.
  
  I will definitely be using many of the methods listed in this book to talk with friends and family whose opinions I disagree with.
  
  I’d recommend this book to everyone who has someone they don’t see eye to eye with, yet want to maintain a harmonious relationship. This is a very useful tool in the polarised world we live in today.
• Wow I am so blow away by this book. I really do believe that this should be required reading for everyone in the country. We all need to be educated in how to talk, in an inviting and meaningful way, to those who do not share our beliefs.
• While the book has quite a few specific suggestions, what seemed most helpful is a sort of coaching in creating the proper mindset for persuasion. Quite different from Torn but I wasn’t disappointed.
• Great book!