How To Speak, How To Listen: 2 Minutes Summary

1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book provides essential guidance on how to become a better listener and speaker to create meaningful conversations and relationships.

“To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.” – Mortimer J. Adler

Quick Info

Overview

Mortimer J. Adler’s How To Speak, How To Listen is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.

In this book, Adler provides invaluable advice on how to become a more effective communicator.

He examines the importance of understanding the other person’s point of view, as well as how to effectively express your own ideas.

Adler also looks at how to ask the right questions, how to listen actively, and how to resolve conflicts.

This book is a comprehensive guide to improving communication skills and mastering the art of conversation.

4 Key Lessons from How To Speak, How To Listen by Mortimer J. Adler

1. Learning to Listen

This lesson teaches readers how to listen actively and critically to others.

It discusses the importance of being an attentive listener and understanding the speaker’s point of view.

It also provides strategies to help improve one’s listening skills, such as being aware of one’s own biases, refraining from making judgments, and asking questions to clarify the speaker’s ideas.

By understanding the speaker’s perspective and being an active listener, readers can gain greater insight into the conversation and develop deeper relationships with others.

2. Developing Speaking Skills

This lesson focuses on developing effective speaking skills.

It provides readers with tips on how to engage their audience and express their points clearly.

This includes using rhetorical devices, such as metaphors, to help illustrate points and using vocal variety to add interest to the conversation.

Additionally, it encourages readers to think before they speak and to avoid jargon and redundancy.

By understanding these concepts, readers can become more confident speakers and be better able to communicate their ideas.

3. Managing Conversation

This lesson focuses on understanding the dynamics of conversation and how to navigate them.

It discusses topics such as taking turns in conversation, gracefully exiting conversations, and the importance of considering the other person’s feelings.

Additionally, it encourages readers to be aware of their own feelings and how they affect the conversation.

By understanding how to manage conversations, readers can become better communicators and build stronger relationships with others.

4. Understanding Arguments

This lesson focuses on understanding the structure of arguments and how to construct them.

It discusses topics such as identifying the key components of an argument, recognizing logical fallacies, and how to refute them.

Additionally, it encourages readers to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of their own arguments and to be open to other points of view.

By understanding these concepts, readers can become better critical thinkers and be better able to articulate their own arguments.

Who Should Read It

This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills, including managers, teachers, students, parents, and anyone who wishes to engage in meaningful conversations.

Where to Get It

If you love the smell and the feel of a physical book, you can just click on the button below:

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About Mortimer J. Adler

Mortimer J. Adler was an American philosopher, educator, and author.

He was a professor at the University of Chicago, a director of the Institute for Philosophical Research, and the editor of the Great Books of the Western World program.

Adler was a prominent advocate of the idea of “great books education,” and wrote several books, including How To Speak, How To Listen, which explores the importance of conversation and effective communication.

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Other Communication Skills Books you may Like:

• Best Books on Communication Skills
• How To Start A Conversation and Make Friends by Don Gabor
• Just Listen by Mark Goulston
• Leadership Presence by Belle Linda Halpern
• Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

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Over to You

If you already read How To Speak, How To Listen by Mortimer J. Adler, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.

Thanks a lot,
Simon

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