As we approach the end of the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are excited to resume our pre-COVID lives, with all their parties and events and various social engagements. But at the same time, a secret part of us is, well, not at all excited about those things. It’s the part that doesn’t miss making endless small talk and trying to remember strangers’ names—especially now that we’re so out of practice.
So how can we use this opportunity to boost our social skills, and learn to confidently connect with anyone we might run into? The five new books below are a great place to start, as they’re sure to make post-pandemic socializing a little less weird and a lot more rewarding.
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters
By Kate Murphy
Far more than we realize, social awkwardness emerges because we’re not really listening to one another. While the other person speaks, we’re busy thinking about what we should say next, and when it’s our turn, we usually talk about ourselves rather than ask an earnest question. So in You’re Not Listening, New York Times contributor Kate Murphy dives deep into how we can improve the very real skill of listening. View on Amazon
Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues
By David Bradford and Carole Robin
The instructors of the renowned Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business have collected their most powerful insights into a single transformative read. Whether you’re negotiating with a potential business partner or trying to reconnect with an old friend, Connect is an ideal guide to building better, stronger relationships. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication
By Fred Dust
Fred Dust is a former Senior Partner and Global Managing Director at the legendary design firm IDEO. And over time, he realized that communication itself could be designed better by using the four elements of successful exchanges: Commitment, Creative Listening, Clarity, and Context. By staying mindful of these factors, all of our conversations become both more creative and more productive. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
Missing Each Other: How to Cultivate Meaningful Connections
By Edward Brodkin and Ashley Pallathra
Psychiatrist Edward Brodkin and therapist Ashley Pallathra take readers on a journey through fields as diverse as social neuroscience and autism research, music performance, pro basketball, and tai chi to explain why people so often try and fail to authentically connect. But they also provide useful exercises for readers to help them improve their skills and stop “missing each other.” View Our “Book Bite” Summary
We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter
By Celeste Headlee
Based on Headlee’s acclaimed TED Talk with tens of millions of views, We Need to Talk outlines specific strategies anyone can use to have a better conversation. From checking our biases to becoming fully present to changing the way we use technology, we all have the power to make our conversations more engaging, productive, and meaningful. Read our Conversation with the Author
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