Powerful Listening: How to Harness Your Most Essential Skill

By: Kwame Christian, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kwame Christian

Length: 2 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Often in difficult conversations, be it a negotiation at work or an important talk with a family member, we’re eager to find the right words to change someone’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. But the most successful conversations and negotiations don’t come from how well you speak. They come from how well you listen.

Listening is the most essential skill of any conversation, and it’s fast becoming a lost art. But Kwame Christian, recognized as one of the world’s top negotiation experts, believes that anyone with an interest in learning can master the power of effective listening. In his Audible Original, Powerful Listening: How to Harness Your Most Essential Skill, you’ll delve into the transformative power of truly listening to other people—a power that can help you bridge divides and build meaningful, productive relationships in all areas of your life.

For example, you’ll sharpen your ability to read body language and other nonverbal cues. You’ll explore the biases that prevent us from listening, and ways to overcome them. And you’ll even practice the power of asking the right questions to get the information you’re after.

There’s no limit to how good you can get at listening. Consider this Audible Original the perfect start to a never-ending journey of self-improvement.

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©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2023 Audible Originals, LLC.

NA

The information is basic about how to listen others, and it gives you some insights that what is it important and how hard it can be at first

Wonderful Listen

I picked this title simply because I had a drive that would be about one hour each way. That along with being in sales for over 40 years I thought it could sharpen my skills. While listening to Kwame speak you get the feeling the only reason he put his work out there was to help me personally. It really felt like a happy go lucky friend was there walking me through how to be a better communicator. Once I arrived at my destination I still had over 30 minutes left. However, I stayed in the car and enjoyed the entirety of the book. Every conversation I have had since has been elevated with a purpose, and enjoyment, which I have never experienced before.

Easy understandable tips

The tips that could be use right away for better communication were invaluable. I highly recommend this book for better communication skills.

Listening Is Harder than You Think

This book isn't so much about listening, as it is about discussing and learning and making your point in a way that is likely to be heard rather than instantly rejected. I think the most interesting aspect was the author's admission (which is probably true for everyone) that he is a better listener at work than he is at home. Listening is hard. It takes a lot of work and practice. And we could all benefit from thinking about how to do it more effectively.

Great voice

Practical examples of how to be a better listener. I will apply on my next opportunity.

Immediately Effective

while listening to this book I was putting its recommendations into practice and seeing the positive impact on my communication.

Short read, highly effective.

Excellent listen. Well explained and very effective, well done. I appreciated the time taken to explain each portion.

Very helpful

I love it! Something that I will work and apply in my life. Thank you for sharing this information 😊

Clear, actionable advice on a challenging topic.

The authors voice and pace were clear and engaging. He drew me in and inspired me to approach difficult conversations with more courage and understanding. I will be recommending this excellent course to others. 

Great and practical info!

Full of great tips that can be implemented right away. Enjoyed the choice of stories and humor. The narration was upbeat, positive, and articulate. Looking forward to more content from this author!