The Lost Art of Good Conversation

A Mindful Way to Connect with Others and Enrich Everyday Life

By: Sakyong Mipham

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Cutting through all the white noise, chatter, and superficiality our cell phones and social media cause, one of Tibet's highest and most respected spiritual leaders offers simple and practical advice to help us increase our attentions spans, become better listeners, and strive to appreciate the people around us.

In a world of iPhones and connectivity to social media and email, we are all in constant connection with one another. Then why are so many people feeling burned out, distant from colleagues, and abandoned by family and friends? In this new book from the best-selling author of Running with the Mind of Meditation, the Sakyong uses the basic principles of the Shambhala tradition - meditation and a sincere belief in the inherent wisdom, compassion, and courage of all beings - to help listeners to listen and speak more mindfully with loved ones, coworkers, strangers, and even ourselves.

In this easy to understand and helpful book, Sakyong Mipham provides inspiring ideas and practical tips on how to be more present in your day-to-day life, helping us to communicate in ways that elevate the dignity of everyone involved. Great for families, employees and employers, and everyone who spends too much time on Facebook and Instagram and feels disconnected in our connected world, Good Conversation is a journey back to basics.

©2017 Sakyong Mipham (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"This wise and informative guide lays out a path towards genuine human connection and community in difficult times." (

Publishers Weekly)

Grower not a shower

The first few chapters were lots of exposition and context, a little excessive for me. As the book progresses it becomes very inspiring and accessible to use the skills being shared.

enrichment to my soul & enlightened communication

this was a great audible book. I truly loved hearing and listening to the chapters. especially the communication is my sword.

Excellent!

Loved it! Changed my perspective on the quality of conversations I have and made me realize I need to pause before I speak, consider the other persons perspective, listen more and engage with more meaningful responses.

Windy

Lots of repetitiveness. I'll likely listen to it again, though. It never hurts to learn something new.

Not much to really sink your teeth into

I listened to a talk given by the Sakyong and I enjoyed his way of speaking. This selection wasn't particularly eye-opening for me, but maybe I'm in the minority.

Filled with rich insight

Excellent narration and flow. Thought provoking, but not too deep. Worth every minute 💜

essential for the modern age

This book is filled with insight that challenges and illuminatea, that inspires and demands more of us. At the same time, it is often simple and common sense. And I'm dissapointed to say, it was at many times a reminder to return to that which I already knew but have been ignoring.

I will return to this book as I carry on to renew resolve and deepen my commitment to being a human being through conversation.

Thought provoking

I started this book before learning about Sakyong Mipham’s real life issues. Once I heard the news, I put the book down for a while. It was difficult to reconcile an appreciation for the book with the credibility of its author. I’ve ultimately come back to it and do recommend it as a thoughtful and relevant work. And a lesson in the challenges of separating the message from the messenger.

Praises conversation, but no improvement tips.

I got the book expecting usable tips and perspectives on how to have better, deeper conversations. In reality this is a book on praising conversation and getting you to appreciate the act of conversing from a Buddhist perspective. There are almost no practical or actionable tips on how to improve conversations. In my opinion, it was mostly fluff and i found it hard to continue to the end. However, if you are interested in a Buddhist thought on conversation or if you think talking to people is pointless or a waste of time, you may be enjoy the book.

Pretty good

Most people probably already know most of the content presented; however, Mipham articulates and summarizes everything pretty nicely.