Talking Across the Divide

How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World

By: Justin Lee

Narrated by: Justin Lee

A guide to learning how to communicate with people who have diametrically opposed opinions from you, how to empathize with them, and how to (possibly) change their minds

America is more polarized than ever. Whether the issue is Donald Trump, healthcare, abortion, gun control, breastfeeding, or even DC vs Marvel, it feels like you can't voice an opinion without ruffling someone's feathers. In today's digital age, it's easier than ever to build walls around yourself. You fill up your Twitter feed with voices that are angry about the same issues and believe as you believe. Before long, you're isolated in your own personalized echo chamber. And if you ever encounter someone outside of your bubble, you don't understand how the arguments that resonate so well with your peers can't get through to anyone else. In a time when every conversation quickly becomes a battlefield, it's up to us to learn how to talk to each other again.

In Talking Across the Divide, social justice activist Justin Lee explains how to break through the five key barriers that make people resist differing opinions. With a combination of psychological research, pop-culture references, and anecdotes from Justin's many years of experience mediating contentious conversations, this book will help you understand people on the other side of the argument and give you the tools you need to change their minds--even if they've fallen for "fake news."

Excellent advice and specific tips.

Just finished it and want to read it again. Examples from real life I will be trying out soon. Wise insights and great analogies. Thank you Justin.

Hope

In the polarized reality of 2019 in the United States, we could all use some hints to help us tackle thorny issues in interpersonal conversation. This book sets out a framework for productive dialogue that asks the reader/listener to try new techniques for communication. He explains the barriers we've unconsciously built in favor of our own world views, and in opposition to any change in those views.

For anyone who has experienced the frustration and hopelessness of a ruined dialogue with a family member or friend, I would recommend listening to this book more than once. I have been communicating inefficiently for some time, and it will take practice to learn a more constructive method. I expect to return to these lessons to remember to respect my dialogue partner in the hope of having that respect returned. The prospect of (at least) being understood, and the desire to repair damaged relationships is too attractive to abandon faith. I'm almost afraid to aspire to changing anyone else's mind, but the idea *is* tantalizing.

Everyone should read this book

In a time where we are so divided and listening only to our echo chambers, this book gave valuable insight on how to listen to the other side to learn what makes them feel they are the hero in their story. I am involved in local politics and it has helped me immensely when canvassing door to door.

Essential for changing the world

I couldn’t love this book and it’s very practical advice more. Really will make a difference to your interactions. Read and repeat for effective change

Best book I have listened related to this topic

This is an outstanding book and the author does a phenomenal job of keeping it simple and understandable but most of all a tremendous job of making it applicable. I highly recommend this book both in Audible and Kindle.