Messages: The Communications Skills Book

Description

Many people assume that good communicators possess an intrinsic talent for speaking and listening to others, a gift that can't be learned or improved. The reality is that communication skills are developed with deliberate effort and practice, and learning to understand others and communicate your ideas more clearly will improve every facet of your life. Messages has already helped thousands of people build communication skills and cultivate better relationships with friends, family members, coworkers, and partners. With this fully revised and updated fourth edition, you'll discover new skills to help you communicate your ideas more effectively and become a better listener. Learn how to: - Read body language - Develop skills for couples communication - Negotiate and resolve conflicts - Communicate with family members - Handle group interactions - Talk to children - Master public speaking - Prepare for job interviews This new edition features a much-needed chapter on digital communication. Effective communication can easily be compromised when you're not able to read your conversation partner's body language, facial expression, or vocal tone. This chapter teaches you how to express yourself well via phone, email, texting, and video-all the skills you need to thrive in the digital age.

Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Self-Esteem, Thoughts and Feelings, When Anger Hurts, and ACT on Life Not on Anger. He has also penned two novels, Us and The Wawona Hotel. McKay received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and specializes in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety and depression. He lives and works in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Patrick Fanning is a professional writer in the mental health field. He has authored and coauthored eighteen self-help books, including Self-Esteem, Thoughts and Feelings, Couple Skills, and Mind and Emotions.

"Messages is a must-read for any person looking to improve their communication skills; whether the reader needs to augment their relationship's effectiveness with significant others, coworkers, supervisors, or relatives, this book offers 'hands-on' advice about how to effectively relate to others across different settings. All chapters have specific skills and exercises to master interpersonal skills beyond the classic teachings of using 'I statements.' I highly recommend it!" --Patricia E. Zurita Ona, PsyD, East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, coauthor of Mind and Emotions, and author of Parenting a Troubled Teen and Escaping the Emotional Rollercoaster--Patricia E. Zurita Ona, PsyD "Messages will be warmly and fully welcomed into my clinical practice. This straightforward, easy-to-digest, and wholly useful book on effective communication is completely fit for its purpose. Reading, working through the exercises, and practicing the advised skills could only move those engaged in the process in one direction--toward improved relationships. The plethora of communication process descriptions, exercises, styles, needs, and outcomes provide the reader with a thorough and integrated understanding of what it means to engage in effective communication in the service of connection. An excellent self-help workbook about enhancing how we relate messages to others!" --Robyn D. Walser, PhD, codirector of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinic; assistant professor at University of California, Berkeley; and coauthor of Learning ACT, The Mindful Couple, and other books--Robyn D. Walser, PhD "In this fourth edition of Messages, the authors present the essentials of basic communication. From assertiveness and active listening skills to guidelines for digital communication and social media etiquette, every individual, couple, and therapist will benefit from this book. If you wish to deepen your connections to others and to succeed in every social interaction, this book is for you." --Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP, author of Anxiety and Avoidance and codirector of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy--Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP "This is an amazing book. The book will not only help you if you have been struggling to communicate effectively, but also if you just want to hone your skills. Using examples from all walks of life, the book explains the key aspects of effective communication and provides readers with ample opportunities to practice these skills in many different contexts. Although it is based on sound academic research, the book is by no means heavy academic reading. Offering many practical examples and illustrations to bring the content to life, the book is written in a non-technical, clear, concise, and personable style. I recommend this book without any reservations." --Georg H. Eifert, PhD, coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety and Your Life on Purpose--Georg H. Eifert, PhD