Mindful Conversation

I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

Conversations can be quite the struggle for me sometimes, at times I find it hard to speak up, I don't know what to say or feel misunderstood. So when I saw this book on Netgalley I jumped on the chance to read it. This was a great read and it gave me a lot of insight in and knowledge about conversations and what can make conversations go wrong or right.

It's filled with tips and advice and I found this book very helpful. It taught me a lot about conversations and I felt like this book really helped deepen my knowledge about conversations. A lot of the style of this book fit well with me and I felt I could get a lot out of it. I started realizing why when I have conversations with some people it doesn't go smoothly and come up with ideas on what to do differently next time. I learned more about my own conversation style and my pitfalls when it comes to conversation. I also started recognizing conversation styles as well as recognizing some of the mindful conversation techniques in others. I also realized why some conversations are difficult and started spotting some of conversation "sins" as the author calls them.

I also found the chapters about the Me-Me conversations very helpful. This focuses more on the story you tell yourself and how you talk to yourself and how to change that. The chapter about the Me-US conversation didn't resonate as strongly with me and I felt like I was sort of getting what the author was trying to say, but also not quite fully getting. It also was a bit less practical then the other chapters.

I appreciated the hopeful and encouraging tone of the book. Even while talking about things going wrong in conversation there were always the tips and techniques to change things around and examples how things could go different. And even with the encouraging hopeful tone I also appreciated the few remarks the author made that sometimes you can try your best and the conversation with someone still won't pan out, I thought that was a good realistic touch.

To summarize: I really liked reading this book and found it very informative. I learned a lot about conversation and I started recognizing conversation styles, conversation "sins" and even some of the mindful conversation techniques in myself and others. I got a lot of insight from this book and found it very helpful in understanding more about conversations and there were lots of ideas and tips to try and apply. I also found the chapters about how you talk to yourself very informative. The last chapter about the Me-Us conversation resonated a bit less with me though, although I feel like I can sort of see what the author meant with. I would definitely recommend this book if you want to know more about conversations and how to approach them more mindfully.

Gibb grabbed my attention right from the jump with an all too relatable retelling of a socially awkward encounter at a party. This is an easy-to-follow read that has interesting advice on how to improve on communication and connection. I think everyone in our world can use a refresher course on empathy, especially when dealing with tough conversations with people you may disagree with. It also is worth noting that nearly everyone I know doesn’t pay any attention to the way that they address themselves, and Gibb goes into the significance of internal conversation. In a world that is so divided, this shone a light on relating to humanity and nature as a whole.

Mindful Conversation Peter Gibb
We take so much for granted in our society. This book addresses one of the most important elements we can use to connect with others.
One of the most important things in life is our relationships with others. How do you meet, connect and deepen relationships with other people? Communication! The primary way we communicate is through conversation. One of the keys to life is to be able to get others to converse with you and to discuss important topics. Great keys and tips. Highly recommended.

'Mindful Conversations' is a practical, insightful and very possibly life changing, read!

The author is an expert in communication, who is not afraid of the vulnerability that comes with sharing his own lows as well as highs in his journey towards Mindful Conversations. This adds a real authenticity to this book that makes it an utter delight to read.

The book features various tools, including quizzes, to enable us to reflect on our own communication, and challenges us with practical exercises to enable us to grow. I truly believe this is a book with something for everyone, and all that is needed is the open-mindedness to give it a go!

Anecdotes make this book a joy to read, and the 'next steps' that conclude each chapter really help embed the learning that takes place (of which there is potentially loads!)

I was very pleased to see a chapter relating to difficult conversations and how to navigate these - brilliant - I cant imagine anyone not befitting immeasurably for reading this chapter!!

Overall a wonderful 5 star read that I absolutely would not hesitate to recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review the book in exchange for an advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I want to preface that I have read a lot of books on this topic. As an educator, conversations are super important. So when reading this book, I read it through that lens to see how my conversations were going.

There is a great survey you can take to see what's your style in a conversation. I wanted to be more engaged in conversation and this book helped steer me in the right direction.

It teaches you how to develop better relationships through conversation. The book is filled with tons of advice. I have become more cognizant of how I engage in conversations. I'm mindful of my active listening and asking thoughtful questions. This is a must read if you want to have deeper conversations.

An authentic, insightful and practical guide, featuring several tools that will assist in communication and also support one's growth.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Mindful Conversation offers practical advice and insights on improving communication skills. It is helpful and informative, with easy-to-understand language and practical exercises.
It covers various aspects of conversation, including difficult conversations and self-talk, and encourages readers to explore different conversational styles. Overall, the book is recommended for anyone looking to strengthen their conversation skills and deepen their relationships.

I sometimes struggle making small talk so I was intrigued by this book and delighted to get an ARC copy. Thank you netgalley for this in exchange for an honest review..
I found the tips really helpful and I will definitely be using them. It is great that it is so practical and I will definitely be returning to the book in the future for a refreshers. The chapter on difficult conversations is particularly good. Communication is so important for all our relationships so I’d recommend this book to everyone.

# Mindful Conversation


I found this book to be written in easy to understand language with short sections that make it easy to parse. The technique of using hypothetical conversations and re-visiting or iterating on them as concepts are introduced is effective and engaging. The author includes some personal anecdotes to illustrate some concepts, but isn't heavy-handed in his use or personal experience. The end of chapter notes from the Journey and Next Steps sections provide well structured summaries and actionable activities.

I particularly appreciated that discussion on conversational styles is not presented deterministically and encourages readers to explore other conversational styles and expand beyond their usual comfort zone. Sometimes resources like this will try to put the reader in a conceptual box and claim there are certain universal truths that apply to your style or personality; this book acknowledges that you have agency over your communication style.

Much of the advice assumes a neurotypical readership, so things like being able to maintain eye contact, and recognize emotional responses are considered a given, which may make some of the advice and activities in the book inaccessible for many readers. Chapter 10 did acknowledge that some people are less tolerant of physical touch and offered some alternatives to that particular tool.

The CARE model of values that is used throughout the book is a useful concept. It is a simple and memorable takeaway that succinctly summarizes the purpose of the book.

Much of the advice the author presents in the first half of the book strikes me as common sense: Things like recommending being authentically curious, using your conversation partner's name regularly, and sincerely asking deeper questions to better connect with others. There is plenty of good advice, but I didn't find it to be groundbreaking.

The second half of the book is practical as well, but starts to present a more philosophical approach to the various configurations of conversation. This is most notable when arriving at part 5 and the universal conversation. At this point the philosophical becomes spiritual, and readers may or may not find it resonates with them. Take it or leave it, there are still plenty of practical takeaways in the first 20 chapters.

Two minor complaints: I didn't find the chapter-opening "smile" cartoons to be particularly funny and could have done without them. I also dislike the use of CP as an abbreviation for conversation partner. I'm not entirely sure why, and it doesn't impact the effectiveness of the book, but stylistically it grated on my nerves a bit.

Overall verdict: it is a worthwhile read to help strengthen your conversation skills. You'll probably find some tools in here that you aren't employing yet, and even if it doesn't feel like you've picked up anything new from it, it doesn't hurt to have a refresher in communication skills.

I have always found it hard to communicate with others and honestly thought it was just me. I was happy to have this book and the input and self-guidance that it provided. I know it will take practice but I that by using these tips I will have a better time communicating with others.

The overall focus here, as noted n the title, is Mindfulness in conversation. I love reading about mindfulness in general but I struggle endlessly to practice it in daily life. So this book, besides being super helpful in having more productive and connecting conversations, is also helpful for me because it encourages practicing mindfulness in a sort of microcosm – so if I can focus on it during conversation, and embed that as a practice, I can hope it will naturally expand to other aspects of life.

From the conversational perspective specifically, this was a great and concise reminder of things I’ve learned before, but don’t remember to implement. (As the author notes in the introduction, it’s not just about tools, but the ability to use the tools.). For example:
- Listen to Connect – and not only listen with your ears, but pay attention to all the nonverbal cues (posture, facial expression, voice, pace, etc).
- Speak to Express – remember the power of story, and ask questions!
Stephen Covey, if I recall correctly? Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Also, the power (and pitfalls) of self-talk – this is a constant struggle for me. I’m great at reframing others’ spoken negative self-talk, but I don’t often do that to myself so the reminder is a good one.

The writing style is conversational and accessible, and encouraging. The exercises were helpful too, to get me to bridge from learning to implementation.

My thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you for my copy.

Very thought provoking but in a very accessible and digestible way. Easy to follow and very easy to take away skills or expand on existing skills

This book is a refreshing guide to cultivating meaningful conversations in today's fast-paced world. Gibb's insights and exercises encourage readers to slow down, actively listen, and engage with empathy, resulting in more authentic connections and a greater sense of fulfillment.

His emphasis on mindfulness and self-awareness provides readers with valuable tools for transforming their communication skills and enhancing their overall well-being. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to enrich their relationships and experience more joy in their daily interactions.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy to read and review.

ARC from Netgalley,

I enjoyed this book from Peter Gibb it was insightful and easy to read. It gives the reader information on how to improve conversations and help them make connections. the tools used are to help the reader become more empathic and authentic in conversations with others, improve readers internal conversations helping them have a more mindful and and kinder conversation with themselves and thirdly is so the reader can have a feel deeper connections to humanity and nature

#MindfulConversation #NetGalley