Audible Book Review: I Hear You by Michael S. Sorensen

This is a book that could help anyone/everyone!
I Hear You
The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
By: Michael S. Sorensen
Narrated by: Michael S. Sorensen

Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-16-17
Language: English
Publisher: Autumn Creek Press
Genre: Business Management, Non Fiction, Self Help
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
What if making one tweak to your day-to-day conversations could immediately improve every relationship in your life?
In this three-hour, conversational listen, you'll discover the whats, whys, and hows of one of the most valuable (yet surprisingly little-known) communication skills - validation.
Whether you're looking to improve your relationship with your spouse, navigate difficult conversations at work, or connect on a deeper level with friends and family, this book delivers simple, practical, proven techniques for improving any relationship in your life.
Mastery of this simple skill will enable you to:

• Calm (and sometimes even eliminate) the concerns, fears, and uncertainties of others
• Increase feelings of love, respect, and appreciation in your romantic relationships
• Quickly resolve, or even prevent, arguments
• Help others become open to your point of view
• Give advice and feedback that sticks
• Provide support and encouragement to others, even when you don't know how to "fix" the problem
• And much more

In short: this skill is powerful. Give the principles and practices in this book a chance and you'll be amazed at the difference they can make.
©2017 Michael S. Sorensen (P)2017 Michael S. Sorensen

Review:
This important communication skill is discussed, with examples, in an easy, encouraging way. I like how the author stresses listening with a goal of keeping things calm and avoiding arguments and hurt. I try to be a good listener, but Sorenson impresses how to go a step further emphasizing understanding what is being said and giving validation to the feelings of the speaker, whether or not you agree. People don’t always want someone to jump in to fix their problem. First, they want to be heard and have their feelings recognized.

I was reminded of a Transactional Analysis class I took back in my 20s. Just as I learned important life skills then, this audiobook now helped me be mindful of another practical life skill. I am so glad I picked this up as a Daily Deal. I highly recommend this quick book to anyone who wants better relationships in their life.

Audio Notes: The author does a fine job narrating his own work. He is clearly familiar with the material and able to provide the examples with appropriate inflections. This is a worthwhile listen.

Source: 9/16/19 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.