Crucial Conversation

This is actually an assigned reading book for my Business Communications class. I have read this book more than any other assigned reading book or textbook though. It basically teaches you have to talk to people and how to know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. It was written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron Mcmillan, and Al Switzler. It taught me that body signs can tell you more about the message people are trying to give you more than the actual words coming out of their mouths. The first lesson it teaches is that the only person you can directly control is yourself. We cannot control what other people do, but we can control ourselves (most of the time), but through our words and our actions we can influence others. Many salesmen, advertisers, and business people in general know how to smooth talk their way into your mind, and press the right buttons, but they cannot control you or what you do. How we act and react is based on previous experiences and genetics given to us by our parents.



There will be times where we are put into difficult situations that may be awkward and uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we can avoid them. This book also focuses on ways to make yourself and others feel comfortable and safe to discuss or confront awkward or embarrassing situations. One of the examples used in the book is a boss having to tell one of his employees that he needs to wear deodorant because his coworkers have been complaining. This is just a few of he awkward situations that real people have to deal with, and Crucial Conversations helps you develop your people and conversation skills to help you in your career and life.

This book is a good read, and can be very fulfilling to your future. Knowing how to talk to people and be social can make you better at what you do and how you present yourself. I would recommend this book to anyone who is majoring in any form of business degree, or if you just want to develop you interpersonal relationship skills.