A revolutionary guide to transformational listening, drawing upon the latest scientific studies and in-the-field research to show readers how to truly hear?and be heard

Even in important moments?like a high-stakes work meeting, or a stressful conversation with a spouse?we are distracted, daydreaming, planning out what we ourselves plan to say. And then we walk away from the interaction unsure if we have fully understood our counterpart.

We all tend to think we're good listeners. But how many of us actually are?

True ?deep listening? has the power to transform relationships?between coworkers, friends, lovers, and even warring countries. Emily Kasriel, a longtime BBC executive who ran one of the most extensive studies on listening practices across the globe, lays out her proven 8-step method:

1. Create Space.
2. Listen to Yourself.
3. Be Present.
4. Be Curious.
5. Hold the Gaze.
6. Hold the Silence.
7. Reflect Back.
8. Go Deeper.

Deep Listening takes us from the Zen masters of Japan, who apply the techniques of meditation to tune in to a speaker, to the ?listening engineers? studying the acoustics, physical proximity, and body orientation that are most conducive to genuine human connection. We meet some of the best listeners in the world, among them diplomats, hostage negotiators, therapists, and artists?and learn from their mastery of the art.

Kasriel offers satisfying answers to the big questions of human communication: How can the act of listening transcend a mere exchange of information? How can we reach across divides?cultural, political, and generational?to foster true emotional connection? And why does your teenage daughter only open up about her life when you're in the car together?

Beautifully illustrated with the author's original black-and-white watercolors, Deep Listening is an essential guide that will make you a better human being.