Packed with insights, this book provides practical tools to enhance communication skills in everyday life. Reviewed by Peter Plumlee
Book: Conversational Wisdom
Authors: Emily Cosgrove and Sara Hope
I was intrigued yet uncertain about what to expect before diving into this book. We all like to think we engage in insightful conversations daily, but this book prompts us to truly reflect on our daily communication. Our increasingly hybrid lives put meaningful communication at risk, and the authors provide a roadmap for introspection and thoughtful improvement in how we converse with each other.
An uplifting and insightful read for training professionals, leaders, coaches, mentors, HR managers… anyone, really!
The book is divided into two sections: the first discusses the fundamental principles of conversational wisdom, while the second offers practical applications. Emily Cosgrove and Sara Hope emphasise three main pillars – awareness, humanity and skill – that form the basis for enhancing our conversational wisdom. These principles are beneficial not only in organisations but also in everyday life, fostering continuous growth in any setting.
Practical strategies for real-world conversations
The second section translates these concepts into practice, offering strategies for better communication within organisations, and improving our conversation skills, starting with ourselves.
One of the book’s notable strengths is its clarity and accessibility. Emily and Sara convey their key messages effectively, making complex ideas easy to understand and apply. Their engaging writing style turns the concepts and practical applications into a conversation that you are participating in by reading.
The supportive information, stories and studies shared by others ensure that the book is relevant across various industries and types of organisations. There’s something valuable on every page, often prompting reflections such as: “Am I appreciating the gaps in conversations to truly hear others?” or “How will reducing digital distractions improve the quality of my interactions?” These reflections resonate on a personal level while also providing guidance to experiment with how the wisdom shared in these pages can impact each new conversation.
Continuous improvement through every conversation
The book’s unique approach views each conversation as an opportunity to improve our skills, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and learning. It’s refreshing to read a book that bridges the gap between in-person experiences and those over the phone or virtual meetings in an accepting, rather than confrontational, approach.
This book excels in providing actionable insights, and its thoughtful repetition of key concepts is particularly effective. This method ensures that crucial ideas are thoroughly understood and remembered, reinforcing their importance.
The repetition also strengthens the three pillars of conversational wisdom – being aware, being human and being skilled – by consistently highlighting their significance. As learning professionals, we can appreciate how revisiting essential points helps solidify understanding and foster continuous growth.
Reading this book was an encouraging and guided experience. Nothing here felt instructional. The discussion on being aware of how we present ourselves in conversations made me reflect on my own interactions and the assumptions I may bring to them.
Psychological safety and collaboration in conversations
The book’s emphasis on creating psychological safety and fostering an inclusive environment aligns closely with our roles in L&D. A particularly impactful passage in section two is that: “great ideas don’t come from you or me, but from the space between us”, a powerful reminder of the collaborative potential inherent in good conversations.
This book is an uplifting and insightful read for training professionals, people leaders, coaches, mentors, HR managers… anyone, really! It not only offers valuable insights into the skill of conversation but also provides practical tools to apply the wisdom contained within its pages.
Transforming communication in personal and professional life
By adopting the principles outlined by Emily and Sara, individuals and organisations can create more inclusive, collaborative and innovative environments. This has the potential to significantly impact how we communicate and connect as humans, making work more meaningful and productive. Becoming an aware, skilled conversationalist is a lifelong journey, and Emily and Sara ensure you are not alone on that path.
Conversational Wisdom is more than just a guide on improving communication skills; it is a thoughtful invitation to rethink how we interact with others in all aspects of our lives. The insights provided have already inspired me to approach my conversations with greater mindfulness and intention.
I believe that conversational wisdom should be taught everywhere, as it holds the potential to transform our personal and professional interactions profoundly. I recommend this book to anyone looking to enhance their conversational abilities, foster deeper connections with others, and enhance the effectiveness of their organisational goals.
Peter Plumlee is L&D Specialist at PRESENCE
