Over the years, I have been asked numerous times to recommend books on helping to improve communication skills. My go-to list is a short one but includes my favorite and most effective books on the topic. There is now a new book and a new author topping that list for me. Her name is Celeste Headlee and her book is called We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. In it, Celeste outlines the strategies that have helped make her a better conversationalist and offers actionable steps that you too can take to improve your communication skills. Learn more about the book that Publishers Weekly calls, “Powerful.” Click the play button below to join our conversation now, or keep scrolling for a summary. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Celeste to share: * How nearly everything we’ve been taught about how to listen is wrong * Tips for being more present and mindful in your conversations * Why it’s often necessary to “check your opinion at the door”  * And lots more! This Episode is Sponsored By Cloud Accounting Software FreshBooks FreshBooks cloud accounting software is currently offering a month of unrestricted use to all RtLP listeners – totally free right now. And, you don’t need a credit card for the trial. To claim your free month, click here and be sure and enter ReadToLead in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section. If your business uses Freshbooks, and you’d like to share your experience with the Read to Lead audience, click the contact tab at the top of this page and let us know. Be sure and include “FreshBooks” in the subject line. Celeste’s Book You can order We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter right now! Celeste in Action Books Celeste Recommends Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection by John T. Cacioppo The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernback Check Out These Additional Resources Visit Celeste’s website here for more about her and her work. Be sure and grab your copy of Celeste’s book now. Find out more about hiring Celeste to speak to your group. Connect with Celeste on