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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Say What You Mean summary
Oren Jay Sofer
A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication
32 mins
Brief summary
Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer is a guide to better communication. It explains how to cultivate mindfulness and emotional intelligence to improve relationships and effectively express ourselves. It offers practical skills to communicate authentically and compassionately.
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Say What You Mean
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Key idea 1 of 11
In successful communication, we create understanding through awareness.
Have you had the experience of talking to someone who just doesn’t seem to hear you? Have you found yourself telling a story to a friend whose attention is focused on his phone, or tried having a conversation with a partner whose eyes are glued to the TV? If so, you’ll know that this can be incredibly frustrating, because although you’re both speaking the same language, there simply isn’t any awareness of you or your words – it’s like you’re not even there.
Ultimately it means that, in such moments, communication can’t and isn’t happening.
The key message here is: In successful communication, we create understanding through awareness.
It might seem obvious, but we rarely stop to think about why we’re communicating at all. The answer? It comes down to one simple word: understanding. Understanding is the purpose of all communication.
In order for understanding to be the ultimate outcome in our communication, however, we need awareness. But what does awareness mean when it comes to communication?
Well, the one thing it requires is presence. More than just a state of mind, presence means physically being aware of, and sensing, all aspects of yourself through your body. It’s being in tune with your mental states and your emotional experiences – just as they express themselves in your body.
Having presence for a moment or two is easy enough for most of us – it’s as simple as turning your attention inward and becoming aware of what you’re feeling and experiencing at that moment.
What’s more challenging, though, is keeping that awareness going, especially when you’re in the middle of a conversation.
There are good reasons for that: For one thing, it takes time and effort to let go of our old communication patterns, which might include things like yelling when we don’t feel heard or giving someone the silent treatment. Even when we know these counterproductive methods are ineffective, it can still be quite hard to replace them with something more life-enhancing.
The good news is that presence can be learned – it’s just a question of practice and learning a few basic principles.
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What is Say What You Mean about?
Say What You Mean (2018) is a guide to meaningful and productive communication. It shows how you can leave old, unhelpful habits behind and develop the skills to speak your mind in a clear and authentic way. It also teaches some simple practices to make your conversations more effective and satisfying.
Say What You Mean Review
Say What You Mean (2018) by Oren Jay Sofer is a powerful guide to effective communication, helping readers cultivate meaningful connections through mindful speech. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- Packed with practical tools and techniques, it equips readers with the skills they need to express themselves clearly and authentically.
- By combining time-tested wisdom with modern research, the book presents a well-rounded approach to communication that is both insightful and relevant.
- With its engaging anecdotes and relatable examples, the book keeps readers hooked, making the journey of improving communication skills exciting and far from boring.
Who should read Say What You Mean?
- People who want to improve the quality of their conversations
- Anyone who needs more confidence when talking to others
- Everyone who wants to know how nonviolent communication works
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Say What You Mean FAQs
What is the main message of Say What You Mean?
The main message of Say What You Mean is the power of mindful communication for building deeper connections and resolving conflicts.
How long does it take to read Say What You Mean?
The reading time for Say What You Mean varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Say What You Mean a good book? Is it worth reading?
Say What You Mean is worth reading for its practical insights on becoming a better communicator. It helps improve relationships and enhance overall well-being.
Who is the author of Say What You Mean?
The author of Say What You Mean is Oren Jay Sofer.
What to read after Say What You Mean?
If you're wondering what to read next after Say What You Mean, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- What We Say Matters by Judith Hanson Lasater and Ike K. Lasater
- Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
- The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Mastering Communication at Work by Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann
- Attitude Is Everything by Jeff Keller