The best 34 Listening books

Listening is a crucial skill in fostering better communication and relationships, whether at work or in personal life. Our collection of handpicked books on listening provides valuable strategies and insights to enhance your listening abilities, leading to improved understanding and connection with others.

Dive into our selection and discover the power of listening. Ready to transform your communication skills and cultivate deeper connections through the act of listening? Start exploring these titles today.

The best 34 Listening books
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1
Listening Books: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Crucial Conversations

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
4.2 (507 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Crucial Conversations about?

We’ve all been in situations where rational discussions get quickly out of hand, and Crucial Conversations investigates the root causes of this problem. You’ll learn techniques to handle such situations and shape them into becoming positive and solutions-oriented, while preventing your high-stakes conversations from turning into shouting matches.

Who should read Crucial Conversations?

  • Anyone whose job requires dealing with other people often
  • Anyone who wants to improve conversations in their personal relationships
  • Anyone who offers professional communications training

2
Listening Books: Just Listen by Mark Goulston

Just Listen

Mark Goulston
Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone
4.2 (277 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Just Listen about?

Just Listen (2009) combines time-tested persuasion and listening techniques with new methods to help you get your message across to anybody. By learning how to be a better listener, how the brain works and how people think, you’ll be able to motivate people to do what you want because you’ll better understand their needs.

Who should read Just Listen?

  • Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills
  • Anyone working in therapy or mediation
  • Anyone who wants to be more persuasive

3
Listening Books: The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Art of Communicating

Thich Nhat Hanh
4.5 (359 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Art of Communicating about?

The Art of Communicating (2013) offers valuable insight on how you can become a more effective communicator by practicing mindfulness. Drawing on Buddhist wisdom, it outlines ways you become a respectful listener, express yourself well, and ultimately improve your relationships with your loved ones.

Who should read The Art of Communicating?

  • Anyone looking to become a better communicator
  • Anyone interested in Buddhism
  • Anyone who wants to connect better with others

4
Listening Books: Talk Lean by Alan H. Palmer

Talk Lean

Alan H. Palmer
Shorter Meetings. Quicker Results. Better Relations.
3.8 (80 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Talk Lean about?

Talk Lean will teach you how to express your thoughts in a direct, candid, yet courteous manner. The author shares effective, easy-to-apply tips for having a productive conversation that helps achieve your goals.

Who should read Talk Lean?

  • Anyone who has trouble communicating at work
  • Anyone who has to confront difficult people on a daily basis
  • Anyone who hesitates to express their true thoughts and feelings

5
Listening Books: The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman

The 11 Laws of Likability

Michelle Tillis Lederman
Relationship Networking … Because People Do Business with People They Like
4.1 (321 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The 11 Laws of Likability about?

The 11 Laws of Likability (2011) is a guide to networking built on one simple fact: people do business with people they like. These blinks will explain how to discover your most likable characteristics, start conversations and keep them going, and make a lasting positive impression on people.

Who should read The 11 Laws of Likability?

  • Anyone who wants to build a lasting professional relationship
  • Anyone starting a new job
  • Recent graduates looking for a job

6
Listening Books: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Nonviolent Communication

Marshall B. Rosenberg
A Language of Life
4.5 (541 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Nonviolent Communication about?

These blinks introduce the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as a compassionate way of being with ourselves and others. Through simple techniques, you can learn how to consciously change your language and thinking to forge better quality relationships with others.

Who should read Nonviolent Communication?

  • Anyone wishing to improve their relationship with family, friends and coworkers
  • Newcomers to a city who want to create healthy relationships with new people

7
Listening Books: How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman

How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less

Nicholas Boothman
Make Instant, Meaningful Connections for Interviewing, Selling, Managing, Pitching
4.1 (1,196 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less about?

How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less (2000) is a guide to connecting, communicating and expanding your social world. These blinks will teach you how to strike up a conversation with strangers and make them like you. It’ll also show you how to decode even their most subtle gestures.

Being likable is an art you can ace.

Who should read How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less?

  • Salespeople who want to improve their interpersonal skills
  • Anyone who wants to meet new people but doesn’t know where to begin
  • People looking to expand their circle of friends

8
Listening Books: Humility Is The New Smart by Edward D. Hess and Katherine Ludwig

Humility Is The New Smart

Edward D. Hess and Katherine Ludwig
Rethinking Human Excellence In the Smart Machine Age
4.5 (137 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Humility Is The New Smart about?

Humility Is the New Smart (2017) is your ticket to success in the new smart age of machines. These blinks are a practical guide for thriving in a world that’s increasingly run by machines, both on and off the job.

Who should read Humility Is The New Smart?

  • Workers and professionals worried about losing their jobs to machines
  • Parents who want to understand the world their children will grow up in
  • Curious minds interested in positive psychology

9
Listening Books: Against Empathy by Paul Bloom

Against Empathy

Paul Bloom
The Case for Rational Compassion
4.3 (169 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Against Empathy about?

Against Empathy (2016) provides a wealth of scientific research to show empathy for what it really is: a flawed emotional reaction that has led countless people to make bad decisions. While many voices have called for others to have more empathy, Paul Bloom shows us that empathy can make things worse rather than better.

Who should read Against Empathy?

 

  • Students of psychology and philosophy
  • Readers who want to learn more about empathy
  • Fans of true crime stories

10
Listening Books: Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen

Difficult Conversations

Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen
How to Discuss What Matters Most
4.0 (380 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Difficult Conversations about?

Difficult Conversations (1999) takes a look at what makes a conversation difficult and why we often try to avoid them. It outlines how to correctly approach and maneuver through tough topics to build positive and meaningful relationships.

Who should read Difficult Conversations?

  • Politicians and business leaders
  • Teachers
  • Parents

11
Listening Books: You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy

You're Not Listening

Kate Murphy
What You're Missing and Why It Matters
4.4 (411 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's You're Not Listening about?

You’re Not Listening (2020) casts a spotlight on the undervalued skill of listening. It’s filled with examples of talented professional listeners, as well as practical advice for getting more out of conversations with others – not by saying more yourself, but by listening more closely to others.

Who should read You're Not Listening?

  • Couples looking to improve their communication skills
  • Professional listeners, from journalists to business negotiators
  • Everyone who wants to have better conversations

12
Listening Books: Flip The Script by Oren Klaff

Flip The Script

Oren Klaff
Getting People to Think Your Idea Is Their Idea
4.2 (113 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Flip The Script about?

Flip The Script (2019) helps you up your sales and negotiation game. Sales is all about the art of persuasion but we all know that nobody likes to feel manipulated. In order to sell your idea or product in today’s world, your buyers need to feel like they’re making that decision on their own terms. Flip The Script provides techniques that allow you to subtly convince anyone that your idea is the right one.

Who should read Flip The Script?

  • Salespeople looking for an edge in their next presentation 
  • Anyone who has felt the pain of seeing their idea passed over in favor of an inferior one
  • Those who want to work on their negotiation and persuasion skills

13
Listening Books: Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer

Say What You Mean

Oren Jay Sofer
A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication
4.6 (296 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's 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.

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

14
Listening Books: We Need to Talk by Celeste Headlee

We Need to Talk

Celeste Headlee
How to Have Conversations That Matter
4.4 (240 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's We Need to Talk about?

We Need to Talk (2017) walks you through the art of good conversation – a vital but often undervalued skill. It shows how effective conversation leads to more meaningful relationships and a greater understanding of other people. The book also offers advice on how to improve your own conversation skills.

Who should read We Need to Talk?

  • People frustrated by superficial conversations
  • Keen talkers who want to become better listeners
  • Conversationalists eager to improve their skills

15
Listening Books: Don't Take Yes for an Answer by Steve Herz

Don't Take Yes for an Answer

Steve Herz
Using Authority, Warmth, and Energy to Get Exceptional Results
4.5 (86 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Don't Take Yes for an Answer about?

Don’t Take Yes for an Answer (2020) identifies why some people consistently achieve career breakthroughs, while others struggle to reach their potential. By adopting an attitude of continual self-improvement and learning three crucial communication skills, you can achieve exceptional results, regardless of your field.

Who should read Don't Take Yes for an Answer?

  • Ambitious employees who are trying to land promotions
  • Underdogs seeking a breakthrough
  • Aspiring advocates who want to inspire others

16
Listening Books: Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen by Michelle Icard

Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen

Michelle Icard
The Essential Conversations You Need to Have with Your Kids Before They Start High School
4.1 (84 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen about?

Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen (2020) tackles the thorny subject of communicating with tweens – those adolescents between the ages of ten and fourteen who are beginning to pull away from their parents and close down lines of communication. This is the age at which “big” topics like sexuality, money, and life choices are more important than ever. But it’s also the age at which having a conversation with your child is harder than ever before. So what can parents do? Well, it’s time to learn a new way of talking with, and not at, your tween. 

Who should read Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen?

  • Relationship-builders struggling to talk with their tweens
  • Worriers who want the best for their kids
  • Parents of younger children preparing for the next step

17
Listening Books: Let's Talk by Therese Huston

Let's Talk

Therese Huston
Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower
4.5 (179 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Let's Talk about?

Let’s Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower (2021) is a guide to handling one of the trickiest parts of being a manager – giving feedback. Dr. Therese Huston draws upon her cognitive psychology research and her experience as an educator and consultant to help you understand how to give feedback in a way that benefits everyone involved.

Who should read Let's Talk?

  • Managers
  • Anyone interested in effective communication
  • Bearers of bad news

18
Listening Books: Listen Like You Mean It by Ximena Vengoechea

Listen Like You Mean It

Ximena Vengoechea
Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection
4.4 (387 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Listen Like You Mean It about?

Listen Like You Mean It (2021) is a friendly, comprehensive guide to deepening relationships through the power of listening. Too often, our conversations with family, friends, and coworkers remain superficial – we talk past each other, refrain from showing vulnerability, or get caught in a tangle of misunderstanding. With tips and scripts taken from the author’s experience as a user researcher, we can improve our listening skills and, in doing so, be heard and understood ourselves.

Who should read Listen Like You Mean It?

  • Professionals who want to improve their workplace communication skills
  • The socially awkward
  • Anyone seeking more connection and understanding

19
Listening Books: Missing Each Other by Edward Brodkin and Ashley Pallathra

Missing Each Other

Edward Brodkin and Ashley Pallathra
How to Cultivate Meaningful Connections
4.2 (103 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Missing Each Other about?

Missing Each Other (2021) is a scientifically sound exploration of human connection. This wide-ranging primer explains how to truly bond with others in our fast-paced world.

Who should read Missing Each Other?

  • Lonesome people looking to link with others
  • Bad communicators seeking better ways to connect
  • Anyone interested in the psychology of alienation

20
Listening Books: Getting to Zero by Jayson Gaddis

Getting to Zero

Jayson Gaddis
How to Work Through Conflict in Your High-Stakes Relationships
4.5 (320 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Getting to Zero about?

Getting to Zero (2021) is a guide to dealing with conflict in intimate, high-stakes relationships – those with your family, good friends, and partners. It describes a process for “getting to zero” by achieving resolution and closure after conflict.

Who should read Getting to Zero?

  • Conflict avoiders
  • Those who project childhood experiences onto others
  • All who want to resolve conflict in their interpersonal relationships

21
Listening Books: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields

Raising Good Humans

Hunter Clarke-Fields
A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids
4.5 (354 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Raising Good Humans about?

Raising Good Humans (2019) is a mindful parenting guide that teaches you how to stop yelling and get grounded. It features healthy practices that can help you break generational cycles and be a better parent.

Who should read Raising Good Humans?

  • Parents who want to stop yelling
  • Teachers and parents who need better conflict management strategies
  • Caregivers interested in personal development

22
Listening Books: Mastering Communication at Work by Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann

Mastering Communication at Work

Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann
How to Lead, Manage, and Influence
4.4 (636 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Mastering Communication at Work about?

Mastering Communication at Work (revised edition, 2021) is a classic guide on leading in the workplace through strong communication skills. It teaches you how to communicate effectively by understanding your listener’s tendencies and motivations.

Who should read Mastering Communication at Work?

  • Managers looking for new communication tactics
  • Employees aiming to make the next step up
  • Executives who want to improve relations with staff

23
Listening Books: Management Mess to Leadership Success by Scott Jeffrey Miller

Management Mess to Leadership Success

Scott Jeffrey Miller
30 Challenges to Become the Leader You Would Follow
4.4 (238 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Management Mess to Leadership Success about?

Management Mess to Leadership Success (2019) is a guide to renovating and polishing your management skills. Through relatable, personal anecdotes of fumbles, missteps, and what not to do, it offers applicable challenges for you to revamp your team by providing a step-by-step guide on how to lead yourself and others and deliver results.

Who should read Management Mess to Leadership Success?

  • Team managers
  • HR professionals
  • Leaders in and beyond the corporate office

24
Listening Books: I Don't Agree by Michael Brown

I Don't Agree

Michael Brown
Why we can’t stop fighting – and how to get great stuff done despite our differences
4.0 (249 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's I Don't Agree about?

I Don’t Agree (2020) is a practical guide to improving your conflict resolution skills. Disagreement is seen as bad, and even scary. But, actually, conflict can be a powerful engine for growth if you know how to deal with it effectively. I Don’t Agree provides ten practical strategies that will help you become an expert in dealing with conflict in all areas of your life.

Who should read I Don't Agree?

  • Employees seeking to improve their collaborations
  • Anyone wanting to resolve a bitter argument
  • Parents who want to learn how to teach conflict resolution skills to their kids

25
Listening Books: How to be Love(d) by Humble the Poet

How to be Love(d)

Humble the Poet
Simple Truths for Going Easier on Yourself, Embracing Imperfection & Loving Your Way to a Better Life
4.5 (205 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to be Love(d) about?

How to be Love(d) (2022) teaches you how to transform your thoughts and actions to give, receive, and experience more love in life. Full of relatable stories and actionable advice, this guide will teach you how to rid yourself of useless programming, embrace imperfection, and honor your progress – so you can better love yourself and others.

Who should read How to be Love(d)?

  • Anyone going through a breakup
  • People looking to improve their romantic, platonic, or family relationships
  • Fans of the author’s art and music

26
Listening Books: Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love by Nancy Dreyfus

Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love

Nancy Dreyfus
Relationship Repair in a Flash
3.9 (361 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love about?

Talk To Me Like I’m Someone You Love (1993) is a relationship repair tool that coaches couples on how to speak to each other more genuinely.

Who should read Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love?

  • Couples in therapy
  • People who need relationship advice
  • Those looking for better relationship communication

27
Listening Books: The Argument Hangover by Jocelyn Freeman and Aaron Freeman

The Argument Hangover

Jocelyn Freeman and Aaron Freeman
Empowering Couples to Fight Smarter and Overcome Communication Pitfalls
4.6 (320 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Argument Hangover about?

The Argument Hangover (2021) is your guide to constructively fighting with a romantic partner so that you both learn from the conflict and emerge from it even stronger. Through clear communication, you’ll be surprised to find how disagreements can suddenly become opportunities for growth.

Who should read The Argument Hangover?

  • Couples who feel like conflict is hurting their relationship
  • Individuals looking to learn how to be kinder to their partner
  • Aspiring relationship coaches looking for tips

28
Listening Books: We Over Me by Khadeen & Devile Ellis

We Over Me

Khadeen & Devile Ellis
The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want from Your Relationship
3.8 (178 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's We Over Me about?

We Over Me (2023) is the story of the podcasting-and-influencing power couple Devale and Khadeen Ellis – in their own words. With trademark disarming honesty, the Ellises lay bare the struggles and successes that have shaped them as a couple, and share the strategies that allow them to thrive as a partnership. 

Who should read We Over Me?

  • Single people looking for love that lasts
  • Couples who’ve lost sight of each other’s needs
  • Anyone who could do with a dose of unfiltered relationship advice

29
Listening Books: The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven

The Wisdom of the Bullfrog

Admiral William H. McRaven
Leadership Made Simple (but Not Easy)
4.6 (245 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Wisdom of the Bullfrog about?

The Wisdom of the Bullfrog (2023) draws on the experiences and leadership challenges faced over the 40-year career of a former American naval admiral to provide timeless guidance on what it takes to be a successful leader.

Who should read The Wisdom of the Bullfrog?

  • Leaders aspiring to lead better
  • Anyone interested in the origins of some well-known words of wisdom
  • Lovers of good storytelling

30
Listening Books: Love More, Fight Less by Gina Senarighi

Love More, Fight Less

Gina Senarighi
Communication Skills Every Couple Needs
3.9 (242 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Love More, Fight Less about?

Love More Fight Less provides straightforward directions on how to develop communication skills that will help you and your partner handle conflict. Various activities let you practice the skills, and this Blink details how to use these communication techniques in real-life situations.

Who should read Love More, Fight Less?

  • Couples that need help communicating
  • Those interested in improving their social skills and personal growth
  • Skilled communicators looking for new ways to connect in their relationships

31
Listening Books: Read People Like a Book by Patrick King

Read People Like a Book

Patrick King
How to Analyze, Understand, and Predict People’s Emotions, Thoughts, Intentions, and Behaviors
3.9 (610 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Read People Like a Book about?

Read People Like a Book (2020) unravels the complex tapestry of human behavior, guiding readers to decipher verbal and non-verbal signals broadcast by people 24/7. Marrying scholarly wisdom to sly real-world tales, the book presents the art and science of people-reading with both flair and finesse. Dive in, and soon you'll be navigating human interactions like a seasoned anthropologist.

Who should read Read People Like a Book?

  • Story seekers eyeing deeper connections
  • Negotiators seeking an edge
  • HR specialists scouting the right talent

32
Listening Books: Time to Think by Nancy Kline

Time to Think

Nancy Kline
Listening to Ignite the Human Mind
4.5 (346 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Time to Think about?

Time to Think (1999) is a thought-provoking exploration of the power gained by giving individuals our undivided attention and creating a space for authentic thinking and dialogue. It unveils the profound impact that dedicated listening and respectful silence can have on unlocking creativity, fostering growth, and nurturing meaningful relationships.

Who should read Time to Think?

  • Leaders and managers who want to create an empowering environment
  • Parents, caregivers, and coaches seeking to deepen their connections with children
  • Anyone interested in personal growth and cultivating thinking skills

33
Listening Books: Relational Intelligence by Dharius Daniels

Relational Intelligence

Dharius Daniels
The People Skills You Need for the Life of Purpose You Want
3.5 (111 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Relational Intelligence about?

Relational Intelligence (2020) is a roadmap to help you navigate the intricacies of human relationships with wisdom. It delves into the art of categorizing, evaluating, and realigning relationships, offering tools and insights for fostering connections that are both meaningful and beneficial. With a touch of humor and a plethora of practical advice, it turns the often daunting task of relationship management into an achievable and even enjoyable endeavor.

Who should read Relational Intelligence?

  • Individuals who desire deeper relationships
  • Spiritual seekers looking for social harmony
  • Leaders navigating team dynamics

34
Listening Books: The Communication Code by Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram

The Communication Code

Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram
Unlocking Every Relationship, One Conversation at a Time
4.1 (241 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Communication Code about?

The Communication Code (2023) introduces five conversation code words: celebrate, care, clarify, collaborate, and critique. Together, they allow you to understand people’s true needs and intentions within any dialogue so you can apply the appropriate communication strategy and build deeper interpersonal connections – both in your personal and professional life.

Who should read The Communication Code?

  • Business leaders and managers
  • Individuals hoping to enrich their personal relationships
  • Those in roles involving counseling, mediation, and conflict resolution

Related Topics

Listening Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Listening book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Crucial Conversations as the ultimate read on Listening.

What are the Top 10 Listening books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
  • Just Listen by Mark Goulston
  • The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh
  • Talk Lean by Alan H. Palmer
  • The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman
  • Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
  • How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
  • Humility Is The New Smart by Edward D. Hess and Katherine Ludwig
  • Against Empathy by Paul Bloom
  • Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen

Who are the top Listening book authors?

When it comes to Listening, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
  • Mark Goulston
  • Thich Nhat Hanh
  • Alan H. Palmer
  • Michelle Tillis Lederman