Communication Archives

What Is Sympathetic Listening? A Key to Understanding Your Child

When you listen to your child, what’s your goal? How can you help your kids process their emotions? What is sympathetic listening? There’s listening, and then there’s sympathetic listening. Far more than just taking in what others are saying, you can understand them better than ever. It’s a critical skill for parents who want to know what’s really going on in their child’s mind, help them grow, and strengthen the bonds that tie them together. Continue reading to learn what sympathetic listening is and how to practice it.

Overview of Eight Dates: A Guide to Making Relationships Last

What’s the key to making relationships last? What are the eight dates you should go on with your partner? While there’s no guarantee of happily ever after, the authors of Eight Dates argue that there’s a secret to a healthy, long-lasting relationship—make time for your partner and stay curious. They also explain why weekly dates are important for sustaining a strong relationship. Read below for a brief Eight Dates book overview.

Why Are Stories Powerful? The Reasons We Use & Abuse Them

Why are stories powerful? How do they affect your brain? Why do manipulators use stories? When Rob Biesenbach talks about the power of storytelling, he’s not just talking about a story’s capacity to engage or entertain. He’s also talking about how a story can change people’s minds, affect their emotions, and persuade them to act. Learn how stories powerfully affect us emotionally, physiologically, and intellectually.

How to Listen to Your Partner: 4 Strategies for Tuning In

Why is active listening crucial in a relationship? How can you better listen to your partner on important matters? No matter what stage of the relationship you’re in, you should always try to get to know your partner. Eight Dates emphasizes that listening strengthens the bond between you and your partner and can help minimize conflict in the future. Here are ways you can learn how to listen to your partner effectively.

How to Bond With Your Children: Strategies for Closeness

Do your kids see you more as “the enforcer” than “Mom” or “Dad”? Would you like to have more time and energy to give to the relationship with your kids? Clinical psychologist Thomas W. Phelan knows how important it is for parents and children to have strong bonds. His book 1-2-3 Magic includes parenting strategies that let you spend less time managing your child’s behavior and more time enjoying your relationship. Read more to learn how to bond with your children and get closer than ever.

Ross Greene’s The Explosive Child: Book Overview

What is Ross Greene’s The Explosive Child about? Do you feel like you live according to your child’s moods? The Explosive Child offers you a way to get your child’s behavior under control—and a way to get your life back. In it, clinical child psychologist Ross W. Greene outlines a method of addressing the behavioral problems of “explosive children” through collaboration and communication. Read below for a brief overview of The Explosive Child.

Storytelling Tips From a Speechwriter-Turned-Actor

Do you want to engage and persuade your audience when you talk about your work, passions, or values? What if you crafted a story and then delivered it as a performance? Even when you care deeply about your message, you don’t always connect with your listeners. Rob Biesenbach says that, if you take the time to get it right, you can tell a story that captivates listeners, affects their emotions, and persuades them to act. Continue reading for several practical storytelling tips from a master of the craft.

The Secret to a Long-Lasting Relationship: Dating!

What is the secret to a long-lasting relationship? Why should you never stop dating your partner? Over time, the initial spark of a relationship begins to fizzle out, leaving the relationship feeling dull. If you want your relationship to keep feeling fresh and fun, then you need to keep dating your partner, no matter how long you’ve been together. Learn why dating your partner is the secret to a long and loving relationship from the book Eight Dates.

How to Craft a Story: The 6-Step Process That Anyone Can Learn

Where do story ideas come from? What kinds of characters engage an audience? When you edit, what should you take out? When you have a message to convey to an audience, it takes time to craft a story that’s perfectly suited for the job. Biesenbach outlines a process you can use to create a story that matches the audience you need to reach and the message you want to deliver. Keep reading to learn how to craft a story, from finding an idea to editing your draft.

Eight Dates: Questions to Strengthen Your Relationship

What are Eight Dates questions for getting to know your partner better? How will these questions make your relationship stronger? In the book Eight Dates, the authors provide several questions you can use to start a conversation on a date with your partner. From strengthening trust to sharing your hopes and dreams, these questions cover every topic. Keep reading for the essential Eight Dates questions you need to keep in the back of your mind.