Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone

The book has both the tactical approaches to business behavior problems AND the reason for the behavior and the ways to approach dealing with it. Valuable information and tools; so much so that it recommends itself to re-reading. Worth the investment to read.

I just finished Mark Goulston's book, 'just Listen,' and found it to be down to earth, direct, and practical. I am always on the lookout for books - and authors - who provide actionable ideas that can be put to use right away. I take the last two weeks of each year to do planning for the following year and look for ways to improve; this book provides 'useful insights' whcih can be applied immediately, on a day-to-day basis, to help communicate clearly with others and therefore make my job and life easier. What a great tool! I have also begun reading his first book 'Get Out of Your Own Way,' and found several great ideas already. I recommend it to anyone who is working on themselves and could use some advice on how to proceed.

As a psychiatrist, business counselor and hostage-negotiation trainer, Dr. Goulston
is an expert of communication.

What amazed me the most was real life stories Dr. Goulston shared in this book.
My favorite stories are...

1. a guy holding a shotgun to his throat
2. a highly intelligent paranoid patient who complains about noise upstairs but
at the same time admits that he lives on the top of the floor.
3. a defense attorney at the murder trial of O.J. Simpson who suddenly started to falsely accuse Dr.Goulston

Can you imagine how to get through to persons like them?
These extreme examples have proven how powerful his communication theory is!

I first came across the Book " Just Listen" in Audible.com where i bought a copy of audio book. I was instantly hooked to the book. I listen to the book on a 7 hours flight, and immediately put it to use upon landing. I listen to it for more than 5 times in a month time. I later then order the book from the store.com as i want to keep it as a handy working reference, and now, i have order another 24 books for my teams, colleagues, friends and family.

This book help me to improve my ability to building rapport with almost anyone, most importantly, it guided me to repair the relationship that i cherished very much but clueless in how to get it done. The "Magic Paradox" and "Impossible Question" and other techniques are so simple, basic, yet profound. I believe anyone can use it immediately.

Not surprisingly, it also help me to get through to my opponent in high stake business negotiation in various occasions, and helps to bring bottom line results to my company.

To Mark: Thank you very much for writing such a good book that help people to improve the way they communicate.

"Just Listen" spoke to me. Mark Goulston has written a book that is a must read if you want to learn how to listen and communicate effectively. It's presented in an easy to understand and engaging style that gives you practical real life ways to to put the techniques to work. The stories and examples of how the techniques work are invaluable. I have recommended this book to many people and will continue to do so. I can tell you from first hand knowledge this book works. I use the methods every day and refer back to the book often for additional tips and ideas. One example is the Amygdala Hijack. I found myself dealing with this very scary situation in a personal relationship. Being able to recognize what was happening and how to break through and actually listen and then talk to someone might have saved a very important relationship. Before "Just Listen" I was doing it all wrong. After "Just Listen" I have learned how to be an effective listener, smart communicator and a better person. This book cuts across all aspects of life: personal and professional. It helps me with my children as well as co-workers. I can't recommend it strong enough terms. Listen to me: "Just Listen" can change your life.

Communication is power - the ability to communicate with someone whether it's for business, to purchase a good, and/or to get around in a new country is critical for survival and success. Often we get caught up with our own agendas and what we "feel" would resonate with the other person.

This is something where I've personally been working on, and Dr. Goultston's book is an incredible book about making some realistic changes that will change the way you communicate with someone. For me this is just a start as I'm looking forward to using his suggested techniques in connecting with people not only in the business world, but also to people in my personal life.

I especially liked his personal antidotes and admissions of where he could've handled a situation better. It shows the "humanistic" nature of Dr. Goulston as a regular person vs. a psychiatrist lecturing the world on better listening.

Dr. Goulston, I know you're listening and I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your book. I am in the process of gathering research and other information on how physicians can improve their patient listening skills. Your book provided me with many helpful insights which I am looking forward to sharing with others in the hopes of increasing the caring and listening skills of our medical staff. Thanks again.

Really good book. In today's rapidly changing world, many times our relationship with the others will determine our success. Mark teaches how to deal with different personalities, influence them and stop wasting time with toxic people that don't add any value to our life. Recommended reading.

True confessions: I'm a computer programmer. I don't deal with people all day, though I would love to. Not too long ago, I came to the conclusion (with the help of a few close friends) that I simply don't listen to people. I spend way too much time talking about what I'm interested in, all the time assuming that everyone else is as interested in what I'm interested in. However, as I reflected through my life, I realized that my closest friends were insanely good listeners, and were the kinds of people who really didn't say much at all. They left it up to me. I desperately want to be one of those people, so I bought this book.

Dr. Goulston has an ability to codify those intangible listening techniques that come so naturally to so many people I know, without coming off as condescending or narcissistic. The chapters read more like a set of varied how-to articles than a redundant set of chapters that all say the same thing in various ways. They are truly the Kung-fu of the art of listening, and they're easy to implement.

The only downside to the book is also its main strength. The sheer number of techniques, while varied, are also many, hence why I will need to reread the book again in order to grasp all the concepts and have them stored away in my mind for easy recollection when I need them. Thank you, Dr. Goulston for so clearly outlining these steps to become a better listener. It has already affected my work, social, and private life.

Wonderful book. Wish everyone in my non profit group would read it. If I were rich, I'd hire him to speak at one of our conferences. Even if you don't use all of the book there is something in here you can use. If you deal with people you will see yourself somewhere in it's pages. And unless you are a hermit...you deal with people. Enjoy the read!

I believe this book provides more insights into human interaction per page than other books I've read.
The author is very focused on technics. These technics, I think require a person to change mindset and character to fully implement. I would say these ethnics and covey's 7 habits are a winning combination.

Great read and must have business book. Mark Goulston delivers the essence of selling your ideas to anyone, by avoiding the most common pitfall: making the conversation about you and not about your listener. The book describes techniques for efficient an effective communication and sets a stepping stone to develop your listening capacities and influence competencies by providing evidence supported material.

It is great for business development and managing people, as well for your personal life. Goulston includes 12 easy to master “get trough” techniques that can be easy implemented, and take the book from good read to a real development tool.

Very insightful and helpful. Answers alot of questions as to WHY. . . didn't I get the job? did the relationship end? can't we communicate with one another?

Opened my eyes to what I was/am doing wrong in my communications with others. Gives clear cut examples of how to phrase questions and statements so they are heard and not taken the wrong way.

This work provides practical realistic advice that, if adhered to, will enhance personal and professional relationships. The delivery is simplistic but there is depth in it's meaning. I recommend "Just Listen" to anyone who has read most of the popular "how to" books that over promise results. I have utilized the advice Mr. Goulston provides and have had excellent results.

Funny, easy to read and understand, practical, generous, and very helpful book. A mirror for myself..to make me aware of what I am doing, or not doing..and a key to touching other people's lives in a profound way..A MUST READ!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Goulston on my podcast after reading "Just Listen." Talk about an incredibly impactful author and guest! If you can picture yourself enjoying a heartfelt, impassioned author who has a crystal clear, experientially-based approach to becoming the best listener/communicator you can be, READ THIS BOOK!

Dr Goulston wrote very powerful and truthful piece in "Just Listen". This book not only places emphasis on communicating with truth but shows how to do it simply and most importantly from a genuine place. This book was recommended and referenced recently while I was in negotiator school for my department. The words resonated with me and I began implementing the techniques personally and professionally. Thank you Dr Goulston.

Respectfully

Jackie Stackman

P.S.

I received notice 2 days ago I got selected to our crisis negotiator team. More people than me will reap the benefits of Goulston's teachings;)

A minister needs to focus on listening skills. We are paid to talk, but are effective by listening. This book is an excellent source to learn to listen to people and know how to response to people. It comes from a business perspective, but is relevant to the church setting. The book will help in dealing with conflict, concerns, and the issues within a congregation. You will be trained to deal with people's thoughts more effectively. This is one of the books that one should get on tape to listen to over and over again. There is a ton of lessons in this text that are needed for good communication. Communication is probably the most important aspect in a preacher' effectiveness in a congregation. It might not be how well you preach, but how well you listen. This book will help you take numerous negative situations and turn them into a positive interaction. Of all the business books, I have read recently, this is probably been the most helpful. This is a good and informative read. Well worth the time invested.

I really loved this book. Something throughout this book that was continually done was reference to mirroring and I believe that one single fact used in all of us can improve communication by 50%. The courage to do that and tools to be ok with mirroring others is the other 50% of this. All in all an awesome book that I will use for reference for a long time to come.

I found myself skimming the body of each chapter. Once I read the title and an example I knew what was gonna be said. Good refresher on the skills of communicating but got a little boring.

The first quarter of book best.

I really loved this book. Something throughout this book that was continually done was reference to mirroring and I believe that one single fact used in all of us can improve communication by 50%. The courage to do that and tools to be ok with mirroring others is the other 50% of this. All in all an awesome book that I will use for reference for a long time to come.

I found myself skimming the body of each chapter. Once I read the title and an example I knew what was gonna be said. Good refresher on the skills of communicating but got a little boring.

The first quarter of book best.

In "Just Listen", Mark Goulston has created a book that I would highly recommend. The readable, humble and helpful guide teaches people how to connect with people in a constructive and productive manner across a number of situations and types of people. So many of us need the insights shared in this book. It will help us build stronger more sustainable relationships and create mutually beneficial outcomes in personal and professional situations alike. Fabulous job, Mark Goulston!

I applied principles within 15 minutes of beginning to read it. It changed how I talk to people and how I understand people. And I've always thought I was pretty good at it. I was wrong. Don't be that guy/girl. Buy this book and it'll change your life.

Just Listen is a book about how to communicate effectively with other people. It is filled with practical suggestions to help you connect with anyone you come in contact with. I recommend reading through the book and practicing the suggestions. Only read this book if your life requires you to be powerful in communicating with other people.

A simple lesson we learn as a child, eloquently revisited in this wonderful and well written book. Whether you are speaking to your spouse, on a sales call or presenting to your company, this book will remind you and show you, through many examples, of one of my favorite sayings, listen twice as much as you speak or said another way, you have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them proportionately!
If you want to improve all aspects of your life, Just Listen is for you!

What is a more universally valuable skill than being a good listener?

While I know a number of people who are really good listeners, they are in the minority, and are only really good in some situations. And, through my work over the last 30 years, I have observed that nearly everyone, whatever their skill level, would like to be better at this skill.

Enter Just Listen.

This book, released in paperback earlier this year, has been around for a number of years, and frankly, I’m disappointed I wasn’t aware of it sooner. It is the best book entirely on listening that I have ever read.

After a short introductory section, this book is divided into three major parts:

Nine core rules to help listen more effectively
Twelve tools to apply in a wide variety of situations
“Fast fixes” for seven challenging situations
This outline shows you that the book is well-organized and easy to navigate. Each chapter could be read and applied in a self-contained way. The author recommends understanding the nine core rules first, and I agree with him, but after that, the book could be used as a field guide to life’s situations and building relationships with people in all parts of your life.

Beyond being well organized, the book is easy to read, with examples and situations you will recognize and that you find yourself nodding your head about.

Listening is important to understanding someone’s message, persuading them, building relationships and trust with them, and much more.

Listening is, of course, a skill worth building. If you are serious about doing that, I strongly encourage you to buy a copy of this book, and read it. If you are like me, it will be one you read more than once.

- See more at:[...]

Honestly I was super nervouse buying an audio book on communication, but I'm glad I did. I listened to this book on my way to work each day(~45minutes) and as I progressed through the book I used what i was learning during my day-to-day interactions with coworkers and I beleive it has really helped me out. Additionally with it being an audio book I was able to hear the tones that author was using when he gave examples, I think this help out the most. The book does seem to provide better examples on communication for sales people than other buisness people but overall the auhtor did a great job at providing examples and helpfull hints for people in all types of settings.

Highly recommend to people that questing peaceful life both inward and outward. Understanding ourselves is something we usually underestimated of the importance, we all have the ache to be touched and understood, more so to be appreciated. This book walks you through by steps and by zoned in and zoned out pictures of what is going on between a relationship dynamic. It made things seem a lot easier and would do you much more good if we follow through and apply it in life whenever we can. Especially when you are in a tricky spot with emotional violent people, review some of the chapters in this book could literally save you from great distress--I have actually utilized some strategies here to diffuse angry people and even dismissed a case that filed by a psychopath, most importantly, I took the advice in and disengaged them , saved myself a lot future trouble. The thing is we all run into difficult persons and situations that we can't fix, so at least let's understand it better so we can cope better, nurture what's worthy and steer clear from what's not. And begin doing that by digging into this book few times to understand better. Thank you Mark, one of my parent, one of my ex, few of my ex co-workers n bosses are exactly what you described as "toxic" and very possibly: psychopath. So it meant a lot to me to understand what's going on with their behavior and why I was entangled and how to get out. Your experience helped me surviving some very difficult times. Most importantly, helped me to rebuild confidence on people, and making new and better relationships.

This book is very thought provoking - it is not the kind of book that I can simply read though - I need to put it down as I read and think about what it is saying. So I would say this book is not for someone looking for an easy read, but it is a really good read for someone looking for a thought provoking book which leads to greater understanding of those around us!

I am a finacial advisor with a very large firm. Using the techniques that Mark teaches in this book have been very helpful to me in client meetings. Learning to be a better listener and to empathize with clients has helped me professionally and in my personal life.

I have given the book to friends that have had difficulty communicating with loved ones and it has been very helpful to them as well.

Wonderful book and great Author. I listened to him in one of his AMA presentations. I enjoyed his style and emailed him a few questions. He I was very responsive and helpful. The book is a good read and it is insightful.

The service: the book arrived timely.
The book: content like this, applies to everyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, etc. It is sympathy, compassion and patience, applied step by step in a win-win process, with a "love your neighbor as yourself" attitude. Practical to a 100% degree.

I just finished "Just Listen" and I have recommended this book to most of my friends and family. I have learned that understanding others and being understood by others is a very important skill that was not taught to me in business school. Dr. Goulston's book provides actual real world examples and concrete methods for connecting with other people. This book was very thought provoking. I am very excited to start using some of the techniques that I have learned by reading this book. Especially, when dealing with my employees and other people that I have to work with. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels frustrated by not being able to make a significant connection when communicating with a child, friend, colleague, employee, etc. This book has had a huge positive influence in how I deal with others.

First of all I found the title misleading. The book is less about listening and more about influencing, with listening as one of the many means.

In addition, the book - which offers some amazingly great advice - comes across as saying too much and is kind of all over the place. It would have been very helpful if it summarized its recommendations in a summary of main ideas and techniques. Instead it often feels like a disjointed read.

If you are struggling with difficult people or difficult situations that demand influencing people you are sure to find something in this book that you could put to effective use right away.

I just spent a great weekend with Dr. Mark Goulston! Not in person - although I wish - but devouring his book "Just Listen" - filled with great questions that will absolutely "Increase Your Leadership Effectiveness X10!" This is a must buy book for every leader and every coach! Bob Tiede - Blogger - [...]