Journals
Practical Book Review of Petersen’s Text
Derby-Nuel Ikeakanam
Dr. Glenn Dunn
Liberty University
Summary Communication is the oil that lubricates the engine of relationships. Good communication is important in business, family and social work. Coworkers need good listeners because communication makes for ease and flow with getting the work done. Taking time to listen to people is a virtue. Sometimes all people want is somebody that will listen to them. Every good listener must have balance. Listen awhile, talk and know when to stop, listen again until the person calms down. We must learn to listen deeper because most chronically angry people are harboring deep hurts. Real listening helps individuals understand each other and there seems to be something in such human connection that touches and changes us (Peterson, 2007). If people listen to each other, confusion and pain will be minimized. Better communication helps for a healthy relationship but if one can stop the desire to win every argument then there can be meaningful communication amongst family, friends and co-workers. It is often difficult to change ones thinking and behavior but if there is change it will deepen connections and increase commitment to constructive living. The flat brain theory of emotions formulated by Peterson describes how ones internal mood affects communication (Peterson, 2007). The head thinks and rationalizes, the stomach feels and the heart adds the tenderness. Understanding this principle helps one learn ways to redirect negative emotions into something positively constructive before it is spoken. Since what one thinks affects feelings, individuals should then focus on thinking more positively. Communication is always on two levels, sharing of information and connecting with people. Many people yearn for personal connection even in very officious environment (Peterson, 2007).
Derby-Nuel Ikeakanam
Dr. Glenn Dunn
Liberty University
Summary Communication is the oil that lubricates the engine of relationships. Good communication is important in business, family and social work. Coworkers need good listeners because communication makes for ease and flow with getting the work done. Taking time to listen to people is a virtue. Sometimes all people want is somebody that will listen to them. Every good listener must have balance. Listen awhile, talk and know when to stop, listen again until the person calms down. We must learn to listen deeper because most chronically angry people are harboring deep hurts. Real listening helps individuals understand each other and there seems to be something in such human connection that touches and changes us (Peterson, 2007). If people listen to each other, confusion and pain will be minimized. Better communication helps for a healthy relationship but if one can stop the desire to win every argument then there can be meaningful communication amongst family, friends and co-workers. It is often difficult to change ones thinking and behavior but if there is change it will deepen connections and increase commitment to constructive living. The flat brain theory of emotions formulated by Peterson describes how ones internal mood affects communication (Peterson, 2007). The head thinks and rationalizes, the stomach feels and the heart adds the tenderness. Understanding this principle helps one learn ways to redirect negative emotions into something positively constructive before it is spoken. Since what one thinks affects feelings, individuals should then focus on thinking more positively. Communication is always on two levels, sharing of information and connecting with people. Many people yearn for personal connection even in very officious environment (Peterson, 2007).
References: Anderson. D. (2010). Gracism: Art of inclusion. Peabody MA. ReadHowYouWant, LLC Carbonell, M Peterson J.C. (2007). Why Don’t We Listen Better? : Communicating & Connecting in Relationships. Tigard, OR: Peterson Publications. Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication (11the ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.