How to Listen: Tools for Opening Up Conversations by Katie Colombus - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: New
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780857839404
Publisher: Kyle Books
Age Range: Adult

Overview
How to Listen: Tools for Opening Up Conversations When It Matters Most is a warm, practical guide to becoming a better listener. Written by journalist Katie Colombus with Samaritans, it draws on decades of frontline listening experience to help readers support friends, family and colleagues. With a foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales and a preface by Michael Palin, this paperback offers clear, compassionate tools rather than abstract theory, making it an accessible companion for anyone wanting to connect more meaningfully with others.

About the Book
Most of us assume we already know how to listen, yet genuine, judgement-free listening is a skill that must be learned and practised. How to Listen breaks this skill into clear, usable steps, showing readers how to open a difficult conversation, stay present once it has begun, and use gentle encouragement and open questions to help someone share what is really on their mind. The advice is grounded in the real-world experience of trained Samaritans volunteers who have spent years supporting people through crisis and everyday worry, giving concrete language and techniques usable immediately at the kitchen table, in a classroom, at work, or on the phone. Katie Colombus writes in an approachable, conversational style that never feels clinical, while the foreword from HRH The Prince of Wales and preface by Michael Palin underline how widely relevant this guide has become. Real scenarios throughout show exactly how the techniques play out in practice, making the book equally useful for parents, teachers, managers, healthcare workers, volunteers, or anyone wanting to be a better friend.

• Practical, step-by-step tools for opening up sensitive conversations with confidence.
• Guidance on active, judgement-free listening drawn from Samaritans' real-world experience.
• Techniques for using open questions and gentle encouragement to help others open up.
• Real scenarios and examples that make the advice easy to apply at home, school or work.
• Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales and preface by Michael Palin add authority and warmth.

About the Author
Katie Colombus is a journalist, poet and author whose writing has appeared in national publications including The Telegraph and The i Paper. She worked closely with Samaritans to bring their decades of listening expertise to a wider audience through this book. Known for her clear, empathetic voice, Colombus specialises in turning complex emotional subjects into practical, everyday guidance that readers can put into action immediately, whether supporting a loved one, a colleague, or simply trying to become a more attentive friend.

Why You'll Love This Book
Grounded in Samaritans' real experience and delivered with warmth rather than jargon, How to Listen turns an essential life skill into something genuinely learnable. It's a thoughtful gift or personal read for anyone who wants to show up better for those they care about.

Please Note: Book cover and edition may vary slightly from the image shown; you will receive the UK ISBN edition with UK cover as listed.