WE NEED TO TALK. They are, perhaps, the most dreaded four words in the English language. But in her timely and practical book, We Need to Talk, Celeste Headlee?a public radio host?makes the case that they are urgently needed.

Today most of us communicate from behind electronic screens, and studies show that Americans feel less connected and more divided than ever before. And the only way
forward, says Headlee, is to start talking to one another. In We Need to Talk, she outlines the strategies that have made her a better conversationalist and offers actionable steps anyone can take to improve their communication skills. For example:

• BE THERE OR GO ELSEWHERE. Human beings are incapable of multitasking, and this is especially true of tasks that involve language. Think you can catch up on your e-mail while talking on the phone? Think again.
• CHECK YOUR BIAS. The belief that your intelligence protects you from erroneous assumptions can make you more vulnerable to them. We all have blind spots that affect the way we view others.
• HIDE YOUR PHONE. Don't just put down your phone, put it away. Research suggests that the mere presence of a cell phone can negatively impact the quality of a conversation.

Whether you're struggling to communicate with your child's teacher, your boss, your neighbor, or someone you love, Headlee offers smart strategies that can help us all have conversations that matter.