Review: Words Can Change Your Brain

In Words Can Change Your Brain by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, the two point out, perhaps surprisingly, that research shows that we humans
are surprisingly unskilled when it comes to communicating with others, and we often choose words without thought, oblivious to their emotional impact. The book, filled with insightful anecdotes and observations about how we communicate, introduces a 12-step strategy called "Compassionate Communication," which actually changes our brain structure and the brain of the person we are talking to in a way that helps establish a bond between people. If it all sounds a bit too good to be true, try these quick hitters on for size: It takes seven seconds to generate instant rapport, trust and cooperation; and, never speak for more than 30 seconds at a time. After that, you've lost the listener; and probably the sale.