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If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: Relating to and Communicating with Others, from the Boardroom to the Bedroom | Alan Alda
37 posts | 25 read | 32 to read
From iconic actor and bestselling author Alan Alda, an indispensable guide to communicating better based on his experience with acting, improv, science, and storytelling The acclaimed actor shares fascinating and powerful lessons from the art and science of communication, and teaches readers to improve the way they relate to others using improv games, storytelling, and their own innate ability to read what s probably going on in the minds of others. With his trademark humor and frankness, Alan Alda explains what makes the out-of-the-box techniques he developed after his years as the host of Scientific American Frontiers so effective. This book reveals what it means to be a true communicator, and how we can communicate better, in every aspect of our lives with our friends, lovers, and families, with our doctors, in business settings, and beyond."
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eeclayton
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Pickpick

Although the book is about science, it's not too scientific, with quite a few cases of anecdotal evidence, hunches and personal interpretations. Still, I loved reading it. Alda is very down to earth and never pretends to be an expert of the field. He tells stories about stuff he's curious about, his enthusiasm clearly shows, and it definitely pulled me in. It's a bit repetitive at times, but a great read nonetheless.

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Addison_Reads
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#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

Thank you for the tag @TheSpineView

1. I often pick up books solely based on their covers without knowing what they're about. On the flip side though, a bad cover won't keep me from reading a book.

2. The colors and the artwork, but I guess minimalistic covers are some of my favorites. Headless bodies on covers annoy me though. If you're putting a person on the cover show a face.

3. Tagged. It's how I feel lately.

TheSpineView You're welcome! 3y
Eggs Thanks for joining in 💜🤍💙 3y
25 likes2 comments
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wen4blu
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I had no idea Alan Alda is a communication guru. His fascination with the subject and its ties with acting really comes through in his audiobook.

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mom2bugnbee
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I don't read a lot of nonfiction, so it actually wasn't too difficult to do a #Top10ofthedecade #nonfictionedition. Alan Alda is one of my favorite celebrities on the planet, & his latest book is phenomenal.

Daisey This is an interesting list. I may need to look some of them up. 5y
Cinfhen I‘d be curious to hear/ read Alan Alda‘s memoir / thanks for sharing your list 5y
mom2bugnbee @Cinfhen He has several books & I have loved all of them. 5y
35 likes3 comments
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gilroyc
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A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar.
The bartender says "what is this, a joke?"

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gilroyc
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I've always liked Alan Alda and his approach to things. With my overall decision to study improved communications toward an overall end of being a better communicator, this book fit what I sought.

#nonfiction #communication #Alanalda #audio

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

The obvious recommendation is for anyone who communicates complex ideas to others. However, there was a lot of helpful info for people in general.

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

A good-but-not-great read—I may adjust my attitude a bit when I review the almost-20 bookmarks I made for myself.

My ears really perked up toward the end, when he was discussing a study involving a 6-month-old girl named Nora. I'm almost positive that he's referring to a study that I just saw in the upcoming documentary “No Small Matter,“ about the importance of high-quality early childhood education experiences. I love it when that happens! 😃

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vlwelser
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Pickpick

This is sort of brilliant in its own way. 💖📚

#Goodreads

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TieDyeDude
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Another beautiful interview. This episode specifically has so much great information for writers. The podcast in general is a wonderful open examination of communication, empathy, and connecting with other humans. Quickly becoming a show I make time for each week.

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silentrequiem
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My August 2018 reads. My favorite ones are highlighted. I think it's safe to say my reading slump is mostly over. I'm not getting through books as fast as I used to, and I'm still having trouble with books holding my attention. But I'm finally reading again!

ju.ca.no hooray :) impressiv number 👏🏼 6y
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silentrequiem
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Pickpick

I finished this on my flight to Las Vegas. I loved this. I picked up so much that I'll have to apply to my own practice. I've been beating the empathy drum my entire career, but Alda backs it all up with research and stories.

If only all my professional development reading was this enjoyable...

Relatedly, I ran a communication training last week and incorporated improv exercises. They really do help with building communication skills.

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silentrequiem
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😂😂😂

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silentrequiem
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Lunch reading at Bike in Coffee. I want to throw this book at some people I know...

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eeclayton
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#notstrictlybookrelated Alan Alda started a podcast in connection with communication, I've just listened to the first episode, and it's both charming and compelling. Couldn't recommend it more.
http://www.aldacommunicationtraining.com/podcasts/
#podcast #recommendation

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MaleficentBookDragon
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I couldn't resist this #GoodReads #KindleDailyDeal

rabbitprincess Isn't it a great title! 😂 I read it in print and then got the audio because Alan reads it. 6y
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Joanne1

I've been bingeing podcasts today while I try to restore some semblance of cleanliness to the house after the kids have gone back to school. Heard an interview with Alan Alda about this book, sounds super interesting.

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mom2bugnbee
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I'm so glad that I listened to this (read by the author) because I'm such an Alan Alda fan, but I'm going to have to buy this & read it in print so I can highlight, underline, etc. There is SO MUCH gold in this regarding communication. This is an amazing resource for me as a science educator & for my daughter as an actress. Highly recommend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A rare five-star review from me!

tif I LOVE Alan Alda! Thanks for sharing! 7y
33 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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mom2bugnbee
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Back at it for #24in48 - time for some chores & an audiobook! #currentread #currentlyreading #audiobook#readingwithmyears @24in48readathon

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bettyscandretti
Pickpick

A surprisingly insightful though wide-eyed look at the science of communication, empathy, creativity and awareness.

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Jen2
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He is the best!!!

SauerPatch He issss! Totally stacking this! 😍 7y
125 likes8 stack adds1 comment
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mom2bugnbee

"Real conversation can't happen if my listening is just waiting for you to finish talking."

Amen.

minkyb So true. 7y
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mom2bugnbee
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ReadingOver50 Awesome title 7y
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rabbitprincess
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This title and cover eloquently convey confusion. I'm waiting for the audiobook so I can reread it. Love having Alan Alda read his own work.
#emojinov day 5: 🤷🏻‍♀️

mom2bugnbee Wonderful choice! I adore Alan Alda, & I had no idea this book existed! I'm with you - audiobook on hold it is! 7y
rabbitprincess @mom2bugnbee It just came out earlier this year or maybe last year. Have you read his memoir, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed? It's very good too 😊 7y
mom2bugnbee I did read that one (& own it), but I just found his other one (Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself) available on audio through my library! 😁 I knew about that one, but it had fallen off of my radar. Thanks for the reminder! 7y
rabbitprincess @mom2bugnbee You're welcome! Enjoy! 7y
29 likes4 comments
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Readingrobin
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This has been on my night stand since I got back from the Random House Spring Open House where we heard the author speak. I kept it there and went onto read other books until yesterday when I was home sick. It's revelatory and I've been taking notes! The focus is on empathy and who can't use more empathy! This is short but powerful!

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FountainBookstore
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I wanted to love this. I love and respect Alan Alda and am deeply interested in the subject and read a lot on communication theory. Listening to the audio (read by the author), I was not engaged. I expect a book on this subject to grip me and not let me go. That didn't happen for me. Maybe I'll try it again later.

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Dvmheather
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My first audio book for #24in48

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WatchMeMerp
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rabbitprincess
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A pick with the caveat that this is much more about oral communication. I had expected more about written communication. My bad.

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TheBookDream
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Pickpick

This books was a great primer on the science of communication. Lots of great anecdotes. And the ending 😂. He's a great author.

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TheBookDream
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Gaming, cooking in games and reading. #booksandboardgame #3DS

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TheBookDream
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Alan Alda tells it like it is with those dang blister packs 😂

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TheBookDream
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Real talk: I have to keep stress way down for health reasons. As such, I'm spending what feels to me like too much time doing things that keep stress down, instead of doing things to build life skills. What do you all do to keep stress down? Maybe I can find things that don't take as much time. #realtalk #stress

Myhusbandhatesreading Good luck. ❤️ I find everything stressful. Lately I diffuse oils. It sounds hokey but it is actually relaxing. We also got a new meditation cd to try, Relaxation and Self Regulation Techniques for Children and Teens. We got it for my son but we actually do it also since we are beginners too. 8y
Megara Reading. Netflix. 10 minute meditations. (Also the person above me has a hilaaaarious username 😂). Prescribed drugs. White noise/sounds of rain, especially to fall asleep. I can also say diffusing oils helps (albeit a mild improvement when you have anxiety as intense as mine). Journaling. Writing letters. Tea (solves everything). Swimming. If I can get myself out of bed, being outdoors - especially on a hike. Spending time with you. 8y
TheBookDream @Myhusbandhatesreading @Megara Thanks. Those are all very good ideas (also, @megara: I didn't realize this comment was from you until just now. I crashed today and didn't even recognize your name ?) It's so bad I almost titled a work e-mail "Are you ready to stay awake?" 8y
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Megara @TheBookDream oh! And watching YouTube videos of puppies being adorable or parrots swearing and singing. That usually helps in a pinch. 8y
Myhusbandhatesreading @Megara My ways to get back at my husband for not enjoying reading are small but evil 😊. @TheBookDream I feel your pain. I literally took a day off today to just not have to deal with the stress at work. I do take meds for anxiety and some days I do double the dose. 8y
TheBookDream @Myhusbandhatesreading Oh dear. I have had to do that occasionally, but lately I've been getting what my doctor thinks is in the range of Fibromyalgia type crap. So I'm trying to reduce stress to avoid the bouts of pain/exhaustion. Bleh. As if mental pain wasn't enough 😡 8y
16 likes6 comments
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TheBookDream
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I LOVE Alan Alda's books. This one is no exception so far #litsypartyofone

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Dorianna
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My hold from Overdrive is available. I'm curious about what Alda has to say about communication.

VanChocStrawberry I heard his interview on NPR...so good! 8y
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BethFishReads
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I hope to meet --or at least see him -- at BEA this year. This book editor is curious about what Alda has to say about clear communication. @penguinrandomhouse

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Readingrobin
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Not all actors can develop a personal interest into a second career the way he has but his love of science is fascinating.

lynneamch I retired from teaching oral communication 10 years ago, but will absolutely have to pick this one up! Thanks for posting. 😊 8y
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