Hey everyone.
I’ve been diving into books that claim to upgrade how we communicate and understand people. Specifically:
Crucial Conversations — the corporate classic for high-stakes dialogue.
Nonviolent Communication — the empathy-first philosophy.
How to Know a Person — the deeper, reflective take by David Brooks.
I keep seeing people swear by each of them for totally different reasons. Some say Crucial Conversations is like tactical communication training, super actionable and great for work conflicts. Others say Nonviolent Communication is more of a spiritual rewiring that teaches you how to listen for what people need rather than what they say. And How to Know a Person sounds more philosophical, about actually seeing people instead of analyzing them.
I want to pick the one that gives the biggest real-world impact. Not just good quotes or frameworks, but something that genuinely changes how I handle conversations, conflict, and relationships.
So, Reddit sages.
Which of these had the biggest impact on you personally?
If you’ve read more than one, which should I start with?
Are there any hidden gems that go even deeper on this theme, like books, essays, or thinkers?
Bonus question. Does it make sense to read them in sequence, like skill-building levels: Crucial Conversations, then Nonviolent Communication, then How to Know a Person? Or is that overthinking it?
I’m looking for books that don’t just teach what to say, but actually reprogram how you see and hear people. I’d love your thoughts, experiences, and even spicy takes.
by Wonderful_Response_1