The Conversation Doctor

What really happens when we speak to each other

Leen Vermeersch • Boek • paperback

• Samenvatting
  The Conversation Doctor is a scientifically grounded and highly practical guide to transforming the way we speak — and listen — to one another.
  
  In a world where conversations easily derail into defensiveness, polarization, or silence, Leen Vermeersch argues that dialogue is not a soft skill, but a core human competence. Conversations shape our relationships, our leadership, our institutions, and even our well-being. When they fail, the costs are personal and systemic. When they succeed, they become a powerful form of medicine.
  
  Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, behavioral economics, and philosophy, The Conversation Doctor explains what happens in the brain and body during tense interactions. It shows how stress responses, cognitive biases, and unconscious patterns influence what we say — often before we are aware of it. Instead of offering superficial communication tricks, the book provides a structured and evidence-based framework for regaining influence in difficult conversations.
  
  At the heart of the book lies a simple but demanding premise: you always have more influence over a conversation than you think. By learning to distinguish observation from judgment, emotion from evaluation, and intention from impact, readers develop clarity, emotional regulation, and relational intelligence.
  
  The book combines:
  • Clear explanations of scientific concepts (including stress physiology and cognitive dissonance)
  • Real-life professional and personal examples
  • A practical 45-day challenge with daily micro-assignments
  • Reflection exercises that progressively deepen self-awareness
  • Concrete tools inspired by Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
  
  Rather than promoting naïve positivity, The Conversation Doctor takes a realistic view: conversations can hurt, divide, and escalate. But they can also repair, connect, and heal — when approached consciously.
  
  Written for professionals, leaders, students, and anyone who wants to improve the quality of their interactions, this book bridges science and daily practice. It is accessible without being simplistic, rigorous without being academic, and practical without losing depth.
  
  Ultimately, The Conversation Doctor invites readers to reclaim authorship over their conversations — and, in doing so, over the stories they create with others.
• Productinformatie
  Binding : Paperback
  Distributievorm : Boek (print, druk)
  Formaat : 170mm x 244mm
  Aantal pagina's : 224
  Uitgeverij : Flandrienella Publishing
  ISBN : 9789090417691
  Datum publicatie : 03-2026
  
• Inhoudsopgave
  1 More than words: the system behind every conversation 13
  1.1 How small things have a big impact: the butterfly effect 15
  1.2 What exactly is a conversation? 17
  1.3 The system logic of conversations 20
  1.4 Conversations in all shapes and sizes 25
  
  2 A conversation as a story 33
  2.1 Every conversation is a story in the making 35
  2.2 How well-intentioned conversations go off track 37
  2.3 When connection goes wrong: five pitfalls 38
  2.4 Another way: connecting alternatives 41
  2.5 What makes a conversation successful? 44
  2.6 Reading conversations: three types of conversations according to Charles Duhigg 45
  2.7 Between silence and conversation: how culture shapes our conversations 47
  
  3 The importance of safety in conversations 51
  3.1 The biology of safe conversations 53
  3.2 Social connection as a powerful healer 60
  3.3 Cognitive dissonance and the role of body language in conversations 67
  3.4 The hormonal impact of conversations 76
  
  4 Empathy as quantum power in conversations 85
  4.1 Emotions and empathy: the bridge between body and conversation 87
  4.2 Quantum entanglement and the science of conversation 92
  4.3 Primordial patterns in conversation 94
  4.4 Empathy as an ancient force: from caring reflex to team spirit 102
  4.5 The gentle revolution of empathy: how small gestures open up big worlds 104
  
  5 Conversations as medicine, even with yourself 111
  5.1 Words as building blocks of connection 113
  5.2 The healing logic of dialogue: from Socrates to coaching 120
  5.3 Stories as medicine in indigenous cultures 124
  5.4 Your inner voice as your first doctor 127
  
  6 How does a conversation process work? 137
  6.1 The conversation lasagna: structure of a conversation process 139
  6.2 How to disconnect yourself, even without noticing 149
  6.3 If your conversation gets stuck… and that is (also) your fault 154
  6.4 Connection between brain and body: synchronization 158
  6.5 Experts in synchronization: the central participants or ‘super-communicators’ 161
  6.6 Taking responsibility for your own emotions 163
  
  7 Connecting speech patterns for connecting conversations 175
  7.1 The algorithm of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) 178
  7.2 Examples: NVC in practice 186
  7.3 Deep listening: questions as a bridge 191
  7.4 Feedback for understanding: the key to listening 194
  7.5 Why conflicts keep returning 197
  
  8 You are now the conversation doctor 203
  8.1 This book in practice 205
  8.2 The essence per chapter 206
  8.3 The future of conversations: humanity in a digital world 209
  8.4 You are now the conversation doctor 214
  In conclusion 217
  Acknowledgement 218
  References 220
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