The first step: lead with presence. The center of our lives -- The power of mindfulness -- Relational awareness -- The second step: Come from curiosity and care. The blame game -- Where are you coming from? -- Don't let the call drop -- The third step: Focus on what matters. Getting down to what matters -- Emotional agility -- Enhancing empathy and inner resilience -- How to raise an issue without starting a fight -- If you want something, ask for it -- Bringing it all together. The flow of dialogue -- Running the rapids -- Conclusion: charting your course

"We spend so much of our lives talking to each other, but how often are we simply running on automatic, relying on old habits and hoping for the best? Are we able to truly hear others and speak our mind in a clear and kind way, without needing to get defensive or go on the attack? In this groundbreaking synthesis of mindfulness, somatics, and nonviolent communication, Oren Jay Sofer offers simply yet powerful practices to develop healthy, effective, and satisfying ways of communicating. The techniques in "Say what you mean" will help you to: Feel confidnet during conversation ; Stay focused on what really matters in an interaction ; Listen for the authentic concerns behind someone's words ; Reduce anxiety before before and during difficult conversations ; Find nourishment in day-to-day interactions