I was inspired to read David Brooks' latest book, "How to Know a Person, The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen," when it came out last fall. I was drawn to it because of a comment a former student made to me around the same time. She said, "I was surprised to find out that your speech class gave me confidence in conversations that used to make me uncomfortable." Teachers love hearing things like that—a student got some value out of a class that wasn't even assigned! Admittedly, I teach conversationally, a luxury of smaller class sizes. I warn all of my students on the first day: "I'm going to get to know you better than your other professors do, and you're going to get to know me too." In "How to Know a Person," the book's lofty goals can be achieved through a commitment to having better conversations. Not easier, or more entertaining conversations, but better. And yes, I often found myself nodding as I read it. John Dickerson wrote for CBS News, "The book's thesis is that while human relations are hard, the skills can be taught, and if people can improve their one-on-one interactions – in listening, in conversation, and in what Brooks calls the 'close at hand' – it might have a compounding effect on society."  I often read Brooks' columns, not because I agree with him, though I sometimes do. It's because I have always liked the way he writes, and this book is no exception. Chapter 7, "The Right Questions," describes a series of methods to improve our connections with each other. He writes that about 30% of us are natural questioners, leaving 70% who are not. And while the latter group can be charming people, "they spend their conversational time presenting themselves." He adds, "Sometimes I will be walking out of a party and realize that whole time no one asked me a single question." To me, that's a bad party. As I have studied communication and worked to teach it better, I've concluded this disconnection problem is solvable. Which brings me to some sort-of-conversations provoked by my column last week. I never know which installments will get around or strike a chord, but this one did, inspiring some feedback.   Connect with Michael Leppert Visit michaelleppert.com to read the full post and links to any resources or articles mentioned. Twitter @michaelleppert  Facebook at Michael Leppert  

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