Messages: The Communication Skills Book, Edition 3

Matthew McKay · Martha Davis · Patrick Fanning

Mar 2009 · New Harbinger Publications

About this eBook

Many people assume that good communicators possess an intrinsic talent for speaking and listening to others, a gift that can't be learned or improved. The reality is that communication skills are developed with deliberate effort and practice, and learning to understand others and communicate your ideas more clearly will improve every facet of your life.

Now in its third edition, Messages has helped thousands of readers cultivate better relationships with friends, family members, coworkers, and partners. You'll discover new skills to help you communicate your ideas more effectively and become a better listener. Learn how to:

Read body language

Develop skills for couples communication

Negotiate and resolve conflicts

Communicate with family members

Handle group interactions

Talk to children

Master public speaking

Prepare for job interviews

Messages is a comprehensive handbook in a most important human skill-personal communication. Reading it made me feel like an enthusiastic partner in an achievable learning endeavor.
-Virginia Satir, author of Peoplemaking and The New Peoplemaking

About the author

Matthew McKay, PhD is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Self-Esteem, Thoughts and Feelings, When Anger Hurts, and ACT on Life Not on Anger. His books combined have sold more than 2.5 million copies. McKay received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. In private practice, he specializes in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety and depression.

Martha Davis, PhD, was a psychologist in the department of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, CA, where she practiced individual, couple, and group psychotherapy for more than thirty years prior to her retirement. She is coauthor of Thoughts and Feelings and The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook.

Patrick Fanning is a professional writer in the mental health field and the founder of a men's support group in northern California. He has authored and coauthored eight self-help books, including Self-Esteem, Thoughts and Feelings, Couple Skills, and Mind and Emotions.