Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know
How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Do television sitcoms teach us something about the way we relate to each other that isn't true?
While tackling these questions, Malcolm Gladwell was not solely writing a book for the page. He was also producing for the ear. In the audiobook version of 'TALKING TO STRANGERS', you'll hear the voices of people interviewed - scientists, criminologists, military psychologists. Court transcripts are brought to life with re-enactments. You actually her the contentious arrest of Sandra Bland by the side of the road in Texas. As Gladwell revisits the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, the trial of Amanda Knox, and the suicide of Sylvia Plath, you hear directly from many of the players in these real-life tragedies. There's even a theme song - Janelle Monae's "Hell You Talmbout".
Something is very wrong, Gladwell argues, with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don't know. And because we don't know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world.
This audiobook edition of 'TALKING TO STRANGERS' was an instant number-one best seller, and was one of the most pre-ordered audiobooks in history. It seamlessly marries audiobooks and podcasts, creating a completely new and real listening experience
©2019 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2019 Hachette Audio
Malcolm Gladwell’s “Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know” delves into the complexities of human communication and the challenges we face when interacting with strangers. Gladwell argues that we often make snap judgments about people based on their appearance, behavior, and words, which can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. He emphasizes the importance of actively listening, withholding judgment, and seeking common ground to build trust and understanding with those we don’t know. Gladwell explores real-life examples, psychological studies, and historical anecdotes to illustrate his points and provides insights into how we can improve our ability to communicate effectively with strangers. “Talking to Strangers” challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about human nature and encourages them to approach interactions with strangers with curiosity, empathy, and an open mind.
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