Communication In James Petersen's Why Don T We Listen Better

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James Petersen’s book, Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships, outlines the requirement for a continual use of good communication, through a series of actions and steps, by the practice of comprehending, dynamic listening, and actively perceiving. Listening then becomes a creative force that creates a context in which the development of a communicative relationship can foster.

The process of communication is brought into existence by a two-way channel, as there's one who listens (the receiver) the opposite talks (the sender). The prerequisite for a healthy communicative relationship starts with the ability to interact in a context of support, valuing, and within barrier limits of impartiality. The book is a therapeutic solution to helping foster better relationships; it uses the process of communication as an intervention for the journey of self-discovery.

Peterson provides two platforms of communication. The first platform is primarily focused on the engagement of dialogue in which parties are sending and receiving information. The second paradigm is an emotional response within the communication dialogue. Both platforms of communication promote the depth of an intimate relationship amongst the parties involved. Therefore, placing trust and shared values in an emotional context within the communication process widens the information process by making it an uncomplicated method.
The book examines, further, the communication process by giving core concepts that prove that emotional attachments hinder the listening phase. Therefore, Peterson calls this concept the ‘flat brain theory’. This theory contends that the emotional communication is infused as information compacted into a stomach, an...

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...her, I am reminded that, there is always the need for the talker to add in a little sarcastic remark. I am reminded that comments that involve put-downs, criticism, and condescension create problematic and manipulative outcomes. Peterson (200) warns us that there are communicative traps that we need to be aware of. Peterson could have elaborated more fully on how and what to do when this occurs. While I am aware that the book has caused me to be more of a listener, however, the reverse effect is a loss in being a speaker. Peterson contends that healthy filters can be used to create healthy relationships that are empathetic and sympathetic in nature. It seems that Peterson wants to move communication into this phenomenon that is universally sound and politically correct. However, it seems that if we take on this task we are forcing ourselves against nature.
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