Die Kunst, nicht aneinander vorbeizureden

Neville Chamberlain talks with Adolf Hitler but does not understand his intentions. Amanda Knox maintains her innocence, yet she is convicted of murder by Italian judges. Communication about sex is challenging, not just under the influence of alcohol, but even more so. Our tools and strategies for understanding others do not work, writes bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell. And because we do not know how to talk to strangers, misunderstandings, crises, and conflicts arise repeatedly. Investors fall for fraudsters like Bernie Maddox, and the CIA is deceived by Castro's spies, as we continually misinterpret others' words. Gladwell describes these dramatic instances of miscommunication and explains why our encounters with those we do not know often fail. We talk past each other because we are unfamiliar with their expectations and feelings. Gladwell provides a framework for our communication: his book is a thoughtful analysis of the psychological and cultural factors that shape our speech and behavior. It serves as a guide in times when misunderstandings are everywhere, as we must communicate more than ever with people who are unfamiliar to us.