Seven Challenges: A Workbook and Reader About Communicating More Cooperatively

Author Dennis Rivers describes his communication skills workbook as "a structured, intensive exploration of seven challenging skills for a lifetime of better communication in work, family, friendship & community". While acknowledging that learning to talk and listen in new ways can be a challenge, Rivers suggests that developing and practising more cooperative approaches to interpersonal communication can be rewarding for communicators in several ways. For example, he claims that those who cultivate a more compassionate attitude toward conversation partners can enjoy more respect, influence, peace of mind, confidence, and closeness with others. In particular, the skills described in this workbook are intended to ease situations of conflict.

Each section of the workbook includes space for reflection. For instance, the introductory exercise asks readers to "write down the ways in which you would like to improve your communication and interaction with others. For example, what are some situations you would like to change with new communication skills?" Here is a list of the book's sections:

• Introduction
• Challenge One: Listening more carefully and more responsively
• Challenge Two: Explaining my conversational intent and inviting consent
• Challenge Three: Expressing myself more clearly and more completely
• Challenge Four: Translating my criticisms and complaints into requests
• Challenge Five: Asking questions more "open-endedly" and more creatively
• Challenge Six: Thanking. Expressing more appreciation
• Challenge Seven: Making the effort...Making better communication an important part of my everyday life
• APPENDIX ONE: Suggestions for further study; books on interpersonal communication
• APPENDIX TWO: Suggestion for Starting a Local Cooperative Communication Skills Peer Support and Practice Group

Click here to view the workbook in HTML format (English language) or PDF format, section by section.
Click here to download the entire workbook in PDF format (English language).
Click here for information about a peer support network (English language) associated with this workbook.

Click here to download the entire workbook in PDF format (Portuguese language).
Click here to access a Portuguese-language website that provides access to this and other free training materials.

Click here to download the entire workbook in PDF format (Spanish language)
Click here to access a Spanish-language website that provides access to this and other free training materials.