Summary of Just Listen

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. We've all encountered them—the colleague who stonewalls every suggestion, the client who won't return calls, the family member who shuts down mid-conversation. These "unreachable" people seem impossible to connect with, much less persuade or influence. Mark Goulston knows differently. Drawing on decades as a psychiatrist, business consultant, and coach, he's discovered that even the most resistant people can become allies, loyal colleagues, and devoted customers. The barrier isn't their personality or stubbornness—it's that nobody's taught us how to truly break through. Just Listen reveals the techniques that make real connection possible. Goulston combines clinical insight with cutting-edge research to show exactly how to get through to anyone, regardless of how closed off they seem. The foundation is deceptively simple: people need to feel heard before they'll hear you. Goulston walks you through making powerful first impressions that open doors instead of closing them. You'll learn to listen in ways that make even total strangers feel genuinely understood—a critical skill whether you're meeting a potential client or navigating a tense personal situation. The book tackles the hardest scenarios too. When someone's angry or aggressive, their brain defaults to instinctual, unproductive reactions. Goulston shows how to guide them back toward rational thinking without triggering more defensiveness. Most importantly, you'll master buy-in—the essential but elusive element underlying all persuasion, negotiation, and sales. These aren't manipulative tricks. They're communication fundamentals that work because they respect how human psychology actually functions. Whether you're dealing with coworkers, friends, strangers, or outright adversaries, the first critical step is getting them to genuinely hear you out. Master that, and everything else becomes possible.