Words That Start Fires — an e-book about communication

One sentence can start a fight. One word can stop it. A practical e-book on saying things so the conversation can continue, in relationships, at work and on ordinary days.

“Why didn’t you call me?”
One ordinary question. And maybe the start of a completely unnecessary fight.

Often the problem isn’t WHAT we want to say. It’s the reaction our words automatically trigger. “Why” sounds like an interrogation. “Never” and “always” drag up the last ten years of a relationship. And one little “but” can erase everything you said before it.

Words That Start Fires shows you how to say the same thing more precisely, more calmly, and in a way the other person can actually hear. You won’t find manipulative tricks or therapy-speak nobody would use at home. You’ll find sentences you can start using today.

Every example puts the original sentence next to a better version. For both, you’ll see what the other person actually hears and how they’ll likely react. Often the difference is just one word.

What’s inside

• 15 chapters on the sentences that most often inflame conversations (Why × What, You × I, Never and always, “But”, mind reading, apologies, texts and emails, and more)

• dozens of real-life situations from relationships, work, family and friendships

• the Say it differently section, explaining how the other person’s reaction changes

• short exercises and a summary at the end of every chapter

• 30 “Instead of → Try → Why” cards for quick browsing

• a mini quiz: How do you communicate when you’re annoyed?

• 5 questions to ask yourself before you speak

🎁 Bonus: a one-page A4 cheat sheet with 20 “don’t say → try saying” sentences, ready to print or save to your phone.

Who it’s for
Anyone who has ever said something with good intentions and still ended up in an argument. It’s for couples, parents, team leaders and colleagues, and for anyone who wants fewer pointless conflicts and more conversations that actually go somewhere.

Details

• format: PDF, A4 portrait

• length: 87 pages

• language: English

• instant download after purchase

Same problem. A different start to the conversation. And often a completely different ending.

How it works:
After purchase, you’ll receive a PDF file to download. You can read it on your computer, tablet or phone, or print it out and keep the cheat sheet close at hand.