When to Speak up & When to Shut Up by Dr. Michael D. Sedler - REVIEWED

ABOUT THE BOOK: (from Baker Publishing)
All of us have found ourselves in situations where we don't know if we should bite our tongues or speak our minds. When is silence golden? When should you speak up? In this popular book, communication expert and former pastor Michael Sedler offers readers practical guidelines for all types of conversations. He also explores the cost and purpose of silence why to check motives when talking to friends, family, and authorities how to ask good questions ways to deal with anger and resentment how to overcome pressure to remain silent. Using biblical and contemporary examples, this must-have book shares important strategies for improving communication skills and building better communication within the workplace, church, and home.

My Thoughts:

“Communication breakdowns discourage people for sharing their thought and ideas, and create opportunities for offense, bitterness and misunderstanding.”  (p.54)

Dr. Michael D. Sedler’s  When to Speak up & When to Shut Up should be required reading for couples anticipating their wedding day.  It should be a gift to those married for years and contemplating divorce because, “They just can’t communicate and don’t have anything in common.”  In short, this is a treasure trove of Scripture and sound advice that will absolutely change the way you communicate with family, friends and co-workers.  And you know what?  It’s not that difficult.  What is difficult is taking the time to examine our hearts and motives before we open our big mouths.

I have worn out a highlighter reading this book, and plan to go back through with a pen and make personal notes that apply to my own life and my own faulty communication efforts.  This is a MUST HAVE for any library and would make an excellent workbook for marriage counselors, a good workbook for a Sunday School Class to work through, and should be required reading for the couple considering marriage.  This is an EXCELLENT resourse!! One I HIGHLY recommend!

About the Author:
Michael Sedler (D.Min., Christian Life School of Theology) ministers in churches and provides consultation services to schools and businesses throughout the United States. Michael is the author of Stop the Runaway Conversation and When to Speak Up When to Shut Up and works as an adjunct professor for three universities. He and his wife, Joyce, live in Spokane, Washington.