Arthanayake stated at the outset that this would be a book written based on his own experience so I was a little wary about how much depth he'd go for. Part how-to and part manifesto, Let’s Talk is Nihal’s accessible, anecdotal and invigorating toolkit to having better conversations with anyone, any time. Nihal interviews a range of people for whom communication is a key part of their life and business, whilst blending in some of his own stories and experiences along the way, to highlight his key recommendations for the importance of open and varied communication, and how we need to improve in ‘the art of conversation’. This is the first time I have come across a book like this, which brings together an authority in conversation (in my opinion) alongside an eclectic mix of experts, and psychological theories, combined with celebrity opinion. There are times, in a workplace, which means this needs preparation before you start the pre-planned conversation.

I read this at the same time as Malcolm Gladwell's Talking to Strangers and despite the books being on a similar topic/approach, this is hands down the better of the two. And while we know that effective communication can lead to greater fulfilment in our personal and professional lives, evidence suggests we are having fewer meaningful conversations than previous generations. Think about how this, and how you can make other people feel when you are interacting with them; however brief that connection may be.Which means not only can we become more effective communicators if we choose but that we should not let those who do not employ them off the hook when there is a better alternative. In August 2022 he came to Intelligence Squared to discuss his new book Let’s Talk, which explores the evolution of dialogue and the science behind stimulating conversation.

As an essential part of my day job as a coach is having better conversations, I was intrigued by what I would uncover when I read “Let’s Talk (How to Have Better Conversations)*.

You won’t get a textbook on how to have a better conversation, so if you are looking for a “how-to” guide, then I suggest you look elsewhere. He currently presents a daily daytime show on BBC 5 Live, and his unique interviewing style was recently recognised at the BBC Radio and Music Awards where he won Interview of the Year. He currently presents the daily afternoon show on BBC 5 Live and the official Penguin Books podcast. Although the author brings out various valuable points on having better conversations with others, most are generic and easily accessible online. Brilliant, insightful and a great opportunity to reframe how you talk to people and converse with them as well as most importantly, how you listen.