
Listening
A guide to building deeper connections
Listening:
Active listening and communication skills for better relationships, leadership, and parenting
“This book needs to be read.”
Brendan “Bones” Ramdell, who tragically lost his teenage daughter to suicide, writes in the foreword:
“This book gives you ideas that I hope will prevent you from being in my situation. I see the concepts in this book as a step in tackling the growing suicide rate.”
This is not just a book about listening—it’s about saving relationships, and potentially, lives.
Why Listening Matters
Ever feel like someone is trying to tell you something important—but you’re not sure what it is?
Do you instinctively jump in with solutions, advice, or stories when someone shares a problem?
Listening opens with a powerful moment between the author, Ross Judd, and his daughter Emily. What starts as a minor school issue soon reveals deeper emotional concerns about her relationship with her mother. This real-life example shows how true listening unlocks what people are really trying to say.
You’re invited to reflect:
Would you have interrupted with advice?
Tried to fix the issue too soon?
Missed what truly mattered?
These common reactions are exactly what the book helps you overcome.
What Makes This Listening Book Unique
Unlike many other communication skills books, Listening helps you reprogram how you connect—with a clear, research-backed method. It includes:
✅ The Integrated Values Iceberg©
Discover how your unconscious values shape every conversation. This mindful connection technique helps you shift your focus from “fixing” problems to truly hearing others, making it one of the most practical empathy and emotional intelligence books available.
✅ The R.E.O.S.T.A.R. Process©
A simple, memorable 7-step guide to build trust, connection, and emotional presence in any conversation:
Recognise the moment to connect
Engage with empathy and curiosity
Open the space for real sharing
Summarise what you’ve heard to show understanding
Transition toward identifying deeper needs
Address the real issue
Re-check for clarity and trust
This is a listening techniques book that gives you tools you can apply immediately—in your relationships, with your kids, and in the workplace.
Who This Listening Guide Is For
Ultimately, whether you’re seeking communication skills for couples, listening skills for parents, or better leadership and team dynamics, this book delivers. For instance:
👫 Couples wanting deeper emotional connection and understanding
👨👩👧 Parents looking for listening books for kids or support in family communication
👥 Leaders who need communication tools for teams and culture building
🤝 Anyone who wants to have more meaningful, authentic conversations
This isn’t just another relationship book. Ultimately it’s a guide to deeper conversations and stronger, more resilient human connections.
Why This Book Could Save a Life
Listening was born out of a heartfelt mission. Following the loss of Brendan Ramdell’s daughter, this book is dedicated to helping others prevent similar tragedies. A portion of every sale is donated to Beyond Blue, supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Thus, it’s more than a communication skills book. It’s a reminder that when someone reaches out, how we listen can change everything.
Get Your Copy Today
Whether you’re searching for:
an active listening guide for adults
communication skills for couples
listening skills for parents
or a practical empathy and emotional intelligence book
Listening: A Guide to Building Deeper Connections belongs on your shelf—and in your hands.
What people are saying about "Listening - A guide to building deeper connections
We can’t be perfect listeners all the time, however in order to truly understand and connect with those around us, we all need to learn to listen in a deeper and more meaningful fashion. Ross was interviewed on ABC Life Matters. Discover how you can become a better listener in the moments that matter.
Listen like you mean it: How to Hear what your child isn’t saying. Podcast with Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families.
When children need to talk, they’ll give subtle clues that most parents miss completely. Recognising these moments and responding with actual listening—not advice, stories, or solutions—creates connections that last decades. The secret? Summarise what they say instead of steering the conversation. Most children never reveal their real issue first, which means parents who jump in with solutions are missing what their children truly need: to be understood.
Quote of the Episode:
“Understanding is the deepest hunger of the human heart.” – Stephen Covey (quoted by Ross Judd)
Ross Judd, who’s here to talk about his new book, Listening: A Guide to Building Deeper Connections. Ross is a highly respected author and consultant known for his insights on leadership and culture. We explore why listening matters, how to identify when it’s most critical, and how we can all hone our listening skills to improve our relationships. Ross Judd’s new book Listening will help you learn how to listen properly in the moments when those closest to you need it most.
To truly understand and connect with those around you, you need to listen in a deeper and more meaningful fashion.
In Listening, Ross Judd offers a unique approach that goes beyond traditional listening skills. His simple, effective, and powerful approach will transform your relationships and empower you to be the supportive presence they deserve. Shaping Change Podcast with Ros Cardinal