Chatter is by Ethan Kross and, according to the cover description, it’s about the voice inside our heads and how we harness it. This offer was one I couldn’t resist trying. Although I have managed to control my inner monologue over the years, it can still lead me down bad paths. So I decided to test Chatter.
This question can be answered honestly with yes, maybe and no. Your reaction to the book will likely depend on your knowledge of neuroscience. I discuss this in my audiobook review.
SYNOPSIS
Transform your inner critic into a coach
All of us have a voice inside our heads. It is our constant chatter that we tune in to for direction, ideas, and wisdom. Sometimes, however, we are led down a rabbit hole by negative self-talk or endless rumination.
These silent conversations can be so powerful that they can affect our moods, cause us to feel ill and even make our health worse. How can we regain control? Ethan Kross, a psychologist who won an award for his work, set out twenty years ago to answer this question. He began a bold mission to examine the conversations we have about ourselves.
Chatter is a book by Kross that combines cutting-edge science and real-world examples to show how inner conversations affect our work and relationships. He then reveals how to harness your voice and become happier, healthier, and more productive.
NARRATION AND STRUCTURE
The introduction and the first two chapters are focused on the context and background of the book. They define chatter and its impact on our lives.
These 5 chapters will cover all possible ways to control our inner commentsaries. They also share fascinating case studies and research results. The book ends with a conclusion, tools, which are perhaps the most important sections of the book. However, the supporting evidence is just as important.
Ethan Kross is the perfect narrator. He is a Professor in the University of Michigan’s Psychology Department and the Director of the Emotion and Self Control Laboratory. He is a world-renowned expert on controlling the conscious mind. He is also able to connect on a personal basis with his listeners. His detailed knowledge combined with his approachable narration gives an easy-to-understand view of cutting-edge research.
REAL-LIFE VS. THEORY
Ethan Kross admits that it is impossible to accurately read the conscious mind of someone. This is one of the difficulties of this branch of neuroscience. To overcome this, he weaves fascinating case studies and research findings in each chapter to show how each technique can be used to calm chatter. The headers for each chapter are made up of five main methods:
- Zooming out
- When I become you
- The power and peril of other people
- Outside In
- Mind Magic
Listening to audiobooks is always interesting because I wonder what the physical version would look like. In this case, however, I am glad that I chose this format as I don’t think I would have noticed any padding in a printed copy. However, audio can cause me to lose sight of details and I am sure that Chatter has some missing data.
Despite these problems, the evidence was persuasive and some aspects really brought some obscure ideas into sharp focus . For example, the negative internal or external cycles that are created by emoting/venting about others. This was something I hadn’t considered before but it makes perfect sense, especially when you consider how social media can affect someone’s mental well-being.
I enjoyed the section about ritual and magical thinking. Chatter’s greatest strength is its ability to challenge a lot stereotypical beliefs, e.g. Chatter reveals that it is bad to talk to oneself or to have rituals, and that it can be therapeutic to vent. Some of these findings surprised me sincerely.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Let’s get down to the details – how helpful was the advice I found?
To return to my initial response of yes, maybe and no, I had many different thoughts about chatter. Although I didn’t learn anything new, my first reaction was yes. The audiobook helped me to understand what I already knew. It clarified a lot of concepts and helped me to harness my inner thoughts – something I had been doing instinctively but not always with a clear approach.
The other side of this is that I add a “no” because I have done lots of NLP and coaching in the past, so I’d already seen a lot. This book will be very interesting if you are new to this area of psychology.
Finally, a possible because I haven’t yet tested the techniques. This book is not for you if you are looking to transform your mind into an instant positive machine. If you are willing to do some legwork, however, you will be provided with a map and a route as well as sturdy walking boots to help you start your journey to a more sunny place.
- By Ethan Kross
- Narrated by Ethan Kross
- Length: 5 hours and 44 minutes
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
