The author of this audiobook reads it himself. He is a journalist who has a lifelong habit of "overtalking." He would often dominate conversations to the point of alienating friends, colleagues and family members. He realized he had a problem and set out to find out how to cure his talkativeness and also to find ways to increase listening. He cites many studies and speaks to many experts who have studied communication interactions. It was interesting to learn that the author, while aware that he often dominated conversations, was shocked when he either read or listened to transcripts of himself speaking with others. He points out that many over-talkers "don't realize they are doing it" which seems a bit of a stretch. He lists ways you can train yourself to be more of a listener and less of a talker by doing such things as learning to become an active listener, saying nothing when possible, enduring awkward silences, spending time in silence, and avoiding social media. Many high-powered figures in business and government are listed as examples of people who say little yet accomplish a great deal. He does acknowledge that it can be difficult to overcome the impulse to interrupt or ignore what someone else is saying in order to be ready to say what YOU want to, but training yourself to do this had many benefits. Not only will you learn more about people, but you will likely be seen as a better communicator when you say less.

I enjoyed the book and the many examples that the author provided. However, it does seem as if not much would be said if everyone followed his advice to speak less and let uncomfortable silences carry on. It's easy for a Jeff Bezos or an Angela Merkle to assert their power by saying little, but I do wonder if they would have been able to reach their lofty positions by not saying anything or promoting their ideas! Still, the advice to talk less and listen more is something that can benefit everyone.

The topic of STFU intrigued me because I know I'm an overtalker. So the first chapter that explained the way the brain works and the different type of talking was really interesting. Beyond that, the liberal views were too much, and I just couldn't continue. Dan Lyons couldn't keep politics out of it and bashed conservatives using his "over talking". He would reach more people if he took his own advice and STFU.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this audiobook. It hooked me from the first chapter and kept me hooked the entire time. It was an easy listen!

This is such a quick and easy read. I flew through it. I think if you get one thing that is helpful out of these types of books then they were worth the read. I think I got 4 things that I wrote down to try in my own life. I am really interested in the app he mentions called One Sec. I got it and it's been helpful. I also really like that fact that he started from the bottom, so to speak, and improved. I think this book is not only helpful for professional relationships but also for personal ones. I am going to try to be more silent and go forest bathing!

I would recommend this to a friend.