From the New York Times bestselling author of Rebbe comes this newly revised edition of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal—an invaluable guide to effective communication, showing how choosing the right words can enrich our relationships and give us insight to improve every facet of our lives.

“I don’t know anyone whose life would not be blessed by this book.”—Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life

Joseph Telushkin is renowned for his warmth, his erudition, and his richly anecdotal insights, and in Words That Hurt, Words That Heal he focuses these gifts on the words we use in public and in private, revealing the power of words to shape relationships. With wit and wide-ranging intelligence, Rabbi Telushkin explains the harm in spreading gossip, rumors, or others’ secrets, and how unfair anger, excessive criticism, or lying undermines the foundation of all relationship advice: true communication. By sensitizing us to subtleties of speech we may never have considered before, he shows us how to turn every exchange into an opportunity.

In this fully revised edition, Joseph Telushkin brings this classic into the modern age. Remarkable for its clarity and practicality, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal illuminates the powerful effects we create by what we say and how we say it.

This classic guide, now updated, offers timeless wisdom and actionable strategies for better verbal communication:

Ethical Speech: Understand the profound impact of gossip, rumors, and secrets, and learn why what you don’t say is often as important as what you do.
Controlling Anger: Discover practical techniques to manage heated moments and express disagreement without undermining your most important relationships.
Constructive Criticism: Learn how to offer—and receive—rebuke in a way that helps people grow instead of humiliating them.
The Art of Apology: Master the words that heal rifts, mend friendships, and demonstrate true strength and accountability.

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, Revised Edition

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, Revised Edition