Book excerpt: Learn to connect, create rapport, develop trust, and build deep relationships. In this day and age, the art of deep listening is a superpower. If you can make someone feel heard and important, you are on the highway to their heart. And it’s not as difficult or complex as you think. How to go from stranger to cherished friend in record time. How to Listen with Intention is ultimately a book about relationships. A relationship must be give-and-take - are you taking more than you are giving? Are you making people feel comfortable opening up to you? Are you listening well, or unwittingly being a conversational/relationship narcissist? It’s time to ask these difficult questions and learn the skills to not only help people in times of need, but create new friendships with just about anyone -- after all, who doesn’t like to be heard? Increase your emotional intelligence and people analyzing skills. Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author and social skills coach. His writing draws a variety of sources, from scientific research, academic experience, coaching, and real-life experience. Understand people two levels beneath their actual words. --The most damaging mindsets for listening. --How we are all biologically programmed to be terrible listeners, and we have no idea about it. --The one person you should emulate for better listening. --How listening styles, frames, and levels can help you - and how you are not even close to what you think you are. --The concept of active, reflective listening, and why it’s so tough. --Reading people, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Become the most trusted ally and source of comfort and understanding.