Before You Hit Send Review

Note: Affiliate link below.

I picked up Before You Hit Send by Emerson Eggerichs 1) because I think Eggerichs usually has interesting points to make, and 2) couldn't we all use a little more help when it comes to thinking before we comment?  In person and online?  I think so.

This book wasn't quite what I expected, but I still had plenty to think about while I was reading it.  

I would say the title of this book is a little misleading in that it doesn't actually talk specifically about social media.  I was all ready to be self-righteous and nod my head as he gave reasons against social media rants, but this book focused more on interactions with people in general.  There were no self-righteous head nods as I realized that yes, I do have some of my own problems with each of the points he listed, and it challenged me to think a little more carefully about how I am communicating.

His focus in this book is to remind readers to ask themselves four questions (that you've probably heard) before speaking: Is it true?  Is it kind? Is it necessary?  Is it clear?

He takes a section for each question and shares different ways in which people may not be true, kind necessary, or clear in their communication.  I thought he did a good job of breaking things down and getting you to think about different ways that you may be falling into less-than-helpful communication habits - including some that weren't as obvious.  I think we can all think of an interaction where someone else was less than true, kind, necessary, or clear, but Eggerichs made me think about where I need to work on those areas, which made this book really helpful.

My only complaint is that some of his suggestions for what to say to different types of people about their communication didn't necessarily come off as kind to me, but that probably depends on the tone in which it is said (or maybe it's just because my personality is different than Eggerichs).

This book is definitely helpful if you want to become a more constructive communicator, so if it sounds interesting, check it out!  (Just don't expect a lot about social media.)

Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review.  This is my honest opinion.