The Conversationalist : Building Life-defining Relationships One Conversation at a Time

More than news, weather, and sports.

When is the last time you had a catalytic conversation with an employee, a colleague, a friend, or a complete stranger?
 
Whether at work, church, a coffee shop, or at home, people everywhere are one conversation away from a life-defining decision. Being truly present during such moments grants you an invitation to greater levels of leadership and friendship along the way.

• If you don’t have the heart, it limits your capacity.
• If you don’t have the questions, it limits your access.
• If you don’t have the discipline, it limits your engagement. 

The Conversationalist will help you to develop your heart, ask the questions, and engage your relationships—leading yourself and others into life-changing discovery. In an age driven by social media and virtual reality, we need practical tools to help take our relationships to the next level of trust, transparency, and real change for the good. An adventure is waiting for those willing to step forward courageously as a conversationalist.
 

The Conversationalist will show you how to make the most of your most important relationships.
—Dr. John Townsend, New York Times best-selling author, founder of the Townsend Institute of Leadership
 
I’ve seen firsthand that my good friend Russell not only talks about conversations being life-changing opportunities, but he lives it out as well. What an inspiring book and example that Russell gives us!
—Mac Powell, singer, songwriter, producer, and musician of Third Day
 

The Conversationalist is a primer on how to create deep personal connections. If you follow the principles described by Russell, your own personal and professional influence and connections will grow more quickly and deeply than you can ever imagine.
—Bob Bernatz, Ph.D., corporate psychologist and principal consultant with The Table Group
 
Russell Verhey is a master teacher. In The Conversationalist , he teaches how to build deep, life-giving relationships. This significant book will help you increase your conversational capacity, ask guiding questions, and grow your most important friendships.
—Peter Greer, president and CEO, HOPE International, and author of The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good
 

How many of us wear a sign around our heart that says, Do Not Disturb? That is just one of the powerful questions asked by Russell Verhey in The Conversationalist. I personally know Russell as a gifted leader, a trusted friend, and a faithful follower of Jesus. I am excited that he has shared his insights into making intentional investments through conversation with a broader audience. Exceedingly rich with wisdom, The Conversationalist is for everyone who desires to more significantly practice the power of conversation. Whether a conversation is casual or catalytic, The Conversationalist will assist the reader in maximizing the power of the spoken word. In this transformational book, Russell takes us on a practical and at times painful journey into the depths of conversation. Practically informed, Russell will challenge you to abandon a shallow approach to everyday conversation. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a deeper, fuller, and richer understanding of the power of life-giving conversation in the midst of a broken world.
—Jimmy Dodd, founder and president, PastorServe, author of Survive or Thrive: Six Relationships Every Pastor Needs and Pastors Are People Too
 
Our life now and our legacy in the life to come are richer if we are skilled in conversing at the heart level with the people in our spheres. The Conversationalist will show you how to do this.
—Russ Crosson, president and CEO, Ronald Blue & Co.
 

My good friend Russell is wealthy in what matters most in life relationships. He intentionally invests in other people, as an excellent listener and as a person who really cares. As a result, individuals are drawn closer to each other and closer to their heavenly Father. Apply the truths in these pages and experience the true riches Russell describes so clearly.
—Boyd Bailey, president, National Christian Foundation of Georgia
 
For many years, Russell has modeled the depth of relationship that can come from intentional, catalytic conversations. The Conversationalist will give you practical steps to build deeper, more loving relationships one conversation at a time. As you learn to engage others in deep conversations—be it with family, friends, or coworkers—you will also find your own heart growing in love and connection with the people who matter most in your life. For every person in relationship with other people, which pretty much covers the entire human race, this book is a must-read!
—Scott and Susan Evans, owners of Outreach, Inc.
 

Those who spend time with Russell Verhey, as I have for several years, know that he models well the message of The Conversationalist. This powerful book is one to keep on your desktop so you can refer to it often. It will help you deepen your friendships, enrich your life, and the lives of your family, friends, and colleagues.
—Dave Jewitt, founder, Your One Degree
 
Authentic conversations open the heart! One question, one discovery, and one commitment to change multiplied over hundreds, if not thousands, of times can change a world. If you’re tired of artificial, canned, and cliché, it’s time to try intentional relational engagement. If you desire real change, adventure, and life-defining friendships, Russell will help you get there, one conversation at a time.
—Dan Britton, author of One Word That Will Change Your Life and executive vice president of International Ministry for Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Being fully present is an extraordinary gift to give another person. In The Conversationalist, Russell Verhey provides a practical pathway to help you connect on a deeper level with the people in your life. If you want to learn how to cultivate grace and life-giving relationships, this is the book for you!
—Tami Heim, president and CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance
 
We are excited about The Conversationalist! In this age of technology, we have observed families focused on their phones instead of each other, thereby losing sight of the importance conversation can bring to the health and well-being of the family. Allow the proven principles found in The Conversationalist, and practiced by our friend Russell Verhey, to help guide and direct you to more meaningful conversations and leave a lasting legacy with your family and friends.
—Ed and Renee Behr, owner/partner, The Platinum Group Realtors, Colorado Springs, CO