Lagom, the health and wellbeing imprint of Zaffre Publishing Group at Bonnier Books UK, will publish Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing by Josh Smith.
UK & Commonwealth rights were acquired by senior editor Madiya Altaf directly from Kate Evans at Peters, Fraser + Dunlop.
As an award-winning celebrity interviewer, podcaster and presenter, Josh Smith has talked with people of every background, mood and personality, and they have opened up to him like never before – from Jodie Foster talking about the power of aging, or Kit Connor speaking on the pressures around coming out, to Rebecca Ferguson recently sharing how she stood up for herself against an aggressive male A-lister. Josh believes there’s an art and a science to a good chat and understanding it can unlock a whole world of connection.
Drawn from inspiring personal experience and research-backed practical guidance, Great Chat includes seven key lessons such as why asking questions can build emotional intelligence, why we should embrace difficult conversations, how listening twice as much as talking can change your life and so much more.
Author Josh Smith said: “I have spent a decade interviewing everyone from athletes to actresses, politicians to popstars and been lucky enough to have some life changing conversations. I want everyone to experience the life changing power of connecting through conversation but whilst we are technically more connected than we have ever been before, thanks to our phones, as a society we are statistically lonelier and are missing true human connection.
“I am so excited to be publishing Great Chat with Bonnier Books UK, which I hope will reverse those statistics. The book uses all of my interviewing experience and skills combined with psychological research that will give readers the confidence to put their most authentic selves forward and build lasting connections. Conversations are the OG self-help practice that has existed since humans first learnt to communicate and, ever since, we have used them to broaden our understanding of the world and personally grow. Now, more than ever, it’s time to bring back the art of conversation. You may be socially anxious or crumble when it comes to difficult conversations but wherever your chat is at, or why you need it, this is a book that shows how a great chat can change everyone’s lives.”
Madiya Altaf said: “Josh has an incredible skill when it comes to everyday conversations, proven by his interviews often going viral and making headlines in mainstream media. His empowering book guides us through essential lessons, which have already transformed the way I communicate. Filled with practical takeaways and Josh’s brilliant warmth, Great Chat is a must-read book that teaches us how conversations can improve our wellbeing.”
Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing by Josh Smith will be published by Lagom on 20th June 2024 in HB, ebook and audiobook.
