Empathy Stories is a collection of uplifting stories and anecdotes highlighting empathy-in-action in real conversations. These stories show what's possible when compassion comes first between family, co-workers, and perfect strangers in difficult - even life threatening - interactions. In Empathy Stories: Heart, Connection, & Inspiration, Mary Goyer invites over thirty communication experts to share their most teachable stories showcasing how simple and powerful true empathy is. Edited to include empathy tips, and step by step directions for empathy practice sessions, inspired readers can begin practicing and applying new skills immediately. This anthology of stories brings to life how to cultivate a more compassionate world by: - Demonstrating how conversational empathy works in everyday exchanges. - Showing how to deescalate major conflicts. - Illustrating the impressive ability of young kids to learn empathy for others. - Applying principles of Non-Violent Communication, or NVC, in real-life scenarios "People generally find it difficult to balance boldness and compassion during disagreements or important conversations," says the editor. "This book illustrates, in one example after another, how to speak up powerfully, get to the heart of what matters in an interaction, and move towards workable resolutions efficiently."