[s2th4d]

Also, a book is only passive learning, so depending on your learning style, it May not prepare you enough for real world interaction. Look into experiential learning, like taking a communications class. Toastmasters is also good. As others have mentioned, active listening... stop trying to solve the problem and just listen to what they are saying, hang on every word, and check in with them every once in a while, just to see how they are or just to see if what you're hearing is what they are saying.