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The Language of Love with Study Guide
Words have incredible meaning, especially when they say what you mean. But often tongues get tied, and thoughts and ideas are expressed in ways that are easily misunderstood. Make the most of your messages by learning The Language of Love. Written by best-selling authors Gary Smalley and John Trent, it shows how “emotional word pictures� can infuse understanding and intimacy into all of your relationships. Great for personal growth, small-group studies, or couples classes!
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1920
10 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Gary Smalley
260Ìýbooks114ÌýfollowersGary Smalley was one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. He was the award-winning, best-selling author or coauthor of sixteen books, as well as several popular films and videos. The Blessing and The Two Sides of Love have won Gold Medallions, The Language of Love won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life, and his other titles have received Silver Medallions. His national infomercial Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships has been viewed by television audiences all over the world.
Dr. Greg Smalley graduated with his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University in Southern California. He also holds master's degrees in counseling psychology (Denver Seminary) and clinical psychology (Rosemead). Dr. Smalley is the director of research and development at Smalley Relationship Center in Branson, Missouri. He lives in Ozark, Missouri with his wife, Erin, and their two daughters, Taylor and Madalyn.
Dr. Greg Smalley graduated with his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University in Southern California. He also holds master's degrees in counseling psychology (Denver Seminary) and clinical psychology (Rosemead). Dr. Smalley is the director of research and development at Smalley Relationship Center in Branson, Missouri. He lives in Ozark, Missouri with his wife, Erin, and their two daughters, Taylor and Madalyn.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 11, 2011
HOW THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE WILL CHANGE THE WAY I PREACH
I have traditionally taught through the Scripture with a clear goal of teaching the truth faithfully and communicating the meaning of the text. I love to use illustrations and passionately seek to guide my students into application of the Scripture. However, my lessons and sermons have not normally contained crafted stories that so vividly communicate to the feelings and needs of my audience. The Language of Love gave me a well structured method for creating better word pictures in my preaching.
Smalley and Trent put into practice their method by vividly presenting word pictures throughout their book that set an example for the reader of how to create word pictures and effectively use them. First, reading their book has given me a desire to more purposefully create my illustrations in order to complement the message that I preach from the text. I have worked over the years to be a good story teller. However, my illustrations are often told off the cuff as a means of entertaining my audience or keeping their attention. This book has challenged me to be more purposeful and thoughtful in how I create those illustrations to complement and enhance the message.
Secondly, Smalley and Trent have encouraged me to better analyze my audience. Stories can be very general in nature which results in the illustration being effective with a few, but not making the point clear with many. By knowing my audience and their interests, I will be able to more effectively communicate to them images that will penetrate their soul and carry forth the message more clearly which is contained within the text.
The Language of Love is and will be an exceptional tool that I will use over the years to more effectively communicate God’s word to those he entrusts to my care. It will also be a tool that I will recommend to others as they seek to communicate to their loved ones and audiences.
I have traditionally taught through the Scripture with a clear goal of teaching the truth faithfully and communicating the meaning of the text. I love to use illustrations and passionately seek to guide my students into application of the Scripture. However, my lessons and sermons have not normally contained crafted stories that so vividly communicate to the feelings and needs of my audience. The Language of Love gave me a well structured method for creating better word pictures in my preaching.
Smalley and Trent put into practice their method by vividly presenting word pictures throughout their book that set an example for the reader of how to create word pictures and effectively use them. First, reading their book has given me a desire to more purposefully create my illustrations in order to complement the message that I preach from the text. I have worked over the years to be a good story teller. However, my illustrations are often told off the cuff as a means of entertaining my audience or keeping their attention. This book has challenged me to be more purposeful and thoughtful in how I create those illustrations to complement and enhance the message.
Secondly, Smalley and Trent have encouraged me to better analyze my audience. Stories can be very general in nature which results in the illustration being effective with a few, but not making the point clear with many. By knowing my audience and their interests, I will be able to more effectively communicate to them images that will penetrate their soul and carry forth the message more clearly which is contained within the text.
The Language of Love is and will be an exceptional tool that I will use over the years to more effectively communicate God’s word to those he entrusts to my care. It will also be a tool that I will recommend to others as they seek to communicate to their loved ones and audiences.
October 16, 2020
I think I've read this book before, but even after I realized that, I continued to read it because the information told here is great and worthy to be reminded of. This books talks about building word pictures for communication and is very eye opening about the power of words when put together to make a picture. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
July 24, 2017
Mostly good, even though the two guys who wrote it are not very smart, especially Smalley. They even admit to their stupidity in the book.
January 14, 2021
I found nothing in this book that might help the way I comunÃcate with others. Literary devices are not an innovative form of communication.
August 25, 2022
Mid, started off with promise but turned into a white man writing about how emotions are inherently gendered.
December 2, 2022
Interesting book about personalities and word puctures.
April 11, 2023
Really good book, it helps a lot to improve your comunication
January 10, 2017
This is a book that I have read a number of years ago, but decided to re-read again as it is well worth the time. The description on the book says "A powerful way to maximize insight, intimacy and understanding" and that is definitely a great description of the techniques used by these two great authors. They write the book by giving many examples of couples, singles, acquaintances, clients, etc. who have come to them for help and advice and they teach the reader how to use "word pictures" to help explain to others how one is feeling. It is a powerful method of getting our feelings across to a loved one in a way that they will head and understand. There are 101 examples of Life-Tested Word Pictures which appear at the end of the book.
Here are two of them: 56 - "I feel like a hamster in a maze of hills and dark holes, weary from wrong turns and dead ends. I'm scared I may never make it to the light. People sometimes look down to watch what I'm doing. Some encourage me; others make fun of my plight. I often do tricks to try and amuse them, but I'm always afraid of being rejected. And I never ever feel like I'm one of them."
OR
35 - "Today, I feel like a path that seems to be straightening out. The brilliant light shines down on it, making the way sharp, clear, and easy to follow. There is more direction and definition to the path than there has been in years, and fever rocks to climb over."
I hope your day feels more like number 35. Try a Word-Picture to express how you feel as you face this New Year.
Here are two of them: 56 - "I feel like a hamster in a maze of hills and dark holes, weary from wrong turns and dead ends. I'm scared I may never make it to the light. People sometimes look down to watch what I'm doing. Some encourage me; others make fun of my plight. I often do tricks to try and amuse them, but I'm always afraid of being rejected. And I never ever feel like I'm one of them."
OR
35 - "Today, I feel like a path that seems to be straightening out. The brilliant light shines down on it, making the way sharp, clear, and easy to follow. There is more direction and definition to the path than there has been in years, and fever rocks to climb over."
I hope your day feels more like number 35. Try a Word-Picture to express how you feel as you face this New Year.
September 8, 2018
As someone who loves words and speaking and reading, I was shocked to identify a large gap in the way i understand the people in my life. this book has helped me understand my spouse better, instead of looking (and hearing) merely the words, it's helping to get the whole picture at once. sometimes words, even well meaning and loving, can fall flat or on deaf ears. this book is a great reminder that the how and what are equaly important. i will be sharing this book a lot. i think its a great parenting tool, marriage tool, relationship tool. anyone who is struggling to understand someon they love ahould read this...and if you aren't struggling, read it anyway. ;)
July 9, 2012
This book completely changed the way I parented my children and helped me become a better wife. I learned to show each of them that I love them by loving them with their specific love language(s). I also use this concept with most everyone whom becomes a part of my friendship circle. I have passed this book on to many people.
August 20, 2008
In this gem, Gary Smalley offers a powerful communication tool for speaking with your loved ones as well as wider audiences. His memorable stories make his points stick long after you've forgotten the words on the page.
November 20, 2013
Exceptionally helpful book aiding to address any possible situation in one's family or social life. The idea is not new; the principles of it were well used as early as in the biblical writing. Great reminder to all of us who forget at the times.
Want to read
September 2, 2008Marriage
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March 1, 2010THIS IS A GOOD BOOK IN WORD PICTURES TO COMMUNICATE
January 29, 2011
Learning communication through the language..our words have power, either to destry--discourage or to build up and encourage--read it and learn.
May 17, 2011
Really a good book. Now if I can only learn to use word pictures on a regular basis!
May 21, 2013
I couldn't put this book down ,Gary Smalley has a great sense of humor and he is so funny ,He laughs at himself or it seems that way .
I recommend this book and give it Five Stars .
I recommend this book and give it Five Stars .
October 6, 2013
I couldn't add another category ;0) This book is Christian self-help and learning. It's got great lessons to help important messages to loved ones when you seem like you've lost the ability too.
August 10, 2016
Read this years ago, it had some interesting suggestions.
December 19, 2014
It has some good points about how to use word pictures. It just seemed a little redundant. It was worth reading for the practical application it helped me with though.
April 11, 2016
A good book about using word pictures to express love and encouragement.
December 27, 2019
Useful reading using word pictures.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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