The Power of Levity in Meaningful Conversations

Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, shares research-backed insights on how to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Drawing from decades of data on real conversations, she introduces the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—and explains why even high-achieving leaders often miss the mark when it comes to listening and giving space. From social anxiety to overtalking, Alison offers practical strategies to help anyone—from CEOs to teenagers—navigate the art and science of talking well in a world full of noise.