On the Science, and Magic, of Great Conversations | Alison Wood Brooks

Alison Wood Brooks is a celebrated Harvard Business School Professor who studies the hidden architecture of conversations. 

Her groundbreaking work shows that while all of us can struggle with difficult conversations, 

We’re often not very good at the easy ones either (even though we have them all the time). 

Alison argues that part of the reason for this is because conversation is one of the 

most complex, 

demanding, 

and delicate of all human tasks. 

Every time we converse with one another, a wide range of possibilities for misinterpretation and misunderstanding arise. 

It’s just part of it. 

And yet, at the same time, conversations can also be a source of great joy. 

Each one offering an opportunity to express who we are,

to learn who others are—

and to feel connected, loved, and alive.

In Alison’s words, there’s a "magic" that happens when we get conversation right.

Today we are going to have a deep and wide ranging conversation about how to have better conversations. 

Alison and I will dive into themes from her wonderful new book:

TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves

Throughout our time together Alison will offer powerful insights, moving stories, and practical tweaks to not only make our everyday conversations better,

but that also might just have a profound positive impact on our relationships at work and in life.

For more on Alison, her book, and the wonderful work she is doing please visit alisonwoodbrooks.com.

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• On Mastering Our Emotional Life | Ethan Kross
• Overcoming Self-doubt and Imposterism | Dr. Jill Stoddard

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