

How to TALK So People Actually Listen with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks 7 | 12
41 snips Mar 19, 2025
Join Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author, as she unpacks the secrets to effective conversation. Discover the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—essential for captivating your audience. Learn how to conquer small talk struggles, enhance feedback mechanisms, and navigate group dynamics in meetings. With science-backed strategies, Alison helps you transform awkward exchanges into meaningful connections, leaving you feeling more confident in every interaction.
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Twin Insights
- Alison Wood Brooks's fascination with conversation stems from being an identical twin.
- Observing her twin, Sarah, interact socially gave her unique insights into communication.
Wicked Feedback
- Conversation is a "wicked feedback environment" with limited feedback opportunities.
- This lack of feedback contributes to feelings of awkwardness and uncertainty in social interactions.
Conversation as a Coordination Game
- Conversation is a constant coordination game where individuals make micro-decisions without direct communication.
- This "gaminess" adds complexity and requires navigating uncertainty.