The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving
520: A Harvard Expert’s Guide to Mastering Conversations
Jan 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of 'Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves,' shares insights into the art of conversation. She introduces the 'topic pyramid,' emphasizing the importance of small talk, tailored talk, and deep talk. Listeners learn strategies for navigating difficult conversations, like acknowledgment and empathy. Alison explains how mastering conversational skills enhances personal relationships and professional success, making every dialogue count.
51:22
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Quick takeaways
- Mastering conversations requires structured approaches, such as the topic pyramid, to enhance engagement and deepen relationships.
- Recognizing conversations as coordination puzzles emphasizes the importance of strategic preparation and cognitive offloading for effective communication.
Deep dives
The Importance of Conversation Skills
Conversations require more than basic exchanges; they involve complex decision-making and coordination between participants. The guest, an associate professor, underscores the significance of understanding conversations as a critical social skill that can be systematically studied and improved. With her extensive experience at Harvard, she developed a course aimed at enhancing students' communication abilities, revealing that even mundane interactions can become challenging when unexpected topics arise. This highlights the need for structured approaches to conversation in both personal and professional contexts.
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