118: Alison Wood Brooks — Make Great Conversations Easy with Proven Strategies from Harvard Expert

Feb 17, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, an O’Brien Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and an expert on conversation, reveals the secrets to effective communication. She shares personal insights from her life as an identical twin and how it shapes her understanding of interactions. Listeners explore techniques for mastering conversation dynamics, the critical role of preparation, and the importance of specific encouragement in enhancing connections. Her unique 'conversational compass' helps navigate relationships, emphasizing the blend of vulnerability and enjoyment in meaningful dialogue.

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ANECDOTE

Twin Life Boosted Conversation Insight

Alison Wood Brooks learned about conversation deeply by having an identical twin, Sarah, who provided constant feedback and a built-in conversation partner.
This unique relationship allowed her to observe social interactions and refine communication skills from early childhood.

INSIGHT

Conversational Compass Guides Goals

Conversation goals vary between relational (caring for others) and informational (sharing facts).
Recognizing where your and your partner's goals lie helps manage conversational alignment and success.

ADVICE

Ask What Others Need Directly

When unsure what kind of conversation partner wants, just ask directly what they need or want.
Questions like "What can I do to make this interaction rewarding for you?" show care and foster connection.

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Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School. She teaches an award-winning course in the MBA curriculum called “TALK.” Recently named a Best 40-Under-40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants, her book TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves will be published by Crown (Penguin Random House) in January 2025.

Her research on the science of conversation has been published in prestigious academic journals, including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Psychological Science, as well as in popular media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The New York Times, Scientific American, and Harvard Business Review. Professor Brooks holds a Ph.D. in Decision Processes from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Finance from Princeton University.

In this engaging conversation, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor, shares insights from her research on the art and science of conversation. She discusses the importance of effective communication, the unique perspective gained from being an identical twin, and the value of teaching conversation skills to leaders.

The discussion covers various aspects of conversation, including the significance of preparation, understanding conversational goals, and the framework for successful interactions. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own conversational practices and consider how they can improve their communication skills. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of effective communication, emphasizing the cognitive load involved in conversations, the importance of preparation, and the power of follow-up questions.

They discuss strategies for topic switching and ending conversations gracefully, the significance of asking questions, and the art of active listening. The conversation also highlights the role of levity in maintaining engagement and the need for self-compassion in navigating social interactions.