

The Science of Conversation (Feat. Dr. Alison Wood Brooks)
11 snips Jan 27, 2025
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, an O'Brien Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and a behavioral scientist, shares insights on the art of conversation. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality in dialogue and introduces the 'conversational compass' to balance clarity and emotional connection. Drawing from her experiences as an identical twin, Dr. Brooks discusses how reframing anxiety as excitement can improve communication. The podcast also tackles the significance of meaningful apologies in strengthening relationships and fostering accountability.
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From Anxiety to Conversation
- Dr. Brooks's early research focused on reframing anxiety as excitement, influencing works like the Pixar movie Inside Out 2.
- Her interest shifted to conversation after realizing the importance of discussing feelings.
Twin Insights
- Growing up as an identical twin gave Dr. Brooks unique insights into human interaction.
- Observing her sister's social experiences provided a natural laboratory for understanding conversational dynamics.
Intentional Conversation
- Enter conversations with clear intentions to improve outcomes. Consider both informational and relational goals when communicating.