Get Hired with Andrew Seaman "The Silent Killer of Conversation Is Boredom"
Feb 12, 2025
Alison Wood Brooks, an associate professor at Harvard Business School and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," dives into the nuances of effective communication. She shares her research on conversation dynamics, including how to avoid the mundane small talk trap during networking events. Tips on asking engaging questions and navigating difficult discussions are highlighted, along with strategies to overcome conversation anxiety. Alison's insights empower listeners to transform their interactions into meaningful connections.
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Prepare Topics
- Prepare conversation topics ahead of time, even briefly.
- This helps navigate smoothly and reduces anxiety during conversations.
Alternative Icebreakers
- Andrew Seaman avoids asking "What do you do?" at networking events.
- He prefers engaging questions, like asking about greatest fears, to foster deeper conversations.
Topic Pyramid
- The "topic pyramid" involves starting with small talk and gradually moving towards deeper, more personalized conversations.
- Don't get stuck in small talk; view it as a launchpad to more meaningful discussions.
