Hidden Brain We Need to Talk
Feb 10, 2025
Behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks from Harvard Business School dives into the art of conversation, revealing just how complex our interactions truly are. She discusses the power of asking open-ended questions to deepen connections and highlights the significance of meaningful exchanges in both personal and professional realms. Brooks also unpacks the dynamics of interruptions and shares insights on navigating the intricacies of communication. With humor and research, she encourages continual improvement in our everyday dialogues.
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The Uninterested Date
- Alison Wood Brooks describes a disastrous blind date with a man who didn't ask her any questions.
- This experience highlighted the importance of reciprocal interest and active listening in conversations.
Poorly Timed Advice
- Wood Brooks shares a story about advising a friend against marriage, only to discover the friend got engaged that night.
- This highlights the importance of understanding another person's perspective and subtle cues in a conversation.
The Complexity of Conversation
- Conversations are complex coordination games with many micro-decisions.
- Direct communication about these decisions can be difficult and can undermine the natural flow of a good conversation.