Talks at Google The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves | Dr. Alison Wood Brooks
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Apr 29, 2025 
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, an award-winning behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor, dives into the intricate world of conversations. She discusses her book, revealing how little adjustments can strengthen relationships. Topics include the balance of preparation and spontaneity in dialogue, the essentials of her TALK framework, and strategies for fostering lightness in communication. Dr. Brooks also explores navigating disagreements, the role of technology in social interactions, and tips for engaging those with diverse interests.
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Depth and Breadth in Conversation
- Good conversationalists create depth and breadth by moving quickly across topics.
- They efficiently extract meaningful content, showing better listening and curiosity.
Prepare Topics Briefly Before Talks
- Prepare topics briefly before conversations to reduce anxiety and improve flow.
- Small prep helps avoid awkward pauses and leads to more interesting discussions.
Limits of Mind Reading
- Humans are not reliable at guessing others' thoughts or intentions.
- Asking directly remains the only dependable way to understand another person.
