Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

89. Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections

May 9, 2023

Rachel Greenwald, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School and a professional matchmaker, shares her expertise in communication and relationship building. She emphasizes how making others feel valued is more crucial than just the words we use. Greenwald discusses mastering small talk and identifies common conversation pitfalls that sabotage authentic connections. The importance of feedback and active listening in fostering deeper relationships is highlighted, encouraging listeners to enhance their engagement and overcome communication blind spots.

25:44

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Episode guests

Rachel Greenwald

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Quick takeaways

Focus on creating a positive emotional impact through communication, rather than just the words spoken.

Engage in small talk by asking better questions, making observations, and ending conversations positively for lasting connections.

Deep dives

Creating Intrigue in Small Talk

Small talk can be engaging if we move away from predictable questions like 'What do you do?' Instead of being a data collector, aim to be intriguing by asking better questions and giving unexpected answers. By creating intrigue, conversations become more enjoyable and memorable, fostering better communication in various settings.

How to Start and End Small Talk

03:10

The Mirror: a Common Bad Habit in Conversation

00:48

The First Ingredients for Successful Communication: Listen, Listen, Listen

01:14

Intro

4min

Mastering Small Talk: Strategies for Connection

12min

Identifying and Overcoming Bad Conversation Habits

2min

The Importance of Feedback in Communication

2min

The Art of Contextual Communication

5min

Whether you’re trying to build a romantic or professional connection, Rachel Greenwald’s advice is exactly the same. “Focus on how you make someone feel more than you focus on the words that you're saying,” she says.

As a professional coach, Greenwald helps people develop better communication skills, from executives in the business world to singles in the dating world. Building deep connections may at times be challenging, but as Greenwald says, it’s ultimately not complicated. “You're demonstrating that you're interested in someone and that you like them,” she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Greenwald and host Matt Abrahams discuss relationship-building tactics like small talk, active listening, communication blindspots, and more.

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Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

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