In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in conversation science, shares her insights on making small talk meaningful. She emphasizes that small talk isn’t just filler; it’s a vital step to deeper connections. Using her 'topic pyramid' approach, Brooks provides strategies to elevate mundane exchanges into memorable conversations, viewing them as treasure hunts for significant insights. She highlights the role of active listening and adapting conversational styles to achieve relational goals.

Leslie K. John and Alison Wood Brooks, both professors at Harvard Business School and co-authors of "The Surprising Power of Questions," explore how effective questioning can transform workplace communication. They discuss techniques for asking better questions to strengthen trust and collaboration within teams. Listeners will learn about the impact of open-ended versus closed questions, the art of navigating mixed goals in conversations, and the role of active listening in fostering deeper connections. It's a masterclass on leveraging questions for success!

As a communication expert, Alison Wood Brooks spends a lot of time talking about talking. But, as she says, listening is just as important.“My course is called TALK,” says Wood Brooks, who is the O'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at Harvard Business School. “The great irony is that it should really be called LISTEN. It’s hard to be a good listener yet so very important.”In the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wood Brooks covers conversation strategies for active listening, turning anxiety into excitement, and knowing when it’s time to change the subject.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn ********Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Join Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and conversation expert, as she shares insights from her book, *Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves*. Discover how preparing conversation topics can transform small talk into meaningful exchanges. Alison advocates for curiosity in social interactions and explains that the skillful management of topics is crucial for engaging dialogues. Learn how even the simplest conversations can lead to deeper connections, making you a more effective communicator.

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author, delves into the science of conversation. She shares tools for parents to help children, regardless of their social nature, build essential communication skills. Topics include using humor to engage in serious discussions and reframing anxiety into excitement. Brooks emphasizes the significance of active listening and personalized topics to strengthen connections. She also provides strategies to empower anxious kids and navigate tough conversations, ensuring children thrive socially and emotionally.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, an associate professor at Harvard Business School and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," shares groundbreaking insights on workplace communication. She explains how to effectively plan conversations and the significance of the 'TALK' framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness. Alison also highlights the art of apologies and the transformative power of curiosity through questioning, aiming to improve collaboration and understanding in any professional setting.

Learn how to navigate the challenges of being a first-time boss, including managing older employees, balancing likability and competence, and handling feelings of unreadiness in leadership roles. Get insights on building trust with older subordinates, maintaining professionalism while being open, and managing the warmth and competence balance in leadership. Explore the value of staying out of the corporate ladder race and finding the right career advancement boundaries, while also dealing with career uncertainties in managerial roles.

Join Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk, as she unpacks the art of conversation. She shares her innovative TALK framework and emphasizes the surprising value of small talk. Discover how to navigate sensitive topics like finances and personal beliefs with kindness and tact. Brooks delves into the dynamics of different communication styles, the importance of empathy in discussions, and the role of AI in enhancing human interaction. Her insights will transform how you approach conversations!

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.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," explores the intricacies of conversation. She emphasizes the need for better communication skills in education, the dynamics of small talk, and the importance of empathy in dialogue. Alison shares insights on crafting engaging conversations and the art of questioning, while uncovering how humor and trust shape interactions. Her tips promise to enhance both personal and professional relationships!