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Alison Wood Brooks

Professor at Harvard Business School, specializing in negotiation and communication. Author of the bestselling book "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves."

Top 10 podcasts with Alison Wood Brooks

Ranked by the Snipd community
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1,082 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 9min

The Most Important Career Advice You’ll Ever Hear With Harvard Business School’s #1 Professor

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a leading professor at Harvard Business School, shares invaluable career insights on negotiation and communication. She reveals how to master the art of asking for raises and securing promotions. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy and understanding others' perspectives in negotiations. Listeners will learn to transform anxiety into excitement and the power of authentic networking. Dr. Brooks emphasizes tracking achievements and effective communication as crucial for standing out in today's competitive job market.
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903 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 32min

The Keys to Great Conversation

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, an associate professor at Harvard Business School and expert in conversational science, shares her insights on enhancing our interaction skills. She emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and introduces the TALK framework for better communication. Brooks highlights how asking questions can deepen connections and how incorporating humor can create a more engaging atmosphere. Additionally, she discusses leadership's role in group dynamics, advocating for inclusivity to ensure everyone feels valued.
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424 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 19min

The Science of Conversation: How To Say What You Mean, Be Heard, and Stop People-Pleasing | Alison Wood Brooks

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of 'TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves', shares her insights into the art of conversation. She explains that conversation is a trainable skill, not just an innate talent, and offers practical strategies like 'topic chunking' to enhance communication. Brooks emphasizes the importance of active listening, kindness, and humor, while discussing the evolving value of soft skills in an AI-driven world. Her engaging tips promise to transform how we connect.
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329 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 24min

223. Laughing Matters: Levity, Leadership, and Lasting Connection

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in conversation science, and Naomi Bagdonas, a consultant who integrates humor into leadership training, discuss the transformative power of laughter in communication. They highlight how humor fosters creativity and engagement in teams, making leaders more relatable and motivating. The duo emphasizes that levity isn't just an add-on; it's essential for building genuine connections. Together, they explore how sharing a laugh can break barriers and enhance both personal and professional interactions.
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265 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 23min

Best of IdeaCast: To Build Stronger Teams, Ask Better Questions

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!
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251 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 26min

169. Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count

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.
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85 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 39min

717: A Key Tactic for Way Better Conversations, with Alison Wood Brooks

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.
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84 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 29min

73. Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested Than Interesting

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in conversation science, shares insights on the art of effective communication. She emphasizes that listening is as crucial as speaking and offers strategies to turn anxiety into excitement in discussions. The conversation also explores the importance of small talk, providing tools to manage topics and deepen connections. Wood Brooks illustrates how genuine interest in others, paired with practical listening techniques like asking questions, can transform interactions and foster meaningful relationships.
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82 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 2h 9min

Alison Wood Brooks (on the science of conversation)

Alison Wood Brooks, a behavioral research scientist at Harvard Business School and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," delves into the nuances of human interaction. She shares fascinating insights on how vulnerability enhances connections and explains why asking questions can spark magic in conversations. Their chat also touches on the complex dynamics of twin communication and the significant role humor plays in relationships. Plus, Alison reveals why saying ‘I’m sorry’ might matter more than saying ‘I love you.’
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43 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 49min

How to TALK So People Actually Listen with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks 7 | 12

Join Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author, as she unpacks the secrets to effective conversation. Discover the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—essential for captivating your audience. Learn how to conquer small talk struggles, enhance feedback mechanisms, and navigate group dynamics in meetings. With science-backed strategies, Alison helps you transform awkward exchanges into meaningful connections, leaving you feeling more confident in every interaction.

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