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

10% Happier with Dan Harris

You talk all day. Here’s how to do it better, according to a professor from Harvard Business School.

Alison Wood Brooks comes from the Harvard Business School, where she teaches a course called “TALK: How to Talk Gooder in Business and Life,” which she has now turned into a book, called TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves.

In this episode we talk about:

• The evolution of conversation
• Why conversation is a skill — not just a natural talent
• How to develop conversational skills, including common conversational pitfalls to avoid
• Granular, tactical pieces of advice on how to have a conversation
• The science behind conversation that may surprise you
• Listening tips
• Conversational repair strategies
• How kindness can go pear shaped
• How to handle difficult moments in conversation
• The difference between focusing on other people and people pleasing
• How to integrate these incredible learnings into your life
• How soft skills are becoming increasingly more valuable with the rise of AI

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Additional Resources:

• Alison’s band, The Lights

On Sunday, September 21st from 1-5pm ET, join Dan and Leslie Booker at the New York Insight Meditation Center in NYC as they lead a workshop titled, "Heavily Meditated – The Dharma of Depression + Anxiety." This event is both in-person and online. Sign up here!

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