SPOS #973 – Alison Wood Brooks On The Science Of Great Conversations

Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Welcome to episode #973 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Alison Wood Brooks is one of the leading voices in understanding the science of human conversation, and her latest book, Talk - The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, explores just how complex, delicate, and transformative our daily interactions can be. As a professor at Harvard Business School, Alison has spent years studying the psychology behind dialogue - why some conversations feel effortless while others fall flat, how we navigate social dynamics, and why even the simplest exchanges can shape our relationships and success. In our conversation, we explore the difference between Q&A and true dialogue, the often-overlooked art of reading the room, and the skills that can make or break an interaction. Alison shares insights on the role of AI in companionship, the way egocentrism naturally seeps into our conversations, and why teaching conversational skills is more critical than ever in a digital-first world. We also discuss the post-Covid social shift, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and how conversational missteps - something we all experience - can actually strengthen relationships if handled the right way. Her TALK Maxims (Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness) offer a simple yet powerful framework for improving everyday communication, whether in personal relationships, business, or even in navigating difficult discussions. If you’ve ever struggled with what to say, when to say it, or how to be a better conversationalist, this episode will help you rethink the way you talk... and listen. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:06:51.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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• Here is my conversation with Alison Wood Brooks.
• Talk - The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves.
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• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Conversation Science. (02:49) - The Dynamics of Q&A vs. Conversation. (05:58) - The Art of Eavesdropping and Voyeurism in Conversations. (08:53) - Emerging Science of Conversation. (11:59) - AI and Human Conversations. (15:06) - The Role of AI in Companionship. (18:01) - Egocentrism in Conversations. (20:46) - Alpha and Beta Dynamics in Conversations. (23:51) - Teaching Conversation Skills. (27:07) - Conversational Toggling in a Digital Age. (32:00) - The Fleeting Nature of In-Person Connections. (35:06) - The Impact of AI on Human Interaction. (38:58) - Navigating Post-Covid Social Dynamics. (43:03) - The Importance of Reading the Room. (48:03) - Breaking the Pace in Conversations. (52:01) - The Value of Topic Preparation. (57:02) - Foot-in-Mouth Moments and Repair Strategies.