The Science of Conversation (Feat. Dr. Alison Wood Brooks)
01/27/25 • 32 min
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a distinguished behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor, joined Motivational Mondays to discuss her groundbreaking research on the science of conversation. With her course Talk and award-winning studies on human interaction, Dr. Brooks has become a leading voice on improving communication in a complex world. Her work, featured in major media outlets and TED Talks, emphasizes the profound impact of reframing our mindset and embracing better conversational habits.
Dr. Brooks began her career studying emotions, particularly anxiety, and how reframing performance anxiety as excitement can transform outcomes. Her findings influenced notable works, including the Pixar movie Inside Out. However, her focus shifted toward conversations after realizing how vital it is to connect through meaningful dialogue. On a personal level, growing up as an identical twin provided her with unique insights into human interaction, enabling her to observe and learn from social dynamics through her sister’s experiences.
According to Dr. Brooks, entering conversations with clear intent can significantly improve outcomes. She describes the “conversational compass,” a framework that balances informational and relational goals. High-informational goals prioritize clarity and accuracy, while relational goals focus on strengthening bonds. Understanding both aspects helps individuals navigate interactions more effectively, fostering meaningful exchanges that can improve lives both personally and professionally.
This week, you’ll learn how anxiety negatively impacts communication, the power of referencing something in a conversation, and accepting that you can’t control other people’s words and actions.
LEARN MORE:
> > Read her new book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708473/talk-by-alison-wood-brooks)
> > Follow Alison on LinkedIn and Instagram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wood-brooks-ph-d-7b98b826)(https://www.instagram.com/profalisonbrooks)
> > Learn more on her website (https://alisonwoodbrooks.com)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn how empathy and apologies help to strengthen relationships, and more details about Dr. Brooks’ Harvard course, “Talk” (http://members.nsls.org/audio/alison-wood-brooks)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a distinguished behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor, joined Motivational Mondays to discuss her groundbreaking research on the science of conversation. With her course Talk and award-winning studies on human interaction, Dr. Brooks has become a leading voice on improving communication in a complex world. Her work, featured in major media outlets and TED Talks, emphasizes the profound impact of reframing our mindset and embracing better conversational habits.
Dr. Brooks began her career studying emotions, particularly anxiety, and how reframing performance anxiety as excitement can transform outcomes. Her findings influenced notable works, including the Pixar movie Inside Out. However, her focus shifted toward conversations after realizing how vital it is to connect through meaningful dialogue. On a personal level, growing up as an identical twin provided her with unique insights into human interaction, enabling her to observe and learn from social dynamics through her sister’s experiences.
According to Dr. Brooks, entering conversations with clear intent can significantly improve outcomes. She describes the “conversational compass,” a framework that balances informational and relational goals. High-informational goals prioritize clarity and accuracy, while relational goals focus on strengthening bonds. Understanding both aspects helps individuals navigate interactions more effectively, fostering meaningful exchanges that can improve lives both personally and professionally.
This week, you’ll learn how anxiety negatively impacts communication, the power of referencing something in a conversation, and accepting that you can’t control other people’s words and actions.
LEARN MORE:
> > Read her new book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708473/talk-by-alison-wood-brooks)
> > Follow Alison on LinkedIn and Instagram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wood-brooks-ph-d-7b98b826)(https://www.instagram.com/profalisonbrooks)
> > Learn more on her website (https://alisonwoodbrooks.com)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn how empathy and apologies help to strengthen relationships, and more details about Dr. Brooks’ Harvard course, “Talk” (http://members.nsls.org/audio/alison-wood-brooks)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Previous Episode
Live Boldly & Empower Your Journey (Feat. Michele McCain)
Michele McCain's journey in the entertainment industry is nothing short of remarkable. As a global motivational storyteller, singer-songwriter, and actress, she has enchanted audiences worldwide since her debut at Shea Stadium with the legendary James Brown. With Broadway credits like Ain't Misbehavin' and collaborations with icons such as B.B. King and Celia Cruz, Michele's dedication and talent have established her as an inspiring figure for aspiring artists.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Michele’s love for performing led her to a successful Broadway career. After nearly 40 years abroad, particularly in beautiful Mallorca, Spain, she cherishes her journey from Brooklyn's energetic streets to Mediterranean tranquility. Through her travels across Europe, she often advises aspiring performers about the transformative power of adventure and exploration in discovering new opportunities.
This week, you’ll learn why Michele decided to immigrate to Spain from Brooklyn, New York, how Michele landed her first big time Broadway show, and her advice for dreamers to remember the sky has no limit.
LEARN MORE:
>> Connect with Michele on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (https://www.instagram.com/michelemccain),(https://www.facebook.com/michele.mccain.9), (https://www.youtube.com/@MicheleMcCain)
>> Check out her website (https://www.michelemccain.net)
> > Listen to Corey and Michele's song together, Werk (https://open.spotify.com/track/1VU4jHjuIdRunXAaqqTXRY?si=tU64S8JaTWySOCI90pz-4Q)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the best advice Michele’s ever been given (http://members.nsls.org/audio/michele-mccain)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Next Episode
AI and Tech Education for Equity (Feat. Tamar Huggins)
Tamar Huggins is reshaping the landscape of education and technology, combining innovation with equity. As the founder of Tech Spark, Huggins has created a platform that uses culturally relevant AI tools to address systemic biases in education while empowering students. Her groundbreaking Spark Plug platform offers schools and organizations a way to integrate AI more inclusively.
In 2012, Huggins founded Driven, Canada's first tech accelerator for Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs. The program addressed the gap in business acumen often seen in underrepresented communities, focusing on transforming creative ideas into revenue-generating ventures. Despite facing challenges such as accusations of reverse racism, Huggins stayed true to her mission. By leaning on her advertising background and innovative thinking, she created a successful program that has raised over $1.1 million, with startups under its wing raising $20 million collectively.
Huggins is a strong advocate for culturally responsive pedagogy in education. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring teaching methods to reflect students’ lived experiences. Tech Spark has developed a tech entrepreneurship course that aligns with the needs and interests of underserved students, providing them with real-world skills and opportunities.
This week, you'll learn how Tamar’s Caribbean roots influenced her life, how Tamar rose above business rejections, and more about her commitment to underserved communities.
LEARN MORE:
> > tamarhuggins.com
> > @tamarhuggins on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarhuggins)
> > @sparkplug.ai and @techspark.ai on IG (https://www.instagram.com/sparkplug.ai)(https://www.instagram.com/techspark.ai)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the pivotal moment when Tamar realized her work was making a difference (http://members.nsls.org/audio/tamar-huggins)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
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