Become the Person Everyone Wants to Talk To: The Science of Great Conversation

Oct 8, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min · 17 segments

#338: We spend our entire lives talking to other people, but no one ever teaches us how to actually be good at it. And according to today's guest, conversation isn’t something you’re either naturally good or bad at. It’s a skill you can learn. Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is a Harvard Business School professor, behavioral scientist, and author of *TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves*. After more than 15 years studying the science of conversation, she knows the tiny shifts that can make people feel more connected to you, help you navigate awkward or difficult interactions, and ultimately build better relationships. Alison break down what actually makes someone a great conversationalist and the common habits that may be preventing us from connecting as deeply as we want to, and why becoming a better conversationalist can impact so much more than your social life, from your career to your relationships to how fulfilled you feel. You’ll learn: - The simple question that can instantly deepen almost any conversation - What to do when you hit an awkward silence - The question format that creates better conversations than “why” questions - How to make networking feel less transactional - The common “boomerasking” mistake that you're probably making - How to deal with people who never ask questions about you - How to navigate disagreements without becoming defensive or trying to “win” - The 30-second prep trick that can make you better at networking, dates, meetings, and social events - How to network and advocate for yourself at work without feeling like you’re constantly pitching yourself - Why better conversations may be one of the keys to feeling less lonely and more connected For Detailed Show Notes visit theeverygirlpodcast.com * * * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.