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

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  Join Dan’s online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel 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!    Get ready for another Meditation Party at Omega Institute! This in-person workshop brings together Dan with his friends and meditation teachers, Sebene Selassie, Jeff Warren, and for the first time, Ofosu Jones-Quartey. The event runs October 24th-26th. Sign up and learn more at eomega.org/workshops/meditation-party-2025. To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris Sponsors:  Function Health: Learn more and join using our link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HAPPIER to own your health. Factor Meals: Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/TENPERCENT50OFF and use code TENPERCENT50OFF to get 50% off your first box, plus free breakfast for 1 year. AT&T: Staying connected matters. That's why AT&T has connectivity you can depend on, or they will proactively make it right. Visit att.com/guarantee for details.