Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Published Feb 10, 2025

We Need to Talk

Delve into the art of conversation with behavioral scientist Alison Brooks as she unpacks how preparation, curiosity, and active listening can transform your social interactions. Discover how to navigate difficult topics, avoid miscommunication traps, and engage more genuinely with those around you.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Questions from this episode

- How can I maintain friendships while experiencing personal growth and change, especially if I have a tendency to leave friendships behind or struggle with finding interesting things to talk about? Many relationships that were very good at one point faded when I moved on, started new things, or grew professionally. I feel responsible for this.
  Asked by 25 people
- What role do open conversations play in relationships and communication?
  Asked by 17 people
- How to talk better with people
  Asked by 11 people
- Are there any episodes on improving conversation skills?
  Asked by 9 people
- What is the main topic of the clip Changing the Conversation from the episode A Better Way to Create New Ideas & How to Take Control Of Difficult Conversations?
  Asked by 8 people
- What is the importance of questions?
  Asked by 8 people
- How do you approach new topics?
  Asked by 6 people
- What role do open conversations play in relationships and communication, as discussed in the episode #117: The Function of Emotions with Dr. Susan David and the clip Navigating Difficult Conversations?
  Asked by 6 people
- How can I ask better questions?
  Asked by 5 people
- What is the main topic of the clip Paying Attention from the episode #319: Coincidence or Conversation with God? with Neale Donald Walsch?
  Asked by 5 people
- What are some examples of open-ended questions from the episode Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research with Helen Willmot and Simon Clark and the clip User Research Techniques?
  Asked by 4 people
- How can questions lead to persuasion?
  Asked by 4 people
- How can I improve my small talk skills?
  Asked by 4 people
- How do I become a better conversationalist?
  Asked by 4 people
- Can you explain the technique of confirming understanding twice and asking follow-up questions about how the person felt in a conversation or interview style, as discussed by Jordan Harbinger in the episode 152: How to Cope with a Schizophrenic Neighbor | Feedback Friday and the clip Covert Contracts?
  Asked by 4 people

Episode Highlights

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