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  2. 520: A Harvard Expert’s Guide to Mastering Conversations

520: A Harvard Expert’s Guide to Mastering Conversations

Jan 22, 2025

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 520, an interview with the author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, Alison Wood Brooks.

 

In this episode, Alison shares how her experiences at Harvard shaped her understanding of one of the most critical skills for anyone in any industry: conversation. She introduces the concept of the “topic pyramid”, which includes small talk, tailored talk, and deep talk, and shares strategies for handling difficult conversations, such as using acknowledgment, affirmation, and hedging language. Alison shows why conversing more effectively can make a big difference in the quality of our close personal relationships and our professional success.

 

Alison Wood Brooks is an Associate Professor at the Harvard Business School. She created and teaches a cutting-edge course to MBA students and executives. 

 

Get Alison’s new book here: https://shorturl.at/WS7i1

Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves

 

Here are some free gifts for you:

Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach

 

McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf

 

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