November 19, 2024
169. Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesAbout this episode
What makes a great conversation? “Many of us dread small talk,” says Harvard Business School professor and author Alison Wood Brooks . Yet she believes these everyday exchanges are the gateway to deeper connection and opportunity. An expert in the science of conversation, Wood Brooks, teaches a popular course titled Talk and has spent years researching what makes a great conversation. "Big things often start with small talk," she notes. "It’s not about avoiding it; it’s about knowing how to use it to uncover something meaningful." In this LinkedIn Live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Wood Brooks joins host Matt Abrahams to share a practical framework for mastering small talk and making it enjoyable, even for those who loathe it. Drawing from her "topic pyramid" approach, Wood Brooks breaks down how to elevate a conversation from mundane chitchat to something memorable. “Think of it as a treasure hunt,” she suggests. “Small talk is where you start looking for golden nuggets that can lead to deeper engagement.” Episode Reference Links: Alison Wood Brooks Alison's Book: Talk Ep.73 Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested than Interesting Ep.89 Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - What Makes a Good Conversation? (04:40) - The Topic Pyramid (07:21) - Preparation for Small Talk (09:37) - Remembering Conversation Details (11:15) - Asking Too Many Questions (13:08) - Conversation Goals and Contexts (17:02) - Virtual vs In-Person Conversations (18:51) - The Importance of Listening (23:58) - Think Fast Talk Smart Premium (25:16) - Conclusion ******** Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. This episode is brought to you by Babbel . Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.