Lydia's share: On the science of conversation - Alison Wood Brooks
- jeanne7629
- Mar 10
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 18
Thank you for sharing this episode Lydia!
Tips for time poor listeners: The actual interview about “the science of conversations” starts 15mins in and only lasts about an hour.
Lydia's commentary/ thoughts below:
Armchair Expert is a bit of a high/lowbrow mix of content. Silly conversation, with vulnerable and curious interviews. This interview with a behavioural research scientist posed the question: should we be more intentional about our everyday conversations? With so much content inundating our lives, and busier schedules than ever, I think we missing out on opportunities for connection. Whether we are at dinners, work or the gym our interactions run the risk of becoming transactional with our minds elsewhere. This podcast prompts us to be more proactive about our communication style, with simple tips like thinking ahead about a couple of topics that our dinner date might be interested in, actively listening (rather than planning our response) and being more forthright in leading conversation (avoiding ‘boomerang questions’ which are transparently self serving). I find between running between work and social occasions I rarely put much thought into deepening or stimulating connections with friends and this podcast made me ask why… and gave me some conversational hacks too.
Here are my thoughts :)
Loved the idea that we’re wrong thinking of conversation(s) as merely
information exchange. It is much more complex than that. The setting, the objective(s), the timing, the mindset…
Although Alison’s point totally makes sense and I actually do often “prep” for conversations, it did also make me rethink the place of spontaneity in such conversations. I noticed the word “Serendipity” came up a lot during post covid in "back to the office" conversations and although I LOVE working from home, I must admit most of my work conversations are sole “agenda” driven.
I also enjoyed thinking about the general “aversion to forethought” - so true but why? Could it be because we're conditioned by movies, books,…