This Hidden Brain podcast episode explores the science of difficult conversations, focusing on avoidance and strategies for improvement. The interview with behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks covers common avoidance tactics, the importance of recognizing one's emotional responses, and techniques like conversational receptiveness (acknowledgment, affirmation, validation) to foster productive dialogue. Brooks emphasizes shifting from a persuasive to a learning mindset during these conversations and shares personal anecdotes illustrating these concepts, including a student's feedback on a seemingly innocuous classroom comment and a transformative apology to a college administrator. The episode concludes with advice on reframing negative emotions and the power of apologies in resolving conflict. Listeners gain practical tools for navigating challenging conversations more effectively.
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The Conversations that Bring Us Closer | Hidden Brain | Podwise
