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Talk
A review of

Talk

The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves

Alison Wood Brooks • Crown • 2025
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Good Talk

by Patricia Sanders

Real conversations are enjoyable, powerful, and, for many people, awkward. Behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks shows how small shifts in approach can make them easier, warmer, and far more rewarding.

Conversation can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether it’s an intimate heart-to-heart with a good friend, light banter with a co-worker by the water cooler, or small talk with a stranger that unexpectedly becomes fascinating, conversation can open the door to joy. And the pleasure of good conversation is accessible to everyone — you don’t need money, special equipment, or a license.

Unfortunately, many people struggle with — or are hesitant to engage in — the art of conversation, but a few practical pointers can help to break the ice. Happily, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard behavioral scientist, offers a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their face-to-face connections.

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