We talk to people to achieve success in every aspect of business and life. Even though we do it constantly, conversation is surprisingly tricky, especially for leaders. This course will sharpen your conversational awareness, confidence, and skills using the TALK framework, derived from cutting-edge behavioral science:

Topics: in which we figure out what to talk about, and how to manage topics effectively.
Asking: in which we learn how to ask and answer questions well.
Levity: in which we aim to balance humor and warmth with gravity.
Kindness: in which we remind ourselves to speak respectfully, engage receptively with opposing views, and listen responsively.

In this course, you will:

• Reflect on your conversational goals: Why do we talk? What does it mean to do it well? How do these goals play out over the short- and long-term?
• Study the TALK framework to understand conversation as a fundamental part of the human experience—a repeated coordination game we play with others every day, one filled with hundreds of micro-decisions.
• Participate in many immersive conversation exercises (both silly and serious)--always as yourself (no role playing).
• Take advantage of this safe environment to practice specific conversational approaches that may (or may not) work for you.
• Record and listen back to yourself to reflect on your conversational performance and progress.

Course logistics:

• 12 session course: Experiential exercises, weekly reflections, and an individual final project
• 2 sections of 60 students
• Some class sessions will take place in the Hives (depending on classroom availability)
• Course guests will include experts on sales/persuasion, matchmaking, conflict management, designing work meetings, freestyle music, digital communication, and conversational AI.
• Grading is based on class participation, assignments, and final project.
• No technical background required.
• This course focuses mostly on human-to-human dialogue (interacting with other people), not monologue/public speaking.

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