#275: Better Conversations – One Question at a Time (Part 1) – Dr. Alison Wood Brooks

The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin

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[32:16] In this enlightening episode (Part 1 of 2) of The Toastmasters Podcast, host Greg Gazin sits down with Harvard Business School professor and behavioral scientist Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they dive deep into the underrated power of asking good questions—revealing that it’s not just about what you ask, but how, when, and why you ask it. Whether you're a speaker, a leader, or simply someone looking to have more meaningful interactions, this episode is packed with research-backed tips, memorable stories, and plenty of conversational “golden nuggets.”

In this lighthearted yet informative conversation, we explore the art and science of conversation through the lens of questioning. The discussion draws from one chapter of Alison’s new book and her article, “Asking More and Better Questions,” featured in a forthcoming issue of Toastmaster magazine.

Dr. Brooks walks us through The Four Key Types of Questions—Introductory, Mirror, Topic-Switching, and Follow-Up—and explains how each serves a distinct role in making conversations more meaningful and effective. She debunks the myth that changing topics is rude, revealing that most people actually stay too long on a single subject, and that skillful topic switching can reinvigorate a conversation.

We also unpack why follow-up questions are the superheroes of dialogue—boosting connection, increasing engagement, and making us more likable. But not all questions land well. Dr. Brooks introduces the concept of “boomerasking”—a conversational misstep where someone asks a question but quickly pivots the conversation back to themselves, missing the opportunity to truly listen and engage.

The episode also explores the delicate balance between preparing thoughtful questions and staying flexible in the moment—much like a jazz musician who rehearses but improvises once on stage. When it comes to asking the “wrong” question, Dr. Brooks reminds us that context matters most: There’s no such thing as a sensitive question—only sensitive contexts.

On a more personal note, Alison shares how growing up with an identical twin provided her with a “real-life mirror,” giving her rare, real-time feedback on her conversational strengths and weaknesses and shaping her awareness of interpersonal dynamics.

Whether you're a public speaker, leader, or simply looking to elevate your everyday conversations, this episode offers practical, research-based insights on how to become a better conversationalist—one question at a time.

👤 About Dr. Alison Wood Brooks

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School. She is a behavioral scientist and one of the world’s leading experts on the science of conversation. Her award-winning research has been published in top academic journals and cited in major media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR. Her work was referenced in two of the top ten most-viewed TED Talks of all time and even depicted in Pixar’s Inside Out 2. In 2021, she was named a Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants.

🔗 You can reach out to Alison at: AlisonWoodBrooks.com where you can also get a free copy of The TALK Workbook, by joining the TALK community. 

Watch for Part 2 of this episode, coming June 1, 2025.