We’ve all been there. We know a difficult conversation is going to make us feel bad, so we avoid it. But not learning how to control your emotions during difficult conversations can lead to terrible outcomes, e.g., relationships breaking up! Have you ever wondered if there are techniques for handling difficult conversations? According to Jenn Wynn, there’s a very simple formula…
Jenn Wynn is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business. She used to be the Director of Education at the Obama Foundation. Jen also hosts the podcast, “The H.I. Note,” in which she lists all kinds of vulnerable and difficult conversations and, more importantly, how to handle them with ease and grace.
Jen joins host Matt Abrahams on episode 340 of Think Fast Talk Smart: The Podcast, and together, they discuss:
• Why difficult conversations are… difficult?
• Controlling your emotions in difficult conversations
• Why some people may not be able to have difficult conversations easily.
• Importance of listening in conversations.
• How to use AI in our communication?
• Challenges of hosting a podcast about healing from trauma
Jen also outlines a simple three-step formula that is GUARANTEED to make even the most difficult conversations a breeze - something we would definitely recommend for everyone!
Key Quotes
• “Most things that we want in life are on the other side of a difficult conversation with a loved one … so are you just going to give up on your biggest dreams in life because you weren't willing to take the time to step outta your comfort zone?” – Jenn Wynn (08:14)
• “At the end of the day, I think about dialogue as the free flow of meaning. And so if I've done it well, effective dialogue grows the shared pool of understanding between us.” – Jenn Wynn (09:42)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:53 What Makes Difficult Conversations Difficult
04:53 Strategies and Tactics for Difficult Conversations
07:45 Things that Stop You From Having Difficult Conversations
09:18 How to Listen
12:15 The Role of AI
14:03 Jenn’s Secret to Hosting a Vulnerable Podcast
17:06 Matt’s 3 Questions
21:49 Conclusion
Relevant Links:
Jenn Wynn: https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jenn-wynn/
Jenn’s Podcast, The H.I. Note: Healing Inspirations from Life: https://thehinotepodcast.buzzsprout.com/2270299/episodes
Episode References:
https://www.fastersmarter.io/222-discussing-through-discomfort-why-the-conversations-you-avoid-cost-you-the-most/
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