Alison Wood Brooks

And that's definitely how I was feeling in that moment, this arousal, my heart's racing, probably your stress hormones start to release in your body. And there are a number of ways that you can react to it. And I think we all grapple with, well, should I react defensively? Should I react angrily?

And that's definitely how I was feeling in that moment, this arousal, my heart's racing, probably your stress hormones start to release in your body. And there are a number of ways that you can react to it. And I think we all grapple with, well, should I react defensively? Should I react angrily?

Do I have the sort of self-control to continue engaging in this conversation in a way that's reasonable and productive?

Do I have the sort of self-control to continue engaging in this conversation in a way that's reasonable and productive?

Do I have the sort of self-control to continue engaging in this conversation in a way that's reasonable and productive?

And I mean, I think the student did a very smart thing by coming and talking to you in the privacy of her office, because in some ways now you're having a one-on-one conversation. If the student had brought this up in the class, for example, that could have made you feel even more defensive and even more put on the spot.

And I mean, I think the student did a very smart thing by coming and talking to you in the privacy of her office, because in some ways now you're having a one-on-one conversation. If the student had brought this up in the class, for example, that could have made you feel even more defensive and even more put on the spot.

And I mean, I think the student did a very smart thing by coming and talking to you in the privacy of her office, because in some ways now you're having a one-on-one conversation. If the student had brought this up in the class, for example, that could have made you feel even more defensive and even more put on the spot.

In the class or, you know, online, on social media, we see this happen all the time, these... in my mind, really, it's very rare to feel like any topic is too sensitive to discuss, but there are so many contexts that are too sensitive. I sometimes wonder, is there such a thing as a sensitive topic or is it all just sensitive contexts?

In the class or, you know, online, on social media, we see this happen all the time, these... in my mind, really, it's very rare to feel like any topic is too sensitive to discuss, but there are so many contexts that are too sensitive. I sometimes wonder, is there such a thing as a sensitive topic or is it all just sensitive contexts?

In the class or, you know, online, on social media, we see this happen all the time, these... in my mind, really, it's very rare to feel like any topic is too sensitive to discuss, but there are so many contexts that are too sensitive. I sometimes wonder, is there such a thing as a sensitive topic or is it all just sensitive contexts?

And so it was so kind that the student came and met one-on-one and also that they started the conversation by being so complimentary and saying, hey, I really love this class. I think you're doing such an amazing job teaching us. And It's because I feel so comfortable with you that I feel safe sharing this constructive feedback about this one moment.

And so it was so kind that the student came and met one-on-one and also that they started the conversation by being so complimentary and saying, hey, I really love this class. I think you're doing such an amazing job teaching us. And It's because I feel so comfortable with you that I feel safe sharing this constructive feedback about this one moment.

And so it was so kind that the student came and met one-on-one and also that they started the conversation by being so complimentary and saying, hey, I really love this class. I think you're doing such an amazing job teaching us. And It's because I feel so comfortable with you that I feel safe sharing this constructive feedback about this one moment.

When we come back, the single most important lesson to learn when you are engaged in a difficult conversation. You're listening to Hidden Brain. I'm Shankar Vedanta.

When we come back, the single most important lesson to learn when you are engaged in a difficult conversation. You're listening to Hidden Brain. I'm Shankar Vedanta.

When we come back, the single most important lesson to learn when you are engaged in a difficult conversation. You're listening to Hidden Brain. I'm Shankar Vedanta.

I'm Shankar Vedanta. Think back to the last time you had a difficult conversation. Maybe it was with a manager or an employee. Maybe it was with a partner or a parent. What did it feel like in the moments before you had the conversation? Did you feel yourself getting tense? Did you feel the need to get a drink first or to avoid the conversation altogether?

I'm Shankar Vedanta. Think back to the last time you had a difficult conversation. Maybe it was with a manager or an employee. Maybe it was with a partner or a parent. What did it feel like in the moments before you had the conversation? Did you feel yourself getting tense? Did you feel the need to get a drink first or to avoid the conversation altogether?

I'm Shankar Vedanta. Think back to the last time you had a difficult conversation. Maybe it was with a manager or an employee. Maybe it was with a partner or a parent. What did it feel like in the moments before you had the conversation? Did you feel yourself getting tense? Did you feel the need to get a drink first or to avoid the conversation altogether?