Oct. 7, 2026

Have Better Conversations and Build Deeper Connections with Vanessa Van Edwards

Have Better Conversations and Build Deeper Connections with Vanessa Van Edwards
Chris Hutchins
Have Better Conversations and Build Deeper Connections with Vanessa Van Edwards

#297: Learn how to turn small talk, awkward encounters, and everyday logistics into conversations that actually matter. Chris and Vanessa explore the chemistry behind great conversations, how to find the topics that make people light up, and the three levels of conversation that lead to deeper connection.


Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, and founder of Science of People. She teaches at Harvard, and her new book, Conversation: How to Connect with Anyone and Make Every Interaction Count, is available now.


Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/vanessa-van-edwards-better-conversations/


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Resources Mentioned

Vanessa: Website | X | Instagram | YouTube

Research and Frameworks

Shows and People

ATH Podcast


Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(00:45) How to Make Every Conversation Matter

(02:12) The DOS Cocktail: The Chemistry of a Great Conversation

(05:15) Turning Everyday Interactions Into Meaningful Conversations

(14:05) Treating Small Talk Like a Treasure Hunt

(15:31) How to Start a Meaningful Conversation

(20:53) Can Conversational Courage Go Too Far?

(23:08) A Framework for Asking Better Questions

(27:01) Why You Can't Skip Straight to Deep Conversation

(30:20) Level 1: General Traits

(32:11) Level 2: Personal Concerns

(32:40) Level 3: Your Self-Narrative

(34:48) How to Be Conversationally Generous

(37:18) What to Do When You're Just Not Clicking

(38:54) How to Become a Better Conversational Storyteller

(41:18) Turning Any Conversation Into a Chance to Learn

(43:04) Mindset Tricks for Warmer, Easier Conversations

(47:00) How to Know If You’re Talking Too Much

(51:31) Why Some "Great" Questions Are Actually Hard to Answer

(53:35) The Ideal Length of a Conversational Turn

(55:12) How Talking to AI Is Changing How We Talk to People

(58:53) Using AI to Become a Better Conversationalist

(01:01:02) Deeper Conversations With Your Partner (Beyond the Logistics)

(01:07:51) Did This Feel Like a Real Conversation?

(01:08:35) What to Expect from Vanessa's New Book


Connect with Chris

⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠


Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Connect with Chris

Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

 

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.