Show notes
Why do we often misjudge whether a conversation will be enjoyable? In this episode of the INSEAD Knowledge podcast, Nadav Klein, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD, explains why even apparently boring topics can lead to engaging conversations. Drawing on his research, Klein explores how curiosity, attentiveness, humour and genuine interaction matter more than the subject itself—and what this means for leaders communicating with their teams.Read the related INSEAD Knowledge article.Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Why boring conversations can be engaging01:00 – Nadav Klein’s research question unpacked03:00 – The Seinfeld effect: ordinary topics, compelling interactions06:00 – The real value of engagement10:14 – The different types of ‘talk’ 12:53 – Conversation, connection and unexpected enjoyment16:17 – Why our predictions about conversations are often wrong17:18 – What leaders bring to a conversation20:44 – Is there a difference between small talk and networking24:05 – When to enter into conversations26:30 – Final reflections: paying attention to what conversations can become
