People you may not have seen for a while, or do not even know, decide to learn all about you in 60 seconds in a litany of questions that you might find offensive or depleting.

The rule of awkward silence has always been valuable. But in a world of instant gratification, it's more useful than ever.

Tom Henschel

Jeremy Lott via Michael Hyatt

It’s key part of American work culture, so how does a non-American adapt?

Stuff to actually say out loud.

Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity -- to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be. And he has a challenge for men: "See if you can use the same qualities that you feel make you a man to go deeper," Baldoni says. "Your strength, your bravery, your toughness: Are you brave enough to be vulnerable? Are you strong enough to be sensitive? Are you confident enough to listen to the women in your life?"

You don’t. And you’re also steering the focus away from someone who probably just wants to be heard. Here’s how to be a more considerate conversation partner, says radio host and writer Celeste Hea…

When your job hinges on how well you talk to people, you learn a lot about how to have conversations -- and that most of us don't converse very well. Celeste Headlee has worked as a radio host for decades, and she knows the ingredients of a great conversation: Honesty, brevity, clarity and a healthy amount of listening. In this insightful talk, she shares 10 useful rules for having better conversations. "Go out, talk to people, listen to people," she says. "And, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed."

Tom Henschel and Chris Deferio

Difficult conversations are ahead: About guns, violence, and desperation.

Companies need candor from their employees, but bosses must take real steps to make clear they’re open to bad news and contrary opinions.

Deepa Purushothaman, principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, explains why it’s important to understand how you’re perceived.

How do you give feedback to a CEO who’s twice your age? I was 25, a new professor called in as a last-ditch, Hail Mary effort to save a dying company. They had already fired three consultants, so why not try me? The CEO had been leading longer than I’d been alive.

Try not to go on for more than 40 seconds at a time.

Someone is yelling and screaming at you. Here are steps from a clinical psychologist on how to turn difficult conversations into reasonable discussions.

Great insight moves your career, organization, or business forward. The problem? Most people are terrible at asking questions. Learn from the pros how to do it right.