The Science and Art of Good Conversation


We all crave connection, but starting a conversation can feel intimidating. What if it’s awkward? What if you run out of things to say?

In this webinar, we’ll explore the psychology of good conversation: what makes it flow, why we doubt ourselves, how it contributes to social well-being, and how to have more enjoyable, meaningful interactions with others. This reward-eligible webinar is brought to you by Hoos Well and FEAP as part of our Thrive Together series of monthly webinars on mental health and well-being.

Learning Objectives

  1. Reflect on the personal benefits you gain from conversations with friends.
  2. Recognize common cognitive biases that get in the way of meaningful connection.
  3. Discover insights from psychology and improv to become a more engaging and effective conversation partner.

About Your Presenter

Dr. Adrienne Wood is an associate professor of psychology at UVA. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and her research focuses on how people interact, connect, and build social networks. She teaches courses on social psychology and emotion. Outside the classroom, she hones her own conversational skills by performing improv comedy at venues around Charlottesville.

Register for this webinar on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET