Talking Heads: How Conversation Shapes Us by Shane O'Mara

From neurons to nations, Talking Heads is a stunning survey of the science of human connection and communication.

'Delightfully well-written'IRISH TIMES
'Intriguing ... Makes for an enjoyable read' NEW SCIENTIST
'Full of good stories' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

Talking to each other is a primal behaviour. It’s a key part of what makes us human. Yet the science of human connection has largely remained a mystery. Only recently have scientific advances allowed us to peer into the purpose of conversations and uncover their extraordinary impact.

In this groundbreaking book, the first of its kind written by a leading neuroscientist, Professor Shane O’Mara expertly reveals how talking affects all our lives. What does it mean that we mostly think, and speak, in five-minute bubbles around the present moment? Is the fact that we instinctively trust what others say empowering or a hindrance? And how do our very nations begin as conversations?

Moving from the personal to the social and ultimately towards an urgent and radical new perspective on the defining phenomenon of our times, populist nationalism, Talking Heads is the story of how conversation shapes us and constructs our worlds – and how, together, we can talk our way into a better tomorrow.