realtalk Muscles

TRAIN THE FOUNDATION. BUILD COORDINATION. PERFORM WITH PURPOSE.

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The realtalk Muscles are a learning framework developed by realtalk@MIT from the MIT Center for Constructive Communication. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, education, conflict resolution, and embodied learning, the framework views communication not as a collection of techniques to master, but rather as a set of capabilities that can be strengthened through intentional practice. 

The realtalk Muscles provide a roadmap for developing awareness, mindsets and skills that help us navigate conversations with greater curiosity, empathy and confidence. Just like training in the gym, each muscle grows stronger through intentional and consistent practice. These skills aren’t built in a single session, just like any workout, but collectively, over time each one builds on the ones before it.

Click a muscle group to learn more, and find workshops where you can practice!

FOUNDATIONAL MUSCLES

Train awareness of yourself. Build stability.

The Foundational Muscles include:
  • Self-awareness
  • Emotional awareness
  • Managing/understanding assumptions
  • Identity
  • Mindset
  • Reflection
Black and white halftone image of two hands pressed together in prayer over a yellow circle background with the word 'foundational' curved along the right side.

Upcoming Foundational Muscles Workshops:

Change the Lens

Play with perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and see what happens.

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Foundational
MUSCLES

Question Everything

What if one question could change everything?

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Foundational
MUSCLES
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COMPOUND MUSCLES

Train awareness between people. Build coordination.

The Compound Muscles include:
  • Listening
  • Curiosity
  • Empathy
  • Disagreeing well
  • Collaboration
Four hands of different skin tones stacked together over a blue circle with the word performance curved along the bottom.

Upcoming Compound Muscles Workshops:

The Disagreement "Gym"

Disagreement gets a bad rap. What if, instead of avoiding disagreement, we get better at it?

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Compound
MUSCLES

The Listening "Gym"

You listen all day…but how often do you actually practice listening?

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Compound
MUSCLES
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PERFORMANCE MUSCLES

Train awareness of groups, systems, and cultures.

The Performance Muscles include:
  • Group dynamics
  • Systems, systems thinking
  • Leadership
  • Conflict navigation
  • Collective problem solving
  • Culture building
Black and white halftone image of two fists bumping inside a green circle, with the word 'compound' curved above them.

Upcoming Performance Muscles Workshops:

Check back soon for new workshops that work the Performance Muscles!
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