How Do We Teach Conversation? | Liza Garonzik

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen talks with Liza Garoznik, founder and CEO of Real Discussion, about one of the biggest questions in education today: how do we teach and assess durable skills like communication, listening, and collaboration? Framed by the rise of AI and growing concern about a "conversation crisis," the discussion explores why authentic interaction must be developed alongside artificial intelligence. Liza shares the origin story behind Real Discussion, explains the REAL framework—Relate, Excerpt, Ask, Listen—and offers practical insight into how schools can embed conversation skills into core academics while also measuring student growth, belonging, and engagement.

Outline

• (0:00) Introduction & Durable Skills Framework
• (3:40) Liza's Story & Real Discussion Origins
• (11:23) The Conversation Crisis & Authentic Interaction
• (21:36) The REAL Framework & Teaching Discussion Skills
• (26:22) Assessment & Measuring Student Growth
• (34:19) Practical Tools & Future of Real Discussion

Links

• Watch the full blog here
• Watch the full video here
• LinkedIn
• R.E.A.L. Discussion
• Liza Garonzik on Teaching Tomorrow's Human Skills
• Grade Discussion Skills, Not Discussions