How to Read a Room in 30 Seconds | Binge Thinking

Welcome to Binge Thinking! We bring professors and experts into pubs to give talks. In a world of AI slop and doomscrolling, we bring real experts into real places. Come join us for this week's talk.
How to Read a Room in 30 Seconds

Most people listen to what’s being said. But few notice what’s actually happening.

Every room is sending signals: who has power, who feels comfortable, who’s holding back, and what’s really going on beneath the surface...
In this talk, Dr. Wegner breaks down how to read a room in real time — using the audience itself as a live case study.

You’ll learn:

• How to quickly spot power dynamics and social hierarchies
• The subtle cues that signal trust, tension, or disengagement
• Why some teams click instantly — and others quietly fall apart
• How to understand group dynamics you’ve experienced but couldn’t explain

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

About the Speaker

Dr. Wegner teaches graduate-level courses at Harvard on Motivation, Groups & Culture (Team Psychology), Applied Coaching, and Applied Team Coaching.

Her work focuses on translating psychological theory into practical tools for improving team dynamics, leadership, and organizational health. She is also the founder of Groops, a Boston-based startup backed by Harvard's Institute of Quantitative Social Science (IQSS).

Agenda

7:00 PM — Doors open (grab a seat and a drink)
7:30–8:15 PM — Lecture
8:15–8:30 PM — Q&A
8:30–9:00 PM — Mingle and grab another round of drinks!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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