Dr. Deborah Tannen

Language, conversation, relationships. Everything we do, at work and at home, is done through talk. No one understands this better than linguist Deborah Tannen. As the author of "You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation," the international bestseller that graced The New York Times bestseller list for nearly four years and was number one for eight months, Tannen has unearthed the underlying dynamics of communication. This book has also been translated into 31 languages, showcasing its global impact.

Her subsequent works, such as "You’re Wearing THAT? Mothers and Daughters in Conversation" and "Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work," another New York Times business bestseller, extend her exploration into the intricacies of communication in personal and professional settings. "You Were Always Mom’s Favorite!" about sisters, and "You’re the Only One I Can Tell," which received positive reviews from prominent publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, have also been acknowledged as New York Times bestsellers. These books delve into specific relational dynamics, offering insights and practical advice.

Tannen has not only contributed significantly to academic and popular understanding of interpersonal communication but also actively engages with a broader audience through frequent appearances on television and radio. She has been a guest on shows such as "Charlie Rose," "The Colbert Report," "20/20," "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "PBS NewsHour," "Oprah," "Hardball," "Nightline," and various programs on CNN and NPR. Her essays have featured in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time Magazine. Beyond her writing and media presence, Tannen has lectured nationally and internationally to corporate, educational, and governmental organizations, including the Board of Trustees of The Wharton School and a gathering of United States senators and their spouses, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence in both academic and practical arenas of communication.