Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony

Why do some people instantly draw you in, while others give you the ick?
In Why We Click, Kate Murphy, author of the international bestseller You’re Not Listening, explores the emerging science and powerful impact of interpersonal synchrony, the most consequential social dynamic most people have never heard of.

What is interpersonal synchrony?
The magical yet now scientifically documented tendency of human beings to fall into rhythm and find resonance with one another. Not only do we subconsciously mirror one another’s movements and facial expressions, we also sync up our brain activity, heart rates, and hormonal levels. This stunning ability is the basis of human empathy, attachment, and bonding. The more in sync you are with another person, the more connected you tend to feel.

Why We Click will help you:
- Improve and hone your syncing ability for more satisfying (and less draining) social interactions
- Design spaces, plan activities, and develop mindsets conducive to forging and maintaining mutually satisfying relationships
- Get better at reading other people and reading the room
- Resist getting hijacked by other people’s negative energy
- Become more in tune with nature and even your pets
- Have more flow experiences, whether they’re with other people or within yourself

The bottom line?
From the bedroom to the boardroom, Murphy shows how our instinct to sync drives much of our social behavior. It determines who ends up in our personal and professional networks as well as the depth and duration of our relationships. Interpersonal synchrony is our superpower, but it can also be our kryptonite if we fail to understand its influence on us, both as individuals and as a society.