Study yields new insights on what makes conversation engaging

aurelie.boucher@mcgill.ca — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:40:27 +0000

What makes a speaker engaging? Both what is said and how it is said matter, but in different, complementary ways, a new study conducted at the 91�� School of Communication Sciences and Disorders has found.

When people try to sound “engaging,” they tend to speak more loudly and in a higher pitch, and this can lead listeners to evaluate them more positively, the researchers said. However, the study also reveals that the listener’s desire to extend a conversation depends mainly on interest in what the speaker has to say.

New injectable gel could help repair damaged swallowing muscles

keila.depape@mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:35:14 +0000

A new injectable gel developed by researchers at 91�� and Kyoto University could enable stem cell-based treatments for swallowing disorders.

While stem cells have the potential to repair damaged swallowing muscles, ensuring their survival after injection has been a major challenge. In a preclinical study published in Biomaterials, the new approach improved stem-cell survival by more than five times compared with traditional methods.

school of communication sciences and disorders

Study yields new insights on what makes conversation engaging

New injectable gel could help repair damaged swallowing muscles