Supercommunicators

How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

By: Charles Duhigg

Narrated by: Charles Duhigg

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Power of Habit, a fascinating exploration of what makes conversations work—and how we can all learn to be supercommunicators at work and in life

“A winning combination of stories, studies, and guidance that might well transform the worst communicators you know into some of the best.”—Adam Grant, author of Think Again and Hidden Potential

ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • FINALIST FOR THE SABEW BEST IN BUSINESS BOOK AWARD

Come inside a jury room as one juror leads a starkly divided room to consensus. Join a young CIA officer as he recruits a reluctant foreign agent. And sit with an accomplished surgeon as he tries, and fails, to convince yet another cancer patient to opt for the less risky course of treatment. In Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg blends deep research and his trademark storytelling skills to show how we can all learn to identify and leverage the hidden layers that lurk beneath every conversation.

Communication is a superpower and the best communicators understand that whenever we speak, we’re actually participating in one of three conversations: practical (What’s this really about?), emotional (How do we feel?), and social (Who are we?). If you don’t know what kind of conversation you’re having, you’re unlikely to connect. 

Supercommunicators know the importance of recognizing—and then matching—each kind of conversation, and how to hear the complex emotions, subtle negotiations, and deeply held beliefs that color so much of what we say and how we listen. Our experiences, our values, our emotional lives—and how we see ourselves, and others—shape every discussion, from who will pick up the kids to how we want to be treated at work. In this book, you will learn why some people are able to make themselves heard, and to hear others, so clearly.

With his storytelling that takes us from the writers’ room of The Big Bang Theory to the couches of leading marriage counselors, Duhigg shows readers how to recognize these three conversations—and teaches us the tips and skills we need to navigate them more successfully.

In the end, he delivers a simple but powerful lesson: With the right tools, we can connect with anyone.

Communication Techniques

Clarity is central and organizing supportive narratives, references, and research was evident. Good read. Thank you.

Great insights into having effective dialog with those of opposing views!

I don't write a lot of reviews, but has to for this one. Charles Duhigg provides stunning insights into the intricacies of human interaction and dialog. He provides suggestions on ways to have effective and unifying dialog between people with opposing views on even highly emotional "hot button" issues.

Easy to Understand and Practical

I learned a lot especially in how to communicate others of different belief than mine and also regarding how to communicate to teenagers, how what we do or decide to take side on has something to do with our social identity, or the identity we want to project. What I like about his books is that it is rich with examples from real life experiences of the author and others, as well as the use of research findings. I listen to this on my commute to and from work. Best time spent on traffic jams and loooong rides. I will listen to this many times, until it is evident that I have applied the principles discussed in the book.

Brilliant!

Such great flow into one of the most important topics and skills one needs to master for business and life.

Useful ideas but...

I could have done without the social justice messaging sprinkled throughout the book, especially the final third