The One You Feed How We Can Improve Communication in Polarized Times with Charles Duhigg
24 snips
Nov 4, 2025 
Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, offers insights on improving communication in today's polarized climate. He emphasizes the importance of active listening and social reciprocity, alongside techniques like “looping for understanding.” Duhigg discusses the types of conversations we encounter and strategies for finding common ground. He addresses the impact of politeness in online interactions and explores the psychology of identity threat. Additionally, he delves into habit formation and how small changes can bolster effective communication and relationships.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Prove You're Listening To Get Reciprocity
- People instinctively reciprocate when they feel heard, so you must prove you are listening.
- Charles Duhigg calls this "ostentatious listening" and recommends "looping for understanding."
Use The Three-Step Looping Technique
- Use the three-step looping technique: ask, repeat back in your words, then ask for confirmation.
- Say "Did I get that right?" to request permission and trigger reciprocity.
Invite Questions To Create Dialogue
- If a conversational partner isn't asking questions, invite them explicitly to do so.
- Say something like, "I've been asking so many questions — what would you like to ask me?"
