People I (Mostly) Admire

How to Have Great Conversations (Update)

133 snips
Sep 20, 2025
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author known for The Power of Habit, discusses his new book, Super Communicators. He dives into the importance of understanding conversation types—practical, emotional, and social. Duhigg shares techniques for preparing conversations and addressing power dynamics. The duo explores deep questions that foster intimacy and effective listening strategies. They also touch on how emotional awareness can enhance creativity and communication.
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INSIGHT

Conversations Have Three Distinct Goals

  • People enter conversations with different goals: practical, emotional, or social.
  • Misreading the other's goal causes the conversation to fail to connect.
ANECDOTE

Coffee-Shop Deep Question

  • Steve asked a barista why she was busy and learned she was applying to college.
  • A 30-second coffee exchange became a surprisingly intimate conversation.
INSIGHT

Preparation Unlocks Deeper Talks

  • Preparing for a conversation reduces anxiety and enables deeper questions.
  • Giving permission to ask and answer deep questions creates intimacy quickly.
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