Join Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators, as he unpacks the secrets of effective communication. He shares how many conversations falter despite good intentions and reveals the three types of conversations that shape our connections. Discover the power of asking meaningful questions, the 'matching principle,' and how to avoid one-upping to truly listen. Duhigg emphasizes that mastering communication is a learnable skill, essential for fostering deeper understanding in both personal and professional relationships.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Duhigg's Marital Miscommunication
Charles Duhigg's arguments with his wife, despite her good advice, sparked his research.
He realized they had different conversation types, she practical, he emotional.
insights INSIGHT
Three Conversation Types
Every discussion has different kinds of conversations: practical, emotional, and social.
Successful communication requires recognizing and matching the current conversation type.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Ask Deep Questions
Ask deep questions about values, beliefs, or experiences to diagnose communication problems.
Deep questions invite meaningful responses, revealing mindsets and potential tensions.
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The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business
Charles Duhigg
In 'Smarter Faster Better', Charles Duhigg explores the science of productivity through eight key concepts, including motivation, goal setting, focus, and decision making. The book uses real-world examples from various fields such as the Marine Corps, Google, and Disney to illustrate how productive individuals and organizations view the world and make choices differently. Duhigg combines neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics to provide practical advice on how to become more effective and in control of one's life and work.
Finding Confidence in Conflict
How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Kwame Christian
The Power of Habit
Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
Charles Duhigg
In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and change. He explains the 'habit loop' consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward, and how understanding this loop can help in changing bad habits or forming good ones. The book includes numerous examples from various fields, such as how Procter & Gamble successfully marketed Febreze, how Alcoa transformed its business by focusing on safety, and how individuals like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. benefited from specific habits. Duhigg argues that by harnessing this science, individuals and organizations can transform their lives and businesses[2][4][5].
Supercommunicators
How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection
Charles Duhigg
In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the secrets of 'supercommunicators' who excel at connecting with others. He delves into the three distinct types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and provides practical strategies and case studies to illustrate how to recognize and navigate these conversations effectively. The book includes examples from various contexts, such as jury deliberations, CIA recruitments, and workplace interactions, to demonstrate how communication can be improved. Duhigg emphasizes the importance of active listening, identifying complex emotions, and matching the type of conversation to enhance connection and understanding.
Ever walk away from a conversation feeling more disconnected than before?
You're not alone — and bestselling author Charles Duhigg is here to explain why. In this powerful episode, Charles (author of The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators) reveals the hidden science behind every conversation that fails — and exactly how to turn it around.
Learn how to recognize the 3 types of conversations, why most breakdowns happen even with good intentions, and what super communicators do differently to build trust, defuse tension, and connect deeply — fast.
Kwame and Charles break down:
Why practical advice often backfires in emotional conversations
The “matching principle” and how to use it
How to avoid one-upping and start listening for real
Why asking better questions is your #1 communication superpower
This isn’t just about talking — it’s about leading, connecting, and transforming every difficult conversation you face.
Whether you're leading a team, navigating conflict at home, or just want to be heard — this episode is your playbook.
Negotiate Anything 
