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The power of super communication with Charles Duhigg | E1938

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Apr 26, 2024

Guest

Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for exploring the psychology of behavior, joins the conversation to dissect the nuances of effective communication. He highlights the importance of different conversation types and how humor can break barriers in social dialogue. Duhigg delves into storytelling as a tool for connection and trust, while addressing the dynamics of vulnerability and honesty in conversations. The discussion also touches on navigating gender differences and building deeper interpersonal relationships.

01:18:58

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ANECDOTE

Lawler's Success

CIA officer Jim Lawler initially struggled to recruit spies, even facing threats of deportation.
However, he successfully recruited Yasmin after showing vulnerability and honesty during a dinner.

insights

INSIGHT

Communication as a Skill

Effective communication isn't innate; it's a set of skills anyone can develop through practice and habit formation.
Conversations aren't about a single topic but rather a mix of practical, emotional, and social elements.

insights

INSIGHT

Neural Entrainment

Neural entrainment, where brains sync up during connection, is crucial for building trust and happiness.
Mirroring and imitation are fundamental human behaviors that facilitate connection during conversations.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Power of Communication in Startups

02:24 • 5min

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Balancing Metrics and Intuition in Communication

07:17 • 3min

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The Art of Effective Communication

10:06 • 9min

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The Art of Conversation

18:46 • 5min

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The Art of Connection: Laughter and Communication

23:30 • 16min

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The Impact of Storytelling and a Million Dollar Opportunity

39:04 • 2min

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Humorous Misadventures

41:24 • 7min

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Authenticity in Conversations

48:08 • 16min

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The Essence of Super Communication and Connection

01:04:31 • 2min

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Finding Flow: The Joys of Outdoor Experiences and Writing

01:07:00 • 8min

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Beyond Laughter: A Comedian's Journey

01:15:02 • 4min

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Follow the Story

How to Write Successful Nonfiction

James B. Stewart

In 'Follow the Story', James B. Stewart provides techniques for writing engaging nonfiction, covering topics from conceiving ideas to structuring narratives. He uses examples from his own work to illustrate effective storytelling methods. The book is a valuable resource for writers seeking to improve their craft in nonfiction writing.

Superforecasting

The Art and Science of Prediction

Dan Gardner

Philip E. Tetlock

Santiago Foz (argentino)

In this book, Tetlock and Gardner present the results of the Good Judgment Project, a massive forecasting tournament that identified a small group of 'superforecasters' who are exceptionally good at predicting future events. The authors explain that good forecasting does not require powerful computers or arcane methods but involves gathering evidence from various sources, thinking probabilistically, working in teams, keeping score, and being willing to admit error and change course. The book uses stories of forecasting successes and failures, as well as interviews with high-level decision makers, to illustrate these principles and demonstrate how anyone can improve their forecasting abilities.

A Visit from the Goon Squad

Jennifer Egan

Bird by Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott

Susan Bennett

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V. '), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

Born Standing Up

A Comic's Life

Steve Martin

In 'Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life', Steve Martin provides a detailed and candid account of his journey from his childhood to his rise as a stand-up comedian. The book delves into his early jobs at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, his development as a magician and comedian, and the struggles and successes he faced in his career. Martin also explores his strained relationship with his family, particularly his father, and how he eventually reconnected with them. The memoir highlights the dedication, discipline, and originality that defined his career and explains why he chose to leave stand-up comedy in 1981 to pursue other creative ventures. The book includes photographs and offers a unique insight into the life of one of the most iconic comedians of his time.

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.

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.

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Todays show:

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg joins Jason to discuss the different types of conversations (9:29), the role of humor (22:48), and they way conversation dynamics can shift (49:30).

Timestamps (0:00) Charles Duhigg joins Jason to break down his latest publishing, Supercommunicators

(4:01) The importance of communication in startups and lessons from "The Power of Habit”

(8:06) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(9:29) The role of communication in organizations and the different types of conversations

(21:30) Mantle - Get your first 12 months free at https://withmantle.com/twist

(22:48) Exploring the role of humor, laughter, and vulnerability in conversations

(30:06) Understanding gender and cultural differences in communication

(39:23) HubSpot - Be sure to check out the Million Dollar pitch competition from Hubspot for Startups & HubSpot Ventures. Apply now at ⁠https://www.hubspot.com/milliondollarpitch

(40:34) The role anecdotes have in conversation

(49:30) How the dynamic of the conversation shifts when someone has an ask

(1:01:35) The Harvard Study of Adult Development

(1:06:36) Closing remarks

Check out Supercommunicators: https://www.charlesduhigg.com/supercommunicators

Follow Charles:

X: https://twitter.com/cduhigg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesduhigg/

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(8:06) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist (21:30) Mantle - Get your first 12 months free at https://www.withmantle.com/twist (39:23) HubSpot - Be sure to check out Hubspot for Startups & HubSpot Ventures for their Million Dollar pitch competition. Apply now at https://www.hubspot.com/milliondollarpitch

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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