The ways supercommunicators operate and how to emulate their techniques.

Across more than 130 episodes, Think Fast, Talk Smart has touched a lot on what it takes to be a good communicator. But what about reaching that next level? What about being a “supercommunicator”? Supercommunicator is a term used by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg in his latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. 

In this podcast episode, Abrahams and Duhigg explore the precise techniques that distinguish a good communicator from a “supercommunicator:” traits such as active listening; looping for understanding to demonstrate genuine engagement; and identifying what someone is truly feeling, underneath what they actually say.

Episode Reference Links:

• Charles Duhigg: Website
• Charles Duhigg: Books
• Duhigg’s New Yorker article
• Thalia Wheatley’s research study: The Repurposed Social Brain 
• Nicholas Epley’s research paper: Overly Shallow?: Miscalibrated Expectations Create a Barrier to Deeper Conversation
• Alison Wood Brooks’ research paper: The Conversational Circumplex: Identifying, Prioritizing, and Pursuing Informational and Relational Motives in Conversation
• Michael Yeomans’ research paper: It Helps to Ask: The Cumulative Benefits of Asking Follow-Up Questions
• Sheila Heen’s research project: Harvard Negotiation Project
• Ep.92 - No Regrets: How to Take Risks
• Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
• Ep.103 - Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to an Audience

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Charles Duhigg and his new book Super Communicators.

(00:01:26) Transition from Habits to Communication

Duhigg shares how personal experiences and a desire to understand human interactions motivated him to explore communication.

(00:02:51) The Neuroscience of Connection 

The neuroscience behind successful communication and the role of neural entrainment in establishing connection and understanding.

(00:04:21) Storytelling as a Powerful Communication Tool

The importance of storytelling in communication and how stories foster empathy and engagement.

(00:06:16) Identifying and Aligning Conversation Types 

Three types of conversations (practical, emotional, social) and the necessity of aligning conversation types for effective communication.

(00:08:07) Practices of Super Communicators 

Insights into the habits of super communicators, including their approach to recognizing conversation types and the importance of deep listening.

(00:15:02) Navigating Conflict Through Effective Communication 

Managing conflictual conversations with a focus on listening, understanding, and managing control dynamics.

(00:20:50) Challenges of Online Communication 

Challenges and strategies for communicating in online and virtual settings.

(00:25:04) The Craft and Impact of Storytelling

Approaches to storytelling and its significance in making complex ideas memorable and engaging.

(00:29:06) Developing New Communication Habits 

New communication habits developed from Duhigg's research and their impact on personal and professional interactions.

(00:31:02) The Final Three Questions

Charles Duhigg discusses the importance of deep questions, the communicator he most admires, and his recipe for successful communication.