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: YouTube / Website Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First: YouTube / Website Ep.103 - Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to an Audience: YouTube / Website Connect: Email Questions & Feedback thinkfast@stanford.edu Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTube Matt Abrahams LinkedIn Stanford GSB LinkedIn & Twitter 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.