by Supercommunicators: Turning Words into Action
By Charles Duhigg
Ever walked away from a meeting thinking, “Did we just talk for an hour and say absolutely nothing?” Fear not. You’re not alone! Charles Duhigg’s book, Supercommunicators, tackles this exact problem. Here are the key takeaways so you, too, can level up your communication skills.
1. The Power of Simplicity (or how to stop sounding like a jargon generator)
Duhigg reminds us that clarity beats complexity every time. We’re all guilty of slipping into buzzword mode—”synergies,” anyone? But supercommunicators know that speaking plainly is a superpower. People want to understand you, not decipher a riddle.
Tip: If you can’t explain it to a 5th grader, you probably don’t understand it either.
2. Narratives Are Your Best Friend
We’re wired to love stories. Duhigg champions the power of storytelling in communication, arguing that data, no matter how impressive, needs a narrative to make it memorable. Numbers are great, but unless they’re wrapped in a tale, they won’t stick.
Tip: Weave data into stories—imagine giving quarterly results as if you’re telling the epic tale of The Lord of the Spreadsheets.
3. The Art of Listening (Yes, it’s more than waiting for your turn to talk)
Duhigg stresses that listening is an often-overlooked part of being a great communicator. Supercommunicators listen with intention, asking questions and showing genuine curiosity. It’s not just about waiting to drop your own wisdom bomb.
Tip: Channel your inner therapist—nod thoughtfully, repeat back what you heard, and resist the urge to hijack the conversation with your life story.
4. Adaptability: Know Your Audience (Because talking to your CEO like they’re your bestie is risky)
Every audience is different. Duhigg points out that effective communicators tailor their message depending on who’s listening. Whether you’re talking to the board, a client, or your overly enthusiastic coworker, one-size communication definitely does not fit all.
Tip: The tone you use with your team? Probably not the best idea to try it on your CFO during budget reviews.
5. Conflict is Inevitable, Drama is Not (I cannot stress this enough)
Conflicts are part of life, but how you navigate them makes all the difference. Duhigg teaches us to approach disagreements constructively. Supercommunicators don’t shy away from tough conversations, but they also don’t let it turn into a soap opera-worthy showdown.
Tip: When conflict strikes, think: “What would a Zen master do?” (Not: “What would a reality TV star do?”)
Final Thoughts
In Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg gives us a toolkit for cutting through the noise, making our messages count, and (fingers crossed) helping us avoid those endless, soul-crushing meetings. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to get your point across at dinner, it’s about making your words work for you—and having a little fun along the way!
Now, go forth and communicate like a superhero! Just leave the cape at home (unless it fits into your company’s dress code).
