Review of Super Communicators

Review of Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg

Well last week I was done reading the book Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg, and let me just tell you this, the book is sheer class. Sometimes, one comes across books that assume a paradigm shift about something or the other. Well, this one did it for me when it comes to communication levels. One of the things I like most about this book is how Duhigg weaves solid advice on communication into the book with interesting examples.

Whether you are a communicator by profession and your job involves a lot of talking, or you are an average person, who feels that talking is an effective way to get things done, this book will interest you.

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Breaking Down Communication

First of, what i liked about Super Communicators is that what the author does is to deconstruct communication into something doable. We can freely admit in this case that the business of communicating is not always easy. All of us believe that we know how to do it because we converse daily, do we not? But when one actually begins to cogitate about it, there is a whole lot more to the whole concept. There may be a lot of people out there who have tried to learn about effective communication, but what sets Duhigg’s work apart is that he goes into detail about what makes it work – he does not beat around the bush and give vague ideas that could barely be implemented in real life.


In addition to communication he does not characterize it in the narrowest sense of the word, for example, when people speak or write. He delves into all aspects of the verbal and non-verbal communication, facial expressions, gesture and even how we time what we say. What is impressive is that he begins all his arguments with realistic case scenarios. In business dealings, or personal interactions, or even small talk, Duhigg explains how even slight alterations in the way that contact is made can have significant effects.

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The Power of Storytelling

Perhaps, one of the most compelling lessons that one can draw from this book is the importance of story telling. With great effort, Duhigg stresses that storytelling is not a profession but a common practice of every individual. Narratives are the way through which people understand the world, people communicate and share experiences, as well as the way to change people’s behaviors and help them to achieve goals and dreams.

The book also explains in further detail about the procedure to come up with narratives that will appeal to the audience. It is not just about sharing a good story; it is about sharing a story that people want to know at the moment when they are reading it. I never read a book that provided specific tips on how to tell concrete and memorable stories, how to make them personal and how to harness stories to make a convincing argument. What is great about this is that he does not solely rely on theory and book knowledge but provides real life narratives of how people have used storytelling to get extraordinary outcome whether in business, politics, or in their own lives.

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Listening: The Unsung Hero of Communication

The second big theme in Super Communicators is concern with listening. All of us realize that listening is valuable; Duhigg goes beyond that and shows us just how valuable it is in communicating. He demonizes active listening and how when it is done properly it no longer involves just hearing what the other person is saying, but interpreting what it means.

What have I found interesting here is that Duhigg also emphasizes how listening is not simply a courtesy, but a weapon. By practising active listening, you get information which will be useful for you while reacting in a way that is far more significant. He also gets to talk about how listening can establish relationships and mend them as well, at either a professional setting or a domestic one.

Finally, the book offers guidelines on how choicelessness can be managed in one’s daily interactions, including listening skills. They’re the sort of tips that are quite simple to apply immediately and honestly, it puts one to a rather deep reflection of the manner in which they communicate.

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The Science of Persuasion

Duhigg also gives the reader insight on ‘the science of persuasion’ which I thought was extremely interesting. This is how our brains work and how some messages make us act differently than others, according to him. It isn’t merely the content which is important but the manner, the tone of it and, indeed, the timing.

He talks about concepts such as establishing exemplary frames – how the way that information is contextualized can alter it. For example, people are likely to accept a particular piece of information in a positive way when told, ‘here is what you will get’ and not in a negative way when told, ‘this is what you stand to lose’. To her surprise, Duhigg also discusses matters that one can easily fail to consider, which include repetition and consistencies in persuasion .

And what I love is that in every point he makes, he cites research, case studies, and what he is imparting are not mere tips but facts . This makes the advice feel more realistic and therefore easier to follow.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

Building Confidence in Communication

The other thing I thought was very effective in the book was the emphasis on confidence in the communication. Duhigg agrees with the fact that some people do not like to express themselves and come up with ideas in the front of others let alone in cases that are considered big and important. He comes up with ways through which such fears can be dealt with and he provides the kind of confidence that results in better communication. He said something that is very interesting and easy to relate with in life, and that is the issue of preparation.

But when you have honed your knowledge and when you have planned what you are about to articulate, you are naturally going to feel more confident. He also talks about the postures consciously—the fact is that if you stand or sit in a certain position, this will make you feel more confident; and this makes you look more convincing to others.

It also briefly discusses handling conflict, which is a topic none of us are immune to as we will find ourselves involved in one disagreement or the other in the course of our lifetime. Duhigg shows how to express such messages in an enforcing and understanding manner by providing concrete guidelines on how to do so. Of course, it’s not a battle of wits in which one has to get the better of the other; that’s not the goal, it’s just about being able to get the other person to listen to you while at the same time listening to yourself.of the other person.

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Communication in the Digital Age

Again, to discuss communication is to discuss technology, and this is where Duhigg doesn’t fail to deliver. He then takes the audience through how modern technology particularly in-the communication sector has affected our lives. Nowadays, we are using emails, texts, face-to-face talks, social networks and etc – the methods of communication have changed and so did the problems.

An aspect I appreciated is that while Duhigg has given his points on the effects of digital communication he has not limited it to merely negative aspect. On one side it has become convenient to communicate and share information than before but on the other side information barriers have also emerged. For instance, while interacting digitally, no facial expressions can Help pass information hence it can Help lead to misunderstanding While the fast rate of communication can Help lead to less tended intercontinental.

Duhigg then explains how to deal with these problems: how to be more careful when you speak, how to involve more of what makes us human into our work with technology. It’s a good awakening that despite its advancements, we need to ensure that we employ it in a manner that will facilitate the formation of actual bonds.

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Practical Tips for Better Communication

What is nice about the book from the perspective of someone who wants to incorporate the ideas right away is that the writer uses examples liberally and offers a lot of tips right across the chapters. Whether it’s ‘how to format your e-mail for replies’ or ‘how to provide constructive critique’ and ‘How not to be terrible at small talk’, there’s something in here for even the most basic of English socialization levels.

It would be rather interesting to note that one of my most preferred sections of his writing include his discussion on the impact of the ‘pause’. It sounds obvious, but timing is everything, and taking the time to stop can dramatically alter how your message is jabbered. They get time to mull over what you are saying and they also perceive that you are more composed and in charge.

The next piece of very useful advice is about mimicking, and that what it entails is mirroring, in other words – unconsciously copying the gestures of the interlocutor, or his or her speech mannerisms. It is a technique that which assist one in establishing a feeling of comfort to the other person, something that one does not take a lot of practice to master.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

The Importance of Empathy

One more note that I wanted to underline is that the focus on the empathy seems to be constant in Super Communicators. First, Duhigg claims that the overall basis for communication is the capacity to step into the other person’s shoes to some extent. When a massage is sent – it is not just about conveying your view but about recognizing the position of the other counterpart and how best to respond.

This was one of the most powerful book for me because it really drives home the idea that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of connecting with others on a deeper level. Duhigg gives examples of how empathy has played a crucial role in some of the most successful communications, whether it’s in business, politics, or personal relationships.

He also describes step by step how one can demonstrate empathy and these steps include: listening to the other person, asking questions and paraphrasing. It is to realize that the conversation has not been activated only when one starts speaking and, in fact, the best communicators are those who care for the other person.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

Real-World Examples

One of the ways that makes Super Communicators so engaging is the ways in which Duhigg grounded his arguments. He does not simply inform you about what is effective – he educates you about how it has been effective in other instances. These stories make the ideas seem less abstract and more tangible whether it is a CEO trying to revive a struggling business, a politician attempting to gain voters’ trust or even a commoner in an effort to have a difficult conversation.

One thing that is perfectly cool is that all of the above examples are situated in different context hence one will always get an example that suits their case. Even though, it has been my desire since then to work for an organization where I would be able to witness these techniques to be implemented in practice situations.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

A Book for Everyone

Super Communicators is for everyone and not just those who profess to be a “communicator” by trade. Whether you are a leader who would like to inspire your team, or a parent wanting to relate better with kids, this book has something in store for everyone.

On one side of the coin, you have practical well toned advice which anyone can understand; on the other hand it is researched and validate through real world examples making if feel trustworthy. It is the book you will read end to end, bookmarked, put on a shelf, and when anything crops up that sounds like communication problem — go back for reference.

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Final Thoughts

Super Communicators is a quick, engaging read that everyone who talks to others feels like they should at least skim through. Really, it has great insights and tips, a good read to get an understanding of communication in the real world!

The beauty of this book is in its pragmatism, which I loved the most. The Power of Habit author Duhigg doesn't just provide you with a blob of ideas on communicating though, he gives actionable strategies that can be implemented daily. No matter how you want to improve your life — from being more effective at work, getting closer with loved ones or feeling better when meeting new people — the tools in this book can help.

I also liked this book on how it puts out there that communication is not just saying your part but listening, understanding and having all the empathy in you for another. It is a comprehensive method which takes into account the complexity of human contact and offers us some guidelines to manage it better.

Very simply, if there is one thing you take away from the book it should be that communication can improve with practice. It is not just something you can be innately good at — but rather a skill that, with work and practice, improves. Which click on is an empowering message in itself — specifically for people like myself who may every so often have problem locating the proper phrases or maybe come to be essentially tight at getting out their thoughts.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

A Personal Connection

Speaking personally, I found this book to be really interesting since the ways we connect more meaningfully with each other has always been something of a fascination for me. Five fundamental aspect of life forms the basis, and believe it or not communication is one among these five basics inspite all day-to-day. I met with Jill when she was still working on the book before its publication, and it caused me to pause for thought about my own communication skills— what I did well,and those occasions where I could do a better job.

It also made me much more aware of what I say and do to others. We spend so much of our time on the internet, behind screens — it can be undermined how valuable those personal encounters really are. The book served as a well timed reminder that good communication is about much more than simply ensuring your argument lands successfully; it's ultimately about human connection, empathy and allowing the space for everyone to be heard.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

Why You Should Read It

If you are still debating whether Super Communicators is worthwhile, consider this: it has the ability to change your life. This is not just any self help book that tells you to listen more than speak, it is a well written and researched guide to be a good conversationalist on every scale.

Whether you want to further your career, enhance the quality of your relationships or simply feel more well-versed in personal interactions between others and yourself this book can help. Smart, fun and full of advice that will haunt you forever after the last page is turned.

{Click here to read Super Communicators for free with 30days free trial}

Wrapping Up

So, in conclusion, Super Communicators is a book that I would recommend to almost anyone. It's great, insightful and actionable that you can get started immediately. Duhigg has done a great job at taking the complexity out of external communications to something that is attainable and manageable.

If you want one book that can teach you to communicate better AND form strong, meaningful relationships with those around then this is a must read. Take it from me you wont be disappointed.

And hey, if you decide to read it too, I would be so excited to hear your thoughts because this book showed me just how important the best conversations are where everybody has a chance and heck takes opportunities from others to help one-anohter.