Charles Duhigg on the Secret Power of Storytelling in Communication

Charles Duhigg on the Secret Power of Storytelling in Communication

From Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life by Erik Fisher

August 29, 2025 · 43 min · Episode 492

About this episode

Charles Duhigg discusses the importance of storytelling and effective communication in today's digital age.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our most impactful conversations—with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author  Charles Duhigg , about his latest book  Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection . In a world where remote work, digital communication, and polarized conversations are the norm, knowing how to truly connect is more important than ever. This episode couldn’t be more timely. In this updated revisit, we explore: The Secret to Better Conversations:  Charles explains why so many discussions go off-track—often because we don’t recognize what kind of conversation we’re actually having. Three Types of Conversations:  We break down the crucial distinction between factual, emotional, and values-based conversations—and how misalignment can cause friction. Supercommunicator Habits:  Charles reveals practical skills used by great communicators, from mirroring and labeling to vulnerability and listening with intention. How to Build Psychological Safety:  Learn how to create space for trust, openness, and productive dialogue, especially in high-stakes work or family conversations. Why This Matters Now…

People in this episode

Host: Erik Fisher

Guest: Charles Duhigg

Topics covered

  • storytelling
  • communication
  • remote work
  • psychological safety
  • empathy
  • conversation types

Keywords

  • communication
  • storytelling
  • empathy
  • conversations
  • psychological safety
  • remote work
  • listening

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

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