Last year, I read a book called NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE, written by FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, in which he essentially tells you how to manipulate people and be an asshole. Not what I was hoping for. So when I heard this book was coming out from the author of THE POWER OF HABIT, it seemed much more in line with what I wanted out of a book about communication. And I was so right!

Duhigg gets into the science behind how we connect with people and how we can do it better. He narrates the audiobook, which I think is a big help in picking up nuances in speech and phrasing the way the author intended, especially for a book on communication. He breaks down conversations into different types and their primary goals, and then gives the reader pointers for how to accomplish these goals in a better, more intentional way. Really helped me to slow down, listen, and put more meaning behind the words I choose.

In a world so polarized and focused on what WE want to do, say, and think, I think everyone should read or listen to this book as a way to learn to communicate better with both those you love and those you disagree with.