Review: Supercommunicators: The Power of Conversation and the Hidden Language of Connection

I felt quite deceived by the title. I was expecting a book about communication, and in particular public speaking. Instead, this is a book about connection with people – how to be someone who connects really well to others. In other words, it’s a book to explain why emotional intelligence matters. Not a bad subject by any means, but not at all what I was expecting from the title ‘Supercommunicators’.
Overall, it was fine, if a little underwhelming. A solid contribution, but lacking something truly insightful to be altogether gripping.
Who wrote it
Charles Duhigg is a journalist and author.
Why I read it
I’m always keen to improve my understanding of communication and grow my skills as a communicator. This one popped up as a new book on the subject that seemed highly regarded/anticipated.
What I liked
There was some helpful stuff here regarding emotional intelligence. For the most part, it was quite interesting, with plenty of stories to keep you engaged. It does read like a book written by a journalist/author.
What I didn’t
This is a difficult one. My single biggest complaint is what I felt was a misleading title. Rather ironic for a book called ‘Supercommunicators’. Had it been called something different, I might have felt quite differently. Or perhaps I would not have picked it up at all. Having read Geoffrey Cohen’s Belonging earlier in the year, I likely would have been less keen on this had it been given a more accurate (IMHO) title.
Major Takeaway
The most important indicator for an astronaut to succeed on a team mission is their emotional intelligence. It was proven to be a more significant indicator of thriving than any other measurement.
Not sure how useful that is, but it’s the one story that has stuck with me. I guess it serves to broadly remind us that the ability to participate well as part of a team is more important than individual intelligence, skill, etc. Nothing new in that observation, but a helpful reminder.
Who should read it
If you’re curious about emotional intelligence, and exploring some interesting stories that help unpack its importance and application, this is not a bad book. If you’re looking to improve the way you connect with and listen to people, there’s plenty of good stuff here. If you’re looking for something more on the communication line, this is not quite that book.
Supercommunicators
I felt quite deceived by the title. I was expecting a book about communication, and in particular public speaking. Instead, this is a book about connection with people - how to be someone who ...