We’ve all had conversations that go sideways. Not because we said the wrong thing, but because we weren’t speaking the same language. In this week’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Charles Duhigg, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, to unpack the science of great communication.

Charles's latest book, Supercommunicators, explores how anyone—yes, anyone—can get better at having meaningful, impactful conversations. Whether you’re pitching an idea at work or trying to connect more deeply at home, Charles offers tools to help you bridge the gap between intention and understanding.

Jessi and Charles discuss:

The three types of conversations: practical, emotional, and social—and how to recognize them

Why most of us are bad at predicting how conversations will go

Why listening in real time matters more than planning what to say

How to practice your way into being a better communicator

How to talk so people will listen and listen so others feel heard

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to communicate more clearly, build stronger relationships, or become a better leader.

Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! We’re live on the LinkedIn News page every Wednesday at 3 PM ET.