The best communication books I read this year
I’ve lost track of the number of communication books I read this year. Here are the ones that had the most impact on my thinking, writing, coaching, and presenting:
Super communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, Charles Duhigg
Communication is a superpower and the best communicators understand that whenever we speak, we’re actually participating in one of three conversations: practical (What’s this really about?), emotional (How do we feel?), and social (Who are we?). If you don’t know what kind of conversation you’re having, you’re unlikely to connect.
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, David Yeager
Imagine a world in which Gen Xers, millennials, and boomers interact with young people in ways that leave them feeling inspired, enthusiastic, and ready to contribute—rather than disengaged, outraged, or overwhelmed. That world may be closer than you think.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It, Chris Voss
As a former FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss gives you the tools to be effective in any situation: negotiating a business deal, buying (or selling) a car, negotiating a salary, acquiring a home, renegotiating rent, deliberating with your partner, or communicating with your children. Take the power of persuasion, empathy, active listening, and intuition to the next level.
The Brain: The Story of You, David Eagleman
Who are “you”? How do you make decisions? Why does your brain need other people? How is technology poised to change what it means to be human? In the infinitely dense tangle of billions of brain cells and their trillions of connections, something emerges that you might not have expected to see in there: you.
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, Brianna Wiest
A collection of author Brianna Wiest's most beloved pieces, including Why You Should Become Aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way you see your life.
The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People's Lives Better, Too), Gretchen Rubin
“How do I respond to expectations?” Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behavior, so using this framework allows us to make better decisions, meet deadlines, suffer less stress, and engage more effectively. It’s far easier to succeed when you know what works for you.
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet & Why It Matters, Priya Parker
The way we bring people together—whether for work, social, or personal events—shapes the depth of connection and impact. The book outlines practical strategies for designing gatherings with purpose, creating meaningful experiences, and breaking free from traditional, uninspired norms. Through examples and insights, Parker demonstrates how thoughtful planning and bold choices can turn ordinary meetings into unforgettable moments of connection and growth.
Thank you for listening.
Here’s to a great 2025.
