The hottest Communication Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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relationship puzzles

bookbear express • 423 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Communication Self-help Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence
  1. Love can be found in imperfect partners, and it's okay for no one to meet all your needs. Relationships can look different for everyone, and being descriptive rather than judgmental can help you support your friends better.
  2. Feelings can change quickly, and it's important to give yourself grace when you're feeling vulnerable or anxious. Instead of overthinking, try acknowledging your emotions and give yourself some time to process them.
  3. Communicating directly about how someone makes you feel can help ease your anxiety. It's okay to express your needs and concerns in relationships, as everyone can feel clingy or needy sometimes.

"You're both wrong"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Morality Bullying Communication
  1. Kindergarten teacher morality is about not recognizing who the real aggressor is in a conflict. It's like saying both kids in a fight are wrong, even if one started it.
  2. Some people, like Mr. Calm and Collected, don't see the whole picture and often side with the aggressor. They might think they’re being fair, but they actually dismiss the real issues.
  3. This type of perspective can let bullying continue unchecked online. It shows a lack of good judgment and can make the situation worse for the person being targeted.

Things Worth Remembering: Winston Churchill’s Gracious Farewell

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4340 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🚌 Education Public Speaking Speeches Learning Communication
  1. Listening to, reading, or watching great speeches of the past can help improve public speaking skills.
  2. Great speaking aims to persuade, charm, and move the audience.
  3. Studying rules of public speaking is important, but it's equally crucial to focus on the essence of persuasion, charm, and emotional impact.

The Captain Class

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1082 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Leadership Teamwork Communication Psychology Success
  1. Great sports teams have successful captains who share important traits. These traits include perseverance, pushing boundaries, and doing hard work for the team.
  2. Captains are key to strong teamwork because they communicate well and can handle tough conversations. They help keep the team focused and motivated.
  3. Organizations should recognize and support the behaviors that good captains display. This support helps teams improve and succeed together.

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 2256 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
💼 Business Management Accountability Incident Response Communication Documentation
  1. Notify all stakeholders before making any production changes to avoid becoming part of the problem.
  2. Overcommunicate during a problem by sharing information to involve stakeholders in finding solutions.
  3. Make yourself accountable for mistakes to be a part of the solution and promote learning and improvement.
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#194: On grief and posting through it

Maybe Baby • 1097 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief Social media Communication Mental health Relationships
  1. Grief doesn't have a 'right' way to be expressed. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions and thoughts during this tough time.
  2. Sharing about loved ones on social media can feel awkward, but it also offers a chance for connection and support from friends.
  3. Wanting attention or recognition for your feelings is natural. Seeking out comfort from others can be a healthy part of your grieving process.

There's Probably Nothing We Can Do About This Awful Deepfake Porn Problem

Freddie deBoer • 4238 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Internet Censorship Communication AI Deepfake
  1. In the age of the internet, censoring content is extremely challenging because of the global spread of digital infrastructure.
  2. Efforts to stop the spread of harmful content like deepfake porn may not be entirely successful due to the structure of the modern internet.
  3. Acknowledging limitations in controlling information dissemination doesn't equate to a lack of will to address concerning issues.

Be Present

The Analog Family • 559 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Attention Communication Parenting Technology Social Behavior
  1. Being fully present in the moment is important, so try to put your phone away. When you focus on what's happening right in front of you, you really connect with others.
  2. Attention is a valuable gift. When someone gives you their full attention, it feels special and strengthens your bond with them.
  3. Kids notice when you're distracted by your phone. Make an effort to be present with them to encourage open conversations and foster stronger relationships.

Tell the beautiful truth, not the brutal truth

Jeff Giesea • 758 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Self-reflection Communication Leadership Wellness
  1. There's a difference between telling the beautiful truth and the brutal truth. Beautiful truth connects with people, while brutal truth can push them away.
  2. Being mindful of your intention when sharing truths is important. If your truth comes from a good place, it can really help others feel supported.
  3. It’s essential to be compassionate towards yourself when sharing truths. Treating yourself kindly makes it easier to extend that kindness to others.

The CTO's Silent Struggle

The CTO Substack • 279 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Communication Technology Career development
  1. Being technically correct isn't enough for a CTO. It's important to communicate effectively with the rest of the team to be truly understood.
  2. CTOs often feel unheard and frustrated, especially when their technical insights aren’t respected. They need to connect their concerns to the company's overall goals more clearly.
  3. Success as a CTO comes from focusing on team dynamics and collaboration rather than just being right. Building relationships and understanding others' perspectives is key.

Can you only talk to people within X IQ of your own?

Just Emil Kirkegaard Things • 1100 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🔬 Science IQ Communication Leadership
  1. The idea of a communication range suggests people find it hard to bond with those beyond a certain IQ difference.
  2. Evidence supporting this claim is weak and mostly anecdotal, lacking concrete data.
  3. People tend to cluster with others similar in intelligence, a phenomenon known as social homophily, which can affect relationships and social bonds.

On clarity and mind-reading

Disaffected Newsletter • 2038 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Mental health Childhood Trauma Relationships Social norms
  1. Many people, including myself, really struggle with ambiguity in conversations. It's important to be clear about what we mean so everyone understands.
  2. I insist on defining terms when talking because my past has taught me how harmful unclear expectations can be. If we can't agree on definitions, I won't engage in that conversation.
  3. Today’s world feels more confusing and less trustworthy than ever. It’s not just personal; many others feel the same way about the lack of clarity around communication and social rules.

'Just put your phone away' - Dec 2024 catch up service #1

Brain Pizza • 595 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Smartphones Social media Digital Culture Communication Consumer behavior
  1. Putting your phone away improves conversation quality. It's easier to connect and enjoy talking to each other without distractions.
  2. Smartphones are a big part of our lives, and almost everyone has one. They have changed how we communicate but can sometimes take away from real-life interactions.
  3. Being aware of smartphone usage can help us be more present in conversations. Taking a break from our devices can do wonders for our social experiences.

We are living in a Cluster B world

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society Media Psychology Communication Entertainment
  1. We are currently experiencing a cultural environment influenced by Cluster B personality disorders, such as narcissism and antisocial behavior. This means many people may behave in ways that seem self-centered or disregard others' feelings.
  2. Our society might be facing challenges due to increased attention to these toxic behaviors. This has implications for our relationships and social dynamics.
  3. Understanding the characteristics of Cluster B personalities can help us navigate interactions with those who exhibit these traits. It’s important to recognize these behaviors to maintain our own mental health.

Attitudes one can take towards people who have behaved badly

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 875 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Ethics Human behavior Communication Philosophy
  1. Social punishment is a natural part of how humans interact, helping to enforce a social contract. It can feel too harsh or unjust at times, but it still serves a purpose.
  2. There's a tricky balance in discussing the ideas of people who have done bad things. We need to find ways to remember their contributions without overlooking their wrongdoings.
  3. It's important to correct the record if someone is proven innocent after being publicly condemned. Reputations can suffer permanently, and it’s crucial to acknowledge when we've gotten things wrong.

This is not the essay I wanted to present to you

Disaffected Newsletter • 1918 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Media Literature Social Issues Online behavior
  1. Writers today often struggle with readers who misunderstand or misrepresent their ideas. This makes it hard to have honest conversations.
  2. Many readers act like online debates are a competition instead of a discussion. This creates a barrier to meaningful exchanges.
  3. Writers feel frustrated by the pressure to engage with all readers, especially when some just want to argue rather than understand.

Forest Feed: How Trees Like, Share, & Communicate Through Mycelial Networks 🌲🍄

Tripsitter • 179 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🔬 Science Communication Networks Ecology
  1. Forests operate as interconnected organisms, with trees communicating and sharing resources through underground mycelial networks.
  2. The symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, known as mycorrhizae, plays a vital role in enhancing the forest ecosystem.
  3. Trees use the mycelial network to warn each other of dangers, nourish weaker trees, and even collectively defend against threats like pests.

New Year housekeeping and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Mental health Trauma Personal Growth Self-reflection Communication
  1. Communication is key when you're having issues. If you don't tell someone exactly what the problem is, they might not be able to help you.
  2. Things can go wrong with automated systems, like emails ending up in spam folders. Always check there if you’re not getting messages.
  3. Personal growth can happen when you re-evaluate your past and beliefs. Sometimes, realizing things weren't what you thought can lead to big changes in how you see the world.

Gather, decide, execute

The Engineering Manager • 19 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Productivity Communication Tech Tools
  1. Having a personal system to manage information is really important for effective management. It helps you stay organized and recall important details.
  2. The gather-decide-execute method allows you to process information efficiently. You gather insights, make decisions based on them, and then take action to implement those decisions.
  3. Keeping your system simple and adaptable is key. If it's too complicated or doesn't fit your changing needs, you're less likely to stick with it.

Why You Always Get Punished for Telling The Truth

OK Doomer • 124 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Psychology Communication Bias
  1. People who tell the truth often get punished for it. This happens because society tends to ignore uncomfortable truths.
  2. Cognitive biases make it hard for people to accept negative feedback or truths, leading them to blame those who speak out.
  3. Pretending everything is fine, like the woman who followed Zig Ziglar's advice, doesn't solve the real issues and can create more problems.

How Do You Make Email and Texts Steal Less Time?

Culture Study • 2654 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Communication Productivity Social media
  1. Emails, texts, and messaging apps can make us worse at maintaining deep friendships by offering false comforts and distractions that replace meaningful connections.
  2. Efficiency in emails and texts is important, but it's crucial not to let these tools take over our lives and prevent us from engaging in activities we truly value like hanging out with friends or pursuing hobbies.
  3. The goal is to communicate in more present and meaningful ways, where our attention isn't constantly divided. Finding a balance between digital communication and real-life interactions is key.

How I Work

Venture Prose • 918 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
💼 Business Training Style Communication
  1. The person prefers email as their main form of communication and has a structured work schedule with specific meeting times.
  2. They are dedicated to training, spending around 15 hours per week on cycling, and prioritize family time.
  3. Their work style focuses on efficiency, belief in founders, and a preference for email communication over other mediums.

Write Like A Normal Person, Please

A Mug of Insights • 1513 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📖 Philosophy Language Communication Understanding Thought Existentialism
  1. Philosophy often seems obscure and complex to regular people due to its unique language and terminology.
  2. Understanding philosophy is akin to learning a foreign language, with its own set of definitions and interpretations.
  3. Mastering philosophy involves a shift in mindset, where the complexities of the language eventually click and become a new way of thinking and understanding.

TBM 315: The Self-Sealing Argument Trap

The Beautiful Mess • 727 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Bias Critical Thinking Ethics Communication
  1. Self-sealing arguments trap you into a no-win situation. No matter how you respond, it feels like you lose.
  2. These arguments often happen in discussions where your personal beliefs are questioned. They can make it hard to express your true thoughts without feeling defensive.
  3. It's important to recognize when you're in these traps. Finding a different way to respond can help you avoid feeling stuck and give you a better chance for a positive outcome.

What Do TPMs Distribute If AI Gets Better At Owning The Message

Building Rome(s) • 15 implied HN points • 27 May 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Communication AI Impact Project management
  1. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) plays a key role in communication. They must make sure their messages are clear and tailored for different audiences to ensure understanding and action.
  2. AI can help with processing data but isn't yet reliable for communicating important messages on behalf of people. Trusting AI for key updates still requires human judgment.
  3. Poor communication can harm credibility and team trust. It's important for TPMs to learn from past mistakes in message distribution to improve future clarity and alignment.

1,000 Words About A One-Liner

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Comedy Technology AI Communication
  1. Even with new technology, old writing lessons are still important. It's key to understand the basics of humor for effective writing.
  2. Humor can be challenging, but learning from failed attempts can help improve skills. Just like understanding a joke, getting good at writing takes practice.
  3. Making connections between topics can inspire creativity. For example, thinking about whales and AI sparked a unique comedic idea.

How to lead projects from start to finish as a software engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1285 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Project management Leadership Communication Documentation
  1. Successful software engineers need to know how to lead projects, not just code
  2. Key project management steps include kickoff, setup, planning, execution, launch, and close-out
  3. Communication, alignment on goals, and iterative feedback are crucial throughout the project lifecycle

Introducing live video in the Substack app

Substack • 833 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Innovation Communication Streaming Mobile Apps
  1. Substack has added a live video feature that lets creators engage with their audience in real time. This means you can share news, behind-the-scenes moments, or host interactive sessions directly from the app.
  2. When you go live, your subscribers will get automatic notifications, making it easy for them to join. You can even limit access to only paid subscribers if you want to create exclusive content.
  3. Collaborating with other creators during live videos can help expand your audience. You can invite someone else to stream with you, which is a great way to share different perspectives and increase engagement.