How to present information
I once had a prof who was a total geek; she loved her subject so much that she overwhelmed us with information. While her enthusiasm added interest, it was exhausting. Worse, …
Speaking
How to disagree
We have to stop attacking each other. It’s fine to disagree with someone—challenge their actions, ideas and words—but ridicule and ad hominem attacks waste energy. They simply degrade the conversation, …
Speakers Toolkit (emergency version)
Maybe you have to speak in a meeting, lead a workshop, or present to a crowd; whatever the reason, here are 7 lifesaving tips. There’s a longer version of this, …
Self-Control: The secret to successful speaking & listening
Technology allows us to communicate faster, more frequently, and to a wider audience. But who’s listening? The more we communicate, the harder it is to listen well—to focus on one …
Personal Anecdotes: 6 Pro Tips
I was the wittiest teacher in town until that day. Mid-joke, I suddenly realized that my students laugh because I control their grades. Damn. I shut my mouth and got serious about …
Personal, Active & Brief
We pay more attention when someone speaks directly to us. Salespeople know that, so do good writers, speakers, teachers and leaders. Write Like You Speak, and Speak Directly to Your …
Kids and Swearing: How to get the little ones to stop talking sh*t
Ahh the power of words: to inspire, teach and offend. Nothing beats the precision of a well-placed profanity, but swearing is like hot sauce—a little goes a long way. I hate …
Be Precise: 3 tips for powerful speaking & writing
Precise language is efficient and effective. Here are 3 ways to be more precise: 1. Avoid Adjectives and try not to use words like very and really. Use strong, clear words …
Empathy Self Test
Empathy is a cornerstone of relationships. When we speak and listen with empathy others feel heard and respected, relationships improve, and we positively influence others. Self-test: Do you speak and …
Conversation Skills: Are you sharing or monopolizing?
Sitting in a coffee shop listening to two women talk over each other, I am reminded of that apt analogy of two TVs, both turned on and facing each other. …
The Secret to Wealth
“Get awed on a regular basis, so that getting awed is habitual and becomes a state of being.” Nick Cave Going through life with a sense of awe is a …
Complaining: Committed vs Uncommitted
Committed complaining: have you heard of it? The idea is that we complain in two ways: committed or uncommitted to fixing the problem. Sometimes we’re just grousing: I’m cold, my …
Confidence – Change Your Life And Possibly The World
What would you do if you had more confidence? Imagine being able to improve your life, career… and maybe even the world. How, you ask? You don’t need superheroes or …
Navigating Negative Feedback: How to fix problems and get what you want
Someone messed up. An employee mishandled a project; your new car is a lemon; the waiter forgot your meal. From big to small, problems can be solved—and often fixed—if you …
You Might Like To…
A famous teacher and community leader (Thich Nhat Hanh) gives instructions framed as “You might like to…” What a transformative concept. Saying “You might like to” instead of “You must” is …
The Power of Words
My heart broke as I watched a young dad yelling at his crying two-year-old. I wanted to swoop in, rescue the kid, and teach the dad how big and scary …
Negative Feedback: How to receive & respond to harsh responses
It’s easy to offend people—look at social media. Even if you’re not a puppy-kicking troll, chances are good that you will offend someone at least once in your life. Perhaps you purposely or accidentally …
4 Traits of Successful Speakers, Leaders & Conversationalists
I recently attended a speech contest. Despite a variety of styles and personalities, the best speakers shared four traits: 1. Honesty The best speakers were themselves. They didn’t project false …
18 Words At A Time: How to talk so kids will listen (and possibly do what you ask)
This post will help you talk clearly and kindly to the kids in your life. You’ll learn how to stay calm and retain authority while having wonderful relationships with magical …
Shame Waves: Surfing to Success
You just gave the best performance ever. You were calm, confident and engaging. The audience loved you! But then you sit down. Flooded with adrenaline, your brain works quickly, evaluating …