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I’ve noticed lately that it’s common for people to use the word “introverted” to mean “shy,” and “extroverted” to mean “friendly.” This was underscored in a recent conversation with a friend who said, “When I’m with people, I’m totally engaged. I’m tuned in. But I’m an introvert, so it drains me. I have to recharge ... Continue Reading
Many good public speakers speak so often that it can seem redundant to practice. If you’re addressing groups large and small a couple times a week, doesn’t that become its own practice? Not really. The value of true practice—working through a piece methodically, being videoed, getting knowledgable feedback, trying sections over and over until the ... Continue Reading
The manager doesn’t get her job performance review from the barista in the lobby. The department head wouldn’t ask his next-door neighbor to go over his projections for the fiscal year. The coach isn’t looking into the stands for insight to fix his team’s struggles. The manager, the department head, and the coach turn to ... Continue Reading
Your body knows a lot. It knows when you’re feeling out of your depth, when you’re under-prepared, when you’re worried, when you’re excited. Sometimes it knows before you do. What does your body want you to know? What messages does it send you? What happens when you listen? What happens when you don’t?
“If you do it in practice, you’ll do it in a game.” I don’t know who said this originally, but it’s a piece of sports wisdom that jumps right off the page at me. When I came across it recently, the person saying it meant that if you do it right in practice, you’ll do ... Continue Reading
The way we speak is at the heart of our identity. Our words and delivery style are unique to us, and at the same time they (literally) tell others who we are, where we come from, and what’s important to us. When you think about it that way, it’s no wonder that most of us ... Continue Reading
This post isn’t about communication skills, intention, or some little thing I noticed recently that I thought I’d pass along. No, it’s just a chance for me to share something that’s making me happy lately. I have shared in this space that I’ve recently gotten really into bird watching. The birds in our backyard—goldfinches, Carolina ... Continue Reading
A client of mine has gotten feedback that he’s too wordy and goes into more much detail than is necessary. It’s clear from the volume of this type of feedback that this is a behavior that shows up all the time, regardless of the situation. I’ve observed it myself in our coaching sessions. In the ... Continue Reading
Sometimes clients are referred to us for communication coaching, and we can’t…quite tell why. They’re smart and clear, and they don’t struggle to convey their meaning, at least when they’re talking to us. When we dig a little bit, an interesting situation reveals itself. The people who referred the client to us don’t like what ... Continue Reading
Years ago when I first lived in New York, a beloved older friend counseled me, “The winters are tough here, and it’s windy. Walk on the sunny side of the street.” It’s great practical advice, of course. But I think it’s pretty good metaphorical advice, too. Miss you, SK.
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