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True Confessions about Big Workshops

True confession time: While my company started its journey in communication skills training by leading big, short-term workshops, I’m unconvinced that these kinds of programs have as much impact as we wish they did. Large-group workshops are great for checking “public speaking training” off an organization’s annual to-do list. They may even help a few ... Continue Reading

What Do You Do When It’s Hard to “Yes And…”

A quick video today, talking about the power of “yes and” versus “yes but.” Where do you find the opportunity to say “yes” and invite collaboration? Hey! My book is out! Go here to order Before You Say Anything: How to Have Better Conversations, Love Public Speaking, and Finally Know What to Do with Your Hands! ... Continue Reading

How Much Weight Should We Give Your Feedback?

Sometimes clients are referred to Ignite CSP because of negative feedback they received in a performance review, 360 survey, or client comment. The person hiring us passes this feedback along as if it is one of the Ten Commandments, carved into a stone tablet. “This negative thing happened! We need to go into immediate action!” ... Continue Reading

My Book Is…Chinese Pants?

Lately I’ve been indulging in the favorite pastime of a recently-published author—I’m checking out how the book is doing on various online platforms. When I hopped over to the UK version of Amazon, everything looked fine…at first. The eBook version of the book was there and available, just as I hoped. But when I clicked ... Continue Reading

What’s Your Superpower?

Every person I have ever coached has a least one communication superpower. Even if they think they’re the worst speaker ever, they have something they do really well. One person has an incredible grasp of the details. Another person has an evocative and specific vocabulary. Yet another has a natural style that pulls people toward ... Continue Reading

Ritual, Magic, and Theatre

Over the summer, the self-described queer fibre witch Ash Alberg invited me to be on their podcast, Snort & Cackle.  I had a great time talking with Ash about theatre, communication, magic, and how we connect with one another.  Tune in here:https://www.ashalberg.com/podcast-episodes/season-one-episode-nine

How Your Familiar Systems Are Tripping You Up

As my daughter Nora and I were making our way to Scotland to get her set up at school, we noticed something. On the US side of the trip, we were pros. We had all our paperwork in order, we rocked the security line like the seasoned travelers we are, and we definitely patted ourselves ... Continue Reading