Connecting with Others is a Skill, as Well as a Talent
Let me share a secret with you.
The ability to make a strong first impression, influence and persuade people, spread ideas. To get seen, get heard, and get raises … most people aren’t born with that.
Even the smartest, most talented people in the world can have trouble saying the right words in the right way to make the impact they need to make.
That’s the good news.
Because it means these skills can be developed.
This is what I offer. Simple, concrete steps to strengthen critical communication skills. And I do it in a way that’s fun and that sticks.
Do you represent a business organization, association, or women’s group? You can help your people connect with each other and with the world more powerfully and persuasively … and have fun doing it.
Do you need more personal attention than a speaking event offers? For smaller groups or even one-on-one, coaching sessions may be the right way to go.
Do you represent a business organization, association, or women’s group? You can help your people connect with each other and with the world more powerfully and persuasively … and have fun doing it.
Do you need more personal attention than a speaking event offers? For smaller groups or even one-on-one, coaching sessions may be the right way to go.
Latest Blog Posts
Younger, Older, Where Do You Fit?
How old do you feel? Notice I’m not asking how old you are. That’s none of my business, and besides, the response to my actual question is less automatic. And more interesting. It turns out that for most of us, the answer to “How old do you feel?” does not match what it says on our driver’s license. Nearly a quarter of the people serving in Congress are over 70. And most don’t seem ready to exit the stage. Ego, vanity, power, all of that. And I’d guess they stick around partly because they just don’t feel over 70.
The issue is our “subjective age.” If I ask how old you are in your head, what comes to your mind? That’ll give you an idea of your subjective age. It’s not just about how you feel physically, but how you perceive yourself. And the chances are good, the number that comes up does not reflect reality. The Atlantic writer Jennifer Senior cites research showing adults over 40 perceive themselves to be, on average, about 20 percent younger than their actual age.
You’re Not Afraid of it, Are You?
The fear of public speaking: You’re not afraid of it, are you? You’d think everyone would want to be better at speaking, right? It’s such a fundamental skill, no matter what business you’re in. It’s also a valuable one. In fact, gazillionaire investor Warren Buffett points to speaking as the most valuable skill any professional can develop. Communicating better, he says, can elevate your value by 50%. My neurologist is right there with him in philosophy, if not in net worth. He’s predicting that as medical technology continues to develop, the ability to communicate with their patients and with each other will be what makes some physicians stand out. And earn more. Comments like these are music to my ears—I’m the one with the LinkedIn profile that says, “Everything rests on your ability to communicate.” But not everyone is enthusiastic about standing up and speaking in front of their colleagues or clients or anyone else.
Wake Me When “Woke” is Over
You’ve heard, no doubt, that Florida is “where Woke goes to die.” Governor Ron DeSantis is all wrapped up in opposition to “wokeism” He declared victory in his fight with Disney World, calling Disney “a woke corporation.” And of course, he’s championed the Stop WOKE Act, to limit teaching about racism and some other history in Florida schools. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders touched on the topic in her response to President Biden’s State of the Union speech. He’s surrendered his presidency to a woke mob, she said, and later accused him of pursuing “woke fantasies.” And Indiana Congressman Jim Banks has created what he calls the Anti-Woke Caucus. He’s demanding “a recorded vote on an amendment to defund wokeness” on any bill that spends money on what he calls “leftist activities.” Turns out the mission is to remove “diversity, equity, and inclusion” from federal agencies.
