Communication Archives - Catherine Johns

Communication, Conversation, Social Media

It’s a plague of the 2020s: Attention Infidelity

Attention infidelity? What’s that? A researcher from the American Enterprise Institute has been studying relationships among young people. David Cox has a book coming out about the crisis of human connection, Generation Uncoupled. He’s focused on young men and women and the many challenges they have forming the kinds of partnerships that seemed more natural for their parents and grandparents. Cox coined “attention infidelity” to describe “when a partner’s digital life intrudes on an in-person connection.”

Catherine Johns | Oct 7, 2026

Couple hold wine glasses and use a smartphone at the kitchen table during a romantic dinner with candles, food and online browsing.

Communication, Conversation, Professional Presence, Speaking

How to Tell Them Just Enough

How to Tell Them Just Enough. You know I’m fascinated by words. I’m always happy to learn a new one. And this one particularly delighted me. Breviloquent. We can guess straight away what it means, can’t we? But just in case, Wordsmith tells us “breviloquent” is an adjective meaning: Using few words. It’s not just about keeping our talk short, however. The real issue isn’t clock time, it’s value.

Catherine Johns | Sep 30, 2026

Unhappy young female employee bored with middle-aged colleague giving too many details

Business Communication, Communication, Men and Women

Yes, Guys Still Talk Like That

Yes, guys still talk like that… Maybe you’ve been focused on the news from Washington D.C. and the campaign trail. Maybe the war in Iraq has captured your attention. Or maybe you’ve been tuned out altogether and focused on your own life! It’s easy to miss what goes on in the rest of the world, and I almost did. Then a story in The Athletic caught my eye. And made me mad. It was another one of those did-this-really-happen moments. Yes, it did really happen.

Catherine Johns | Sep 23, 2026

Photo of Texas Longhorns Quarterback Arch Manning laughing about fake video showing Steve Sarkisian slap female sports reporter Holly Rowe.

Business Communication, Communication

Wanna Play?

Wanna Play? The workshop had barely started, and already it struck fear in my heart. Improv requires two main skills, we heard. Listen. And Play. Yikes! Oh, listening? No problem. People tell me all the time what a good listener I am. And no wonder. I’ve worked for years to cultivate that—I know you’ve heard me talk about how important listening is in business (and life!) and how we can get better at it.
Play? That’s another story. I can’t do that!

Catherine Johns | Sep 16, 2026

Catherine Johns and friends in an improv class

Communication

Really???

Really? How can this sort of thing still be happening? Five students from Lincoln-Way East High School, removed from a football game for “racist harassment” and offensive behavior directed toward Homewood-Flossmoor fans during a game at Homewood-Flossmoor.
The powers that be at H-F commended their staff for dealing with the ugliness swiftly and safely removing the offenders. And helping Homewood-Flossmoor students “remain in the bleachers and safe.” Lincoln-Way East said they “sincerely apologize to the HF community for the behavior displayed by these students. This behavior does not reflect the expectations and standards we have for Lincoln-Way students.”

Catherine Johns | Sep 9, 2026