Communication Archives - Catherine Johns

Don’t Talk to Strangers? Maybe We Should.

People assigned to talk with a stranger enjoy themselves more than those who keep themselves to themselves. Yes, even self-described introverts tended to have a better time than they would have predicted when they break the ice and start a conversation. When it comes to these ordinary interactions in our daily lives, in general, folks underestimate how much they’ll enjoy longer talks. They underestimate how much they’ll enjoy deeper exchanges. And they underestimate how much they’ll like the person they’re talking to. And get this. People even underestimated how positive a compliment would make the other person feel.

Catherine Johns | Aug 31, 2022

Communication, Mindset

Go Ahead … Pick Up that Phone

When was the last time you called to touch base with a friend for no reason at all? Or you sent a text with no mission in mind other than to let someone know you were thinking of them? Or you shot off a quick email, just to say hi? You might guess those random contacts would be unwelcome interruptions in their busy day. Who has time to respond to a quick hello, a remark about the weather, or a waving emoji? Turns out if that’s your assumption, you’re mistaken. (And I was right there with you.)

Catherine Johns | Jul 20, 2022

Communication

When Communication Caves In …

Communication breaks down. There’s so much free-floating irritation these days, so many reasons to be peeved—and even outraged. I know they say, “feel your feelings.” I’m just not sure those feelings are that good for any of us. So, I offer my experience with the alderman’s assistant as a sort of template. When a conversation gets heated, we can realize we don’t know what’s been going on in the other person’s world. Here are some useful things we can all do ...

Catherine Johns | Jul 13, 2022

Communication, Mindset

The Path from Furious to Curious

No wonder organizations are asking for my expertise on civil discourse. It’s getting tougher all the time, isn’t it, to explore differing perspectives on issues without sinking to negativity and name-calling. I’ve been developing ideas about that since my days as a talk show host, and I had a chance last week to share them with some savvy professional women. So, howd o we go from furious to curious?

Catherine Johns | Jun 8, 2022

photo of Angry couple arguing in the street

Communication, Mindset

Talking, Teasing, and Triumph

If I never came across the phrase “bullied over a childhood speech impediment” in another news story it would be a wonderful thing.
There it is, in the profiles of the Uvalde, Texas school shooter. The young man was a classic misfit who had, among his many other issues, “a stutter and a strong lisp.” Friends and family say the kids had always picked on him about the way he talked; it got so bad he didn’t want to go to school. They’re not excusing his murderous rampage, and I’m certainly not either. I am saying it’s a shame kids, and sometimes adults too, are so mean about speech difficulties. And it’s so sad when students don’t get help to deal with those difficulties.
As you might have guessed, I have a personal interest in this teasing about talking ...

Catherine Johns | Jun 1, 2022