Our cultural lens is so much a part of us that we are not even aware of how obvious it is to others. Like the nose on your face, you may forget that it is there, but everyone else sees it. I can’t loo...
Even with my focused intention to be eloquent and reflect perfect grammar, syntax, and punctuation in my writing, I still flub up occasionally. Thank heavens for spell check, auto-correct, and the bri...
Your tone demonstrates. . .• Energy• Volume• Sincerity• Confidence• Happiness• Sadness• Preoccupation• Anger• Efficiency• Empathy
Your first words will not only shape your first impression, they can create amazing connections, lead you to your dream job, or help you discover a new best friend—or accomplish exactly the opposite.
You can certainly take the easy road and use the predictable and boring defaults like:• How are you doing?• How about this weather?• What do you do for a living?• Hi. My name is _________. What’s your...
To remember people’s names, use association—Creating a connection to something that has been important to you will give a name sticking power. Did you go to the same college? Did you work for his comp...
Sociologically speaking, as Americans we often lack social, cultural, and mindful awareness. We hear the stories of how our arrogance has been known to offend, confuse, and alienate people from other...
Polish the Gold. Be an optimist; look for the best in others, the best in situations, and focus on what is working rather than what is not. It's golden!
On a recent business trip, I reunited with a friend I had not seen in twenty years. After having a lovely lunch meeting, we came out of the restaurant to walk towards the parking lot. He automatically...
If you want to attract greater success, prosperity, health, and to enjoy more fulfilling relationships, craft your speech to affirm and manifest them.
All in Good Time. The ancient Buddhist saying shares, When the student is ready, the master will appear. When the timing is right, lessons are learned and miracles can happen. However, when the timing...
Years ago, one of my girlfriends and I were going on a road trip and our destination was four hours away. We started an amazing conversation as our trip began. We arrived four hours later, but it felt...
With your mind alert and your eyes wide open, you will be better able to assess your space and your place for optimizing exchanges and your communication impressions.
These qualities make a great impression on your boss, your teams, and your customers. You will be more respected, noticed, and appreciated in the process. As your own CEO of Self, projecting this posi...
Sometimes you must earn the right to be included. Otherwise, you may appear awkward or pushy.
Mix, Mingle, Glow. Stretch beyond your own comfort zone to speak with, sit with, and start conversations with people whom you do not know. Take the initiative to help other people capture the spotligh...
How do you minimize the awkwardness in that moment? What are some of the conversations starters you've used to open, encourage, and support enjoyable and beneficial conversations?
Encourage others to talk about themselves by asking questions and listening with genuine interest. Demonstrating such mutual respect will make you all the more fascinating for kinship and camaraderie.
Being grounded in your lifelong culture and your personal perspective, you are comfortable with the way you see things and may believe it is the best and only way.
As if these diverse characteristics weren’t enough, bring them all into a social context where we must work, live, love, and engage with people different from ourselves—is it any wonder that communica...