Do women talk more than men?

September 19, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter No Comments

Every month, I analyze traffic and patterns on the Talk About Talk website. One of the measures I look at is what topics people type into the search function. One of the most common topics is always: “gender differences” Questions about gender differences also come up frequently in my coaching sessions and workshops. And I’ve certainly … Read More

Here’s your Top 10 Summary!

September 12, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter No Comments

Revisiting the Top 10 most downloaded Talk About Talk podcast episodes over the last ten weeks has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect. If you’ve already listened to these episodes, this is your chance to review. If not, now you can get caught up on the Top 10! So why are these episodes, in particular, so … Read More

Do you communicate with IMPACT?

August 22, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Do you know how to communicate with IMPACT?  I can’t think of anyone more qualified to help us answer this question than my friend Jennifer T. Lee, a bold and inspiring leader whose superpower is creating global impact. Jennifer T. Lee I’m not surprised that my conversation with Jen made it onto Talk About Talk’s Top 10 … Read More

Do you dread the self-introduction?

August 15, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

You know the scenario. You’re sitting around a boardroom table or in a virtual meeting, and the meeting leader says, “Let’s all go around and INTRODUCE ourselves.” How do you react? Does your brain go into hyperdrive? What should I say? How long should I talk? Should I mention something personal?… You’re not alone! Many of … Read More

Are you a GENEROUS communicator?

August 8, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

This summer, we’re re-releasing the TOP TEN Talk About Talk podcast episodes of all time, one every Monday morning. So far we’ve covered: Mentally Preparing to Communicate with CONFIDENCE The Power of LISTENING The Power of THREE The 3-Point BODY LANGUAGE Scan Communication Skills for JOB SEEKERS Communicating with PRECISION Have you listened to these … Read More

Need a reset? Have you tried the 3-point BODY LANGUAGE scan?

July 25, 2023Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter

Did you know that BODY LANGUAGE is responsible for over half of your communication? Whether consciously or unconsciously, other people are constantly picking up on the nonverbal cues you signal through gestures, facial expressions, and posture. I was motivated to create the 3-point body language scan for two reasons. The first is that I was getting … Read More

Have you harnessed the POWER of 3?

July 18, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Before we get into “the power of 3,” I have an invitation for you: Do you have personal branding questions? Please join me for my upcoming Personal Branding Q&A session on Tuesday, July 25. It’s live and it’s FREE! I hope to see you there. Click HERE for more information and to register. Now, I have … Read More

Power: It’s not what you think

June 20, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who voted on our podcast cover art options. YOU are the first to see it! Here’s the new Talk About Talk cover art: Slowly, you’ll see this cover art rolled out on Apple, Spotify, other podcast players, the Talk About Talk website, and everywhere… Now I have another question for you. … Read More

Is POWER a dirty word?

June 13, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

What do you think of when you hear the word POWER? Is it something negative or sinister? Is “power” a slightly dirty word, like “networking” or “sales”? Whatever your associations with power may be, I recommend reading Power for All: How It Really Works and Why It’s Everyone’s Business by Tiziana Casciaro and Julie Battilana. I devoured this … Read More

What’s with all these INTERRUPTIONS?

June 6, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Almost immediately after last week’s communication newsletter went out (focused on what the research says about interruptions), “Sue” emailed me: Hi Andrea – I could really relate to this topic….so interesting that it occurs in business and in personal relationships. Why is it that those who interrupt seem to be so oblivious to how frequently … Read More

Excuse me, I need to INTERRUPT…

May 30, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Someone tapping your shoulder. A notification chiming on your phone. The crash of thunder. What do these have in common? They’re all INTERRUPTIONS. Interruptions are often annoying and unproductive. Are you ready to talk interruptions? 3 things to Talk About this week: 1. Not all interruptions are created equal 2. What the research says about interruptions 3. … Read More

A GROWTH MINDSET can change everything!

May 23, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

If you’ve subscribed to this newsletter, it’s safe to say that you are curious, love to learn, and are invested in improving your communication skills. In other words, you’ve got a GROWTH MINDSET. Are you wondering what you can do to cultivate your growth mindset even further? This week I’m excited to share a few strategies … Read More

3 books I recommend for you

May 16, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

People often ask me what BOOKS I recommend, particularly books focused on communication skills.  So I thought, why not release a podcast episode where I talk about one of these books?  Or maybe THREE of them? And why not discuss them with a fellow book lover? Enter Adam Ashton, author and co-host of “What You Will Learn,” … Read More

Let’s Keep it POSITIVE!

May 9, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Are you a POSITIVE person?  We all have bad days, and it’s normal to not feel positive about things 100% of the time, but according to academic research, there are real benefits to keeping it positive! 3 things to Talk About this week: 1. The “Magic” Relationship Ratio 2. Sometimes the best advice is what NOT … Read More

What is SELF-LISTENING?

May 2, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

You’ve probably heard about the power of positive SELF-TALK, but what about SELF-LISTENING?  This week, I’m thrilled to explore this topic and share insights from a recent conversation with my friend, the talented Jill Nykoliation. I’m even more excited because you can now WATCH this and future Talk About Talk podcast episodes on YOUTUBE! Please subscribe, … Read More

What’s the most common Personal Branding mistake?

April 18, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

People make all sorts of mistakes when they’re developing their personal brand. Can you guess what’s the most common Personal Branding mistake?  Read on to learn that and more… 3 things to Talk About this week: 1️⃣ 3 common Personal Branding mistakes (yes, including the most common mistake) 2️⃣ Take the Communication Skills Poll (I want to hear from … Read More

3 things to Talk About this week

March 21, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

If you’re a new Talk About Talk newsletter subscriber – WELCOME!  If you’re a long-time subscriber, you’ll notice here that I’m trying something new. Each week, I’m going to share THREE THINGS with you. (Yes, “The Power of 3 “!)   My goal is to provide a brief summary of three different things that will … Read More

What’s the #1 fastest way to improve your communication skills?

February 14, 2023Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter

If you’re reading this, I bet you have a growth mindset and you’re focused on improving your communication skills. 👏👏👏 Maybe you’re working on your confidence, your body language, or your precision. Or perhaps you’re trying to remember to say something more often.   Whatever it is, how can you accelerate your adoption of these new … Read More

Good INTENTIONS are easy

February 7, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

How are your 2023 New Year’s Resolutions going? For many of us (myself included), the challenge isn’t setting goals or INTENTIONS; it’s turning them into HABITS.  Say you’ve just read a book or listened to a podcast that resonates with you, and you decide you want to implement what you’ve just learned. How do you make … Read More

Beyond the basics!

January 24, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Quick: When I say “COMMUNICATION BEST PRACTICES,” what comes to mind? Is it: Be courteous and punctual Don’t interrupt Watch your language…? Certainly, these things are important.  But these points are pretty basic.In this week’s podcast episode, I share my top 3 tips for five different communication media, and all of them are beyond the basics.   Here’s … Read More

Just pick up the $%#@ phone!

January 17, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

Have you ever had a performance review via email? Has anyone ever broken 💔 up with you via text? Or proposed to you over the phone? I hope not! Yes, these examples are clichés. But they perfectly illustrate why your choice of communication medium is important.  This goes for both personal and professional contexts. Here’s an example in a professional, … Read More

“The MEDIUM is the MASSAGE”

January 10, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

I have some fun trivia for you. You’ve probably heard this famous quote, and maybe you’ve even said it: “The Medium is the Message.” First piece of trivia: The correct quote is actually, “The MEDIUM is the MASSAGE.”  That’s what 🇨🇦 Canadian philosopher and English & media studies professor Marshall McLuhan called his 1967 book: “The … Read More

NEW YEAR, New You, New Email Inbox?

January 3, 2023Communication Coaching Newsletter

For many of us (myself included), January is a time to make a fresh start, and to adopt new and improved habits to help us achieve our goals for the year ahead. Image by New Africa studio via Canva Also for many of us, email causes a lot of stress.  But email is supposed to be a tool … Read More

The BEST of 2022…

December 20, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Image by pixelshot via Canva 2022 is almost over! It’s easy to get caught up in the end-of-year stress, isn’t it? I try my best to focus on some of my favourite things: LISTS and GIFT GIVING!  LISTS Are YOU a list maker?  I definitely am! (Thank you, ❤️ Mom!) Image by @glenncarstenspeters via unsplash This … Read More

Take the stress out of GIFT GIVING!

December 13, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the end of the year is another time in our calendar when gift-giving is rampant.  There are corporate gifts, teacher gifts, and on and on… For some of us, GIFT GIVING is a beloved tradition that brings us much joy. But it can also bring us stress! Image by alexkich via Canva … Read More

Don’t DWELL. Instead: DIVERT

December 6, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Would you be surprised if I told you that 7 in 10 women would rather minimize than share their successes? This is something I hear All. The. Time. From women and men! For many of us, there’s a fear that when we SAY NICE THINGS about ourselves – when we share our achievements and credentials … Read More

Do you SAY NICE THINGS about yourself?

November 29, 2022Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

THANK YOU to listener “Amanda” who recently asked me for some pointers on how to “SAY NICE THINGS” about herself. I dedicated this week’s podcast episode to answering Amanda’s question! Do YOU ever struggle to talk about your credentials & accomplishments?  Like it or not, learning to say nice things about ourselves is an imperative. … Read More

3 Ways to Customize Your CADENCE

November 8, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

The best marketers spend a lot of time understanding their target market. Similarly, the best communicators spend a lot of time thinking about their “audience.”  Whether they’re up on stage communicating with a formal audience, or casually chatting with a colleague in the hallway, the best communicators focus on others. Another way to thinking about … Read More

Are you a FAST TALKER?

November 1, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Recently I learned about 2 records held by John F. Kennedy that I hadn’t heard before: FAST-TALKING – In Dec. 1961, JFK set the record for public speaking at 327 words-per-minute. (That’s like listening to a podcast at 3x the regular speed!) SLOW-TALKING – During his inaugural address, JFK spoke at a remarkably slow rate of … Read More

Have you figured out your superpower yet?

October 11, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

So, have you figured out your SUPERPOWER yet?     Your superpower is also connected to your Personal Brand. It’s what you’re known for. It’s your reputation. It’s how other people think of you when you’re not there. This is one of the reasons why articulating your superpower is so important – especially in a professional context. … Read More

What’s YOUR Superpower?

October 4, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

I’ve got a question for you:   Each and every one of us has a SUPERPOWER. I don’t mean the ability to fly or to stop a speeding bullet.  I mean the thing that positively and uniquely distinguishes you from others. The thing that makes you remarkable. The thing that makes you, YOU! Your superpower could … Read More

More QUESTIONS …❓❓❓

September 27, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Here’s a quote for you: Oooooo, I just love that quote, don’t you?  It’s TRUE! If you’re up for it, I’d love it if YOU’d ask ME a question that I can answer in a future TalkAboutTalk podcast episode.  Please email me your question before November 1st, or go to the talkabouttalk.com website and verbally ask me … Read More

I have 5 Qs for you…

September 20, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Before you read any further, please answer these 5 QUESTIONS: 1. What are your PET PEEVES? 2. What type of LEARNER are you? 3. Are you an INTROVERT or EXTROVERT? 4. What’s your COMMUNICATION MEDIA preference for personal conversations? 5. What’s a PODCAST, BLOG, or NEWSLETTER you’d recommend?   Image by serggn from Getty Images/Canva Do … Read More

So… how was your weekend?

September 13, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

It’s Monday. You’ve just arrived at the office or logged into your first virtual meeting of the day when your colleague asks, “How was your weekend?” This happens ALL THE TIME, doesn’t it? It’s probably not obvious, but your answer to this question is another opportunity to reinforce your PERSONAL BRAND. Image by Sezeryadigar from Getty … Read More

What is it that EMPLOYERS really want?

August 16, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Whether you’re a job-seeker or a recruiter, have you ever stopped to consider exactly WHY employers hire people?  I don’t mean why they might hire a particular candidate, but the overarching reason for hiring someone at all. According to executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin, the answer is 3-fold, and is something that every job-seeker and recruiter should consider throughout the recruiting … Read More

Are you RECRUITING or JOB-SEEKING?

August 9, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

These days, It seems that everyone is either looking to HIRE people or looking for a NEW JOB, doesn’t it? The whole recruiting process can be very stressful. So I turned to my friend, executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin to ask her advice. Whether you’re a recruiter or a job-seeker, this week’s podcast episode is a must!   … Read More

Need a CONFIDENCE boost?

August 2, 2022Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter

CONFIDENCE is a topic I’m frequently asked about. In fact, one of the most downloaded Talk About Talk podcast episodes of all time is about mental preparation for communicating with confidence.     Does your confidence need a boost? In the latest Talk About Talk podcast episode, you’ll hear the full audio from a Q&A focused on Personal Branding.  Many … Read More

What makes you REMARKABLE?

July 19, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

Let me ask you something: What makes you REMARKABLE? “Remarkable.” That’s a great word, isn’t it?  It’s a word that Lisa Bragg, CEO of MediaFace and Founder of The Bragging Rights Collective, thinks we should use more often.  I agree.   Lisa Bragg Last week I introduced you to Lisa’s philosophy of BRAGGING – a bold and positive reframing of … Read More

Three specific ways to create PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

July 5, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

If you’ve ever led a TEAM, you know that this comes with tremendous responsibility. As a leader, you’re responsible for charting the course and steering the ship.     Image by Perkus from Getty Images Signature/Canva Ultimately, you are responsible for the performance of your team. One way to position your team for success is to create a PSYCHOLOGICALLY … Read More

Do you know HOW to communicate with PRECISION?

June 21, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Whether written or verbal, professional or personal, communicating with PRECISION ensures that your audience stays engaged and can easily comprehend your message.  It also has the added benefit of increasing your likeability! Sounds great, right? But HOW do we do this? Image by alphaspirt from Getty Images Signature/Canva How can we ensure that our message is … Read More

Do you communicate with PRECISION?

June 14, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

COMMUNICATION is a two-way street.  There’s talking and there’s listening. Today we’re focusing on talking.  QUESTION for you: When you’re talking, how do people respond? Are they engaged? Do people comprehend what you’re saying?  Do people think you’re rambling? Do they ever look at you like this?   Image by ferrantraite from Getty Images Signature/Canva OOPH. How … Read More

Communication tips to help you land your NEXT GREAT JOB and build RELATIONSHIPS once you start!

June 7, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

When it comes to our professional lives, the difference between advancing in our careers or feeling stuck often comes down to one thing: our COMMUNICATION SKILLS.  Whether your goal is to land a new role at a new company, be considered for a promotion, or to flourish in your current role, communicating effectively is key. Image by abluecup … Read More

Do you have any QUESTIONS? I’ve got answers!

May 31, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Do you have communication skills QUESTIONS?  Perhaps you’re wondering how to deal with a difficult boss, or you’re not sure how to set yourself apart in a job search, or maybe you’re an introvert looking for tips on getting more comfortable “on stage.” Image by Professor25 from Getty Images/Canva You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers! … Read More

It’s all about the GROWTH MINDSET

May 10, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

It’s amazing how so many clients nod their head when I start talking about a GROWTH MINDSET.   It seems that everyone has a growth mindset… Or do they?   Image by designer491 from Getty Images Pro What exactly IS a growth mindset? Here’s how I define a growth mindset: it’s all about knowing what … Read More

Celebrating 100 EPISODES of Talk About Talk – blog

May 3, 2022Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

This week we’re celebrating 100 EPISODES of the Talk About Talk podcast! How do you like to celebrate the major milestones in your life? Flowers 💐? Cake 🎂? Champagne 🥂?   Image by inkdrop from Canva   Or how about… sharing some of the key insights you’ve gained through the process of reaching that milestone? If you’re a … Read More

Are you a “SAGE Leader”? – blog

April 19, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Are you a SAGE LEADER? You might be sitting there thinking, “I don’t know… Am I? And what’s a Sage Leader, anyway?”  That was my reaction when I first heard the term. Are we talking about a plant?  Is this about archetypes?   Image by Melpomenem from Getty Images   Have no fear! Answers await! When … Read More

Your PERSONAL BRAND is important, but probably not urgent. Am I right? – blog

April 5, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

A few months ago I received a message from a Talk About Talk podcast listener in Europe, who decided she could benefit from communication coaching.  Little did I know that our work together would inspire a future podcast episode, but you just never know when those “aha moments” are going to happen… Image by marchmeena29 from Getty … Read More

Take your PERSONAL STYLE to the next level!

March 29, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

Every day, each of us has a decision about what to wear… image: unsplash @ anniespratt Feeling uninspired?!? Before you grab the same old suit/dress/shoes, ask yourself this: What can my PERSONAL STYLE say about my PERSONAL BRAND? Last week I introduced you to my “Fabulous Fashionista Friend,” the “Swiss Renaissance woman” Anne V. Muhlethaler. This week I want … Read More

What’s Your Personal STYLE?

March 22, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

Recently, I was coaching a senior marketing executive with a vivacious personality. This woman is BOLD. As we were running through the various ways she can communicate her bold personal brand, she asked: “Andrea, what should I WEAR?” At the time, she was wearing a black suit jacket over a beige shirt. No accessories that I could see.  Lovely … Read More

Strike A Power Pose!

March 17, 2022Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter

Let’s “Power Pose” Let’s talk BODY LANGUAGE. Picture someone powerful and confident taking the stage. Maybe it’s a politician or business leader. Maybe it’s an Olympic athlete or a celebrity. What is it about them that conveys a sense of power and confidence? Is it the words they are speaking, or is it their BODY LANGUAGE?   Image: … Read More

Is “SELF-PROMOTION” a good thing?

February 22, 2022Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter, Personal Branding

Have you ever wondered whether self-promotion has to be “shameless”?  Or when you should (and should NOT) apologize? Or why and how men and women often communicate differently? If you haven’t listened to episode 95 yet, part 2 of my conversation with communication expert Judith Humphrey, we cover all this and more!   Thanks again, Judith! Here’s a summary … Read More

“Leadership Potential” – the 🐣Chicken & the Egg

February 15, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Last week I introduced you to my friend, communication expert  Judith Humphrey. We focused on one of the biggest obstacles in our path to leadership: imposter syndrome, or what Judith describes as the crow on your shoulder, cackling away, and depleting your confidence.  I ❤️love this crow metaphor.  That crow is not you, its message is not true, and you can talk back to … Read More

About that CROW on your Shoulder – blog

February 8, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

We need to talk about that crow on your shoulder.   Imagine you’re TAKING THE STAGE – it could be a speech, a big meeting, or a presentation to an important client.   Image by jgroup from Getty Images You’re prepared. You did your research. You’ve rehearsed. But you still hear it: that incessant CROW, cackling in your ear:    “You’re not … Read More

Make 3 your default

February 1, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

Make 3 your default Why make 3 your default? Three is a powerful number that makes it easier for us to understand and recall information. Three is balanced and substantive, without being overwhelming.    In the most recent Talk About Talk episode, I highlighted examples and benefits of the number 3.  Image by hakan istemi from Getty Images … Read More

The Power of 3 – blog

January 25, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

The Power of 3 Have you ever noticed that the number 3 is everywhere? “1-2-3-GO!” “Third time’s a charm.” “3 strikes and you’re out!” Think about it… The world around us is full of 3s, and that’s because there is something uniquely POWERFUL about the number three. (But don’t take my word for it – … Read More

The Power of Networks – blog

January 11, 2022Communication Coaching Newsletter

The Power of Networks “I hate networking!”   Does that sound like you?  Most of us have experienced bad networking; sales pitches, insincere conversations, and people trying to collect the most business cards possible at an event.  (Is there a prize for that?)  While “networking” as a verb can feel awkward and downright icky, we all … Read More

Thinking About Thought Leadership

December 14, 2021Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter

Thinking About Thought Leadership Have you listened to the most recent Talk About Talk episode, “DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP“? In this episode, we look at 5 ways to demonstrate leadership: Be a PROACTIVE, Strategic Leader Demonstrate PEOPLE LEADERSHIP Create THOUGHT-LEADERSHIP Communicate with CONFIDENCE Talk LEADERSHIP Last week, we talked about PEOPLE LEADERSHIP. This week, we’re getting a … Read More

Learning To Lead

December 7, 2021Communicating With Confidence, Communication Coaching Newsletter

Learning to Lead Focused on learning to lead? Are you seeking a LEADERSHIP position? Perhaps you’re looking for that promotion or perhaps you’re struggling with your “leadership style.”  Or maybe your boss just said those magic words: “It’s time to start demonstrating leadership.” Whatever the case, leadership skills are in high demand and I believe … Read More

The Sound of Your Voice – blog

November 23, 2021Communication Coaching Newsletter

Do You Like The Sound of Your Voice?   Most people don’t like the sound of their voice.  You never sound the same “out loud” as you do in your head.   And what about how you sound when you hear your recorded voice?  Exactly.  We’ve all been there. This week’s Talk About Talk podcast episode … Read More

Listening Skills are a Superpower – blog

November 16, 2021Communication Coaching Newsletter

Listening Skills are a Superpower  Yes, listening skills are a superpower! The most recent Talk About Talk podcast is focused on “The Power of LISTENING.”  In this episode, you’ll learn: why listening is so difficult the 3 levels of listening strategies to improve your listening… LISTEN UP! Here’s your summary:  5 ways to improve your listening skills … Read More

Listen Up – blog

November 9, 2021Communication Coaching Newsletter

Listen UP! Listen to this: Experts have noted that as a society, our LISTENING SKILLS are deteriorating. More of us are spending our time watching videos. We are a visually-oriented society. That’s sad, isn’t it? But I’m an optimist for two reasons: 1️⃣ LISTENING SKILLS is one of the most common topic requests I receive. Ambitious … Read More