5 Insights to Strengthen Your PERSONAL BRAND

April 27, 2021Newsletter

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND – I’m excited to share 5 insights to help you improve your PERSONAL BRAND! Recently my friend Sharon Mah-Gin and I have been coaching female executives all over the world on Personal Branding and Networking.  Do you remember Sharon?  She’s the energetic executive recruiter who shared her Networking tips with us in two … Read More

Practicing MINDFUL Communication – talk about talk blog

April 20, 2021Newsletter

How MINDFUL are you? Are you focused or are you oblivious?   Yes, I admit that MINDFULNESS is a buzzword these days.  But being mindful, being intentional, can elevate our communication effectiveness and even our life satisfaction. Mindfulness & meditation coach, Swiss renaissance woman, Anne V. Muhlethaler For this episode, I interviewed ANNE V. MUHLETHALER, a true … Read More

PERSONALITY TESTS – blog

April 12, 2021Newsletter

PERSONALITY TESTS Let’s talk about personality tests. This week it’s all about YOU!  As in your individual, unique, very own PERSONALITY… (image: Unsplash @ georgeprentzas) I know this is a popular topic. We are intrinsically wired to seek to understand and learn about ourselves.  PERSONALITY is one of the most searched terms on the TalkAboutTalk.com website! … Read More

Practicing with VR Technology – blog

April 6, 2021Newsletter, Uncategorized

Technology, VR, and Practicing our Communication Skills This week we’re going high-tech with VR and communication skills. Two weeks ago we learned why practice does NOT make perfect and how to practice with intention from my friend Dr. Nadine Kelly. Nadine personally practices yoga, podcasting, and the drums, amongst other things! This week I’m excited to … Read More

why you should tell stories blog

March 29, 2021Newsletter

Telling stories is a superpower. Stories are memorable, they evoke emotion, they connect us, and they help us communicate our personal brand. This week we’re focusing on STORYTELLING, one of the 3 COMMUNICATION SUPERPOWERS: Listening Communicating with Confidence Storytelling !!! Recently, I’ve been personally experimenting with STORYTELLING. For example, I’ve released podcast episodes and conducted corporate … Read More

“Practice Makes Perfect”? blog

March 23, 2021Newsletter

“Practice makes perfect.” Right? Maybe not! (Just ask 🏀 Allen Iverson…) “Practice makes perfect” is a cliche. Practice can certainly elevate our performance, be it playing sports, playing a musical instrument, or making a client presentation. It occurred to me recently that while we talk a lot about various aspects of communication (like networking and personal branding and … Read More

Gender differences in communication men vs women – blog

March 16, 2021Newsletter

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION Certainly, gender differences exist: “Men are direct. Women are emotional….” “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.”  You’ve probably heard the comments and perhaps you’ve witnessed differences between how men and women talk. Recently a few people asked me about the differences between how men and women communicate. Like you, I’ve … Read More

Personal Branding: Navigating the Authenticity-TMI Tension

March 8, 2021Newsletter

On the tension of PERSONAL BRANDS: There’s a real tension here: Do you bring your whole self to work? How can we be authentic without sharing TMI (too much information)? How can we be transparent without appearing unprofessional?   image: Unsplash @ loicleray Read on to learn: why navigating this authenticity-TMI tension might be easier for … Read More

How to Improve your Listening Skills – blog

March 2, 2021Newsletter

LISTENING SKILLS –  LISTENING SKILLS are, in my opinion, the #1 communication superpower… If you’re not listening, it’s not communication. It’s a monologue! ? We could all use a primer on IMPROVING OUR LISTENING SKILLS. Whether we’re in an online meeting, engaging in small talk, or receiving feedback.  Active listening, listening with intent, can make all the … Read More

Lead Online Meetings – blog

February 23, 2021Newsletter

Do you encourage engagement when you LEAD ONLINE MEETINGS? I have a quick STORY for you… Recently when I was leading an online corporate workshop, I noticed that about 1/2 of the participants had their cameras turned OFF. (For the record, I prefer cameras are on, but it’s not necessary.) The workshop went well and the group was interactive, especially … Read More

Combating Zoom Fatigue – blog

February 16, 2021Newsletter

Combating Zoom Fatigue In last week’s ? podcast episode we focused on how to PREPARE so we can excel in online meetings. In this week’s newsletter, let’s shift to combating “ZOOM FATIGUE.”  Have you noticed more and more people complaining about feeling exhausted? Fortunately, there are habits we can adopt to overcome Zoom fatigue!  Based on some research (e.g. HBR … Read More

Online Meeting Preparation Checklist – blog

February 9, 2021Newsletter

Your Online Meeting Preparation Checklist ONLINE MEETING PREPARATION… do you know what to do? Virtual meetings are now the norm. That goes for both professional as well as personal communication. image: Unsplash @ becihannah In 2020,  Zoom was the #1 most downloaded app in the App Store and the #2 most downloaded app overall (after TikTok)! Nowadays we … Read More

Developing Your Personal Brand

February 2, 2021Newsletter

Let’s Develop Your Personal Brand! It’s time to develop your personal brand. PERSONAL BRANDING, or proactively managing our identity, is important.  But it can also be overwhelming.  Let’s take it one step at a time! Last week I wrote and podcasted about HOW TO COMMUNICATE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ONLINE. This is a great place to … Read More

ONLINE Personal Brand – blog

January 25, 2021Newsletter

On COMMUNICATING Your ONLINE Personal Brand –  QUESTION: Do YOU have a “Personal Brand”? ANSWER:  Of course you have a personal brand.  We all do!  The real question is: how actively are you managing it?  PERSONAL BRANDING is reputation management or impression management. Ideally, your personal brand transcends both personal and professional contexts. Managing your personal … Read More

INTRODUCTIONS, How to Introduce Yourself, Writing Your Bio

January 19, 2021Newsletter

On INTRODUCTIONS – Every week in these newsletters, we focus on improving our communication skills.  Let’s back up.  What about INTRODUCTIONS?  Well, clichés exist for a reason… “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” “A first impression is a lasting impression!” “Hi.  I’m Andrea!” Read on to learn all about INTRODUCTIONS: How … Read More

Networking Online Blog

January 12, 2021Newsletter

These days, we’re all NETWORKING ONLINE.  Read on to learn: general networking advice reasons you should be optimistic how to approach people when you’re networking online tips for following up with people when you’re networking online Let’s do this! ? THE PODCAST For this timely podcast, I interviewed Sharon via Zoom.  Sharon has so much positive energy! Sharon … Read More

focus-blog

January 5, 2021Newsletter

Let’s focus. 2021 has the potential to be an amazing year. Certainly, there are some things we can’t control, but many things we can. It just takes a little FOCUS. Read on to learn how you can leverage your awareness and ability to FOCUS. FOCUSING can help you succeed in many contexts: focusing your New Year’s … Read More

Top 3s from 2020 – blog

December 28, 2020Newsletter

2020 – What a year, right? With just a few days left in 2020, I thought I’d share with you some insights and recommendations, including: the top 3 trending Talk About Talk podcast episodes the 3 most clicked-on Talk About Talk newsletters 3 key communication insights from 2020 3 things we will be focusing on … Read More

Giving as a means of implicit communication – blog

December 22, 2020Newsletter

On GIVING as a means of communication – It’s the season of GIVING!  Have you ever considered:  GIVING = COMMUNICATING We say a lot when we give gifts, advice, compliments,… Think about the implicit communication associated with what we give, to whom, and how. Read on to learn: 5 different ways we give (beyond gift-giving) what science says about giving 3 ways to … Read More

I need SLEEP!

December 15, 2020Newsletter

I NEED SLEEP! Do you need sleep? Are you EXHAUSTED? I don’t know about you, but I’m craving hibernation… Did you know: sleep is even more important than nutrition in terms of affecting longevity we humans are the only species that voluntarily deprive ourselves of sleep This week let’s focus on SLEEP!  Read on to … Read More

Step-it-up in online meetings – blog

December 8, 2020Newsletter

Step-it-up in online meetings – A few weeks ago I was participating in an online meeting, actually a “Communicating with Confidence” presentation to an organization via Zoom.  During the Q&A at the end, a young, ambitious manager asked me, “As a junior person who isn’t leading meetings, I have limited opportunities to be heard in online … Read More

culture-in-today’s-environment-blog

December 1, 2020Newsletter

This week we’re talking CORPORATE CULTURE. “Culture” is relevant for all kinds of leaders, whether you manage a project team, you coach a sports team, or you’re a c-suite executive. Now might be the ideal time to build a strong culture – yes, even with physical distancing limitations and WFH. This is an opportunity that’s being handed to you “on … Read More

Online Meetings – blog

November 24, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

ONLINE MEETINGS Online meetings as in “remote meetings,” “Zoom meetings,” “virtual meetings”… Remember this?  ? image: Unsplash @ febrianzakaria Questions for you: Have YOU ever “multi-tasked” when you were supposed to be focused during an online meeting? Checked your email or social media? Do you ever wonder whether the people with their cameras turned off in online … Read More

The Future of Learning – blog

November 17, 2020Newsletter

This week we’re focusing on THE FUTURE OF LEARNING.  Rapid adoption of educational technology is one silver lining of the otherwise devastating COVID pandemic.  Read on to learn: 5 ways that online educational platforms help students and educators 5 things I wish I knew before I started teaching! What type of advice we should accept (and … Read More

Update your personal brand online – 10 steps

November 10, 2020Newsletter

Here’s a list of 10 things you can do to COMMUNICATE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ONLINE. (image: Unsplash @ samish_18) Let’s do this!   10 Ways to Communicate  Your Personal Brand ONLINE!   FIRST – KNOW YOUR PERSONAL BRAND Personal branding is a popular term these days.  But identifying your unique personal brand can be overwhelming. … Read More

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile – blog

November 2, 2020Newsletter

OPTIMIZE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE – Top to Bottom! Recently I interviewed my friend, social media guru Andrew Jenkins about how to optimize our LinkedIn profiles.  Immediately after the interview, I opened my laptop and started making some changes! I hope this newsletter has the same effect for YOU!  Read on to learn: now more than … Read More

Talk About… SMALL TALK

October 27, 2020Newsletter

On SMALL TALK – online & IRL! Recently I read a comment about making SMALL TALK on Zoom calls. Interesting, right? Video-conferencing has become so normalized that phenomena like small talk applies.  The SMALL TALK advice and insights below apply whether you’re communicating online or IRL.  Read on to learn: What is Small Talk? 5 … Read More

Podcasting Learnings after 60 episodes – blog

October 19, 2020Newsletter

Podcasting learnings from the first 60 episodes of Talk About Talk! Read the top ten communication insights to-date:    Some of these insights are things that I’d read or heard before, but never experienced directly.  Others are completely new learnings for me.  ALL of them are things that will help us be better communicators! Let’s … Read More

Email Communication Tips – blog

October 13, 2020Newsletter

Email Communication: Let’s take a few minutes to optimize our EMAIL COMMUNICATION.  More and more of our communication is shifting to the ONLINE world these days, including social media, video-conferencing (Zoom!), and email. (image: Unsplash @ samish_18) Read on to learn important email communication tips: How to nail the title Signing off with style The #1 … Read More

How to be a good STORYTELLER – blog

October 6, 2020Newsletter

Are you a good storyteller?  Do you have a personal brand story? Effective storytellers involve the audience, they impart emotions and they create stories that are memorable.   Read on to learn: Why being a good storyteller is a superpower (according to an influencer with over 1/2 million twitter followers!) How to create your personal brand … Read More

Communication Superpower: Listening, Confidence & Storytelling

September 29, 2020Newsletter

This week we’re focusing on COMMUNICATION SUPERPOWERS.  Communication Superpowers as in the most important things we should work on to communicate more effectively. The communication skills that will get us noticed for the right reasons… (image: Unsplash @ cassar_photography) What do YOU think are the most important communication skills? Please reply to this email to let me know!  … Read More

Boost Your CONFIDENCE in the moment – blog

September 22, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

How to BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE– in the moment, when you’re onstage or chit-chatting with strangers…. You know, when you need to boost your confidence? When you suddenly feel the butterflies?, a shot of adrenaline and you’re very self-conscious?!? This week we learn how to Communicate IN THE MOMENT, when you need to boost your confidence… (image: … Read More

What is CONFIDENCE?

September 14, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

What is confidence? When we define what is confidence, we think of amazing things:  Thankfully, confidence can be learned!  Let’s BOOST our CONFIDENCE! Last week we focused on how to MENTALLY PREPARE for a big event – when you really need to COMMUNICATE WITH CONFIDENCE.   This week we focus on understanding: WHAT IS CONFIDENCE? Simply put, confidence … Read More

Video-conferencing and Improving our Zoom Skills

September 1, 2020Newsletter

Zoom Skills: How to improve your VIDEO-CONFERENCING skills.   How are your video-conferencing / Zoom skills?  (image Unsplash @ visuals) Since COVID-19 was declared a world-wide pandemic in March 2020, Zoom has become: one of the most downloaded apps one of the fastest growing companies part of our common vocabulary, a generic term for video-conferencing in … Read More

Asking for HELP – blog

August 25, 2020Newsletter

On ASKING FOR HELP This week we focus on ASKING FOR HELP, for example when you: aren’t sure how to do something, but you know someone who has the expertise are working towards a tight deadline and you need help to get it done in time need to increase your budget – you need to … Read More

APOLOGIES: How to say I’m sorry – blog

August 18, 2020Newsletter

APOLOGIES: How to say I’m sorry – blog This week we focus on APOLOGIES – and how to say I’M SORRY. Based on my research for this blog, it seems we have some work to do when it comes to apologies. Mea Culpa! Come on people! Read on to learn: How to say “I’m sorry” (do’s … Read More

How to choose a brand name – blog

August 11, 2020Newsletter

On BRAND NAMES and How to choose a brand name. How do you choose a brand name? How important is a brand name? The brands we display and consume say a lot about us!    (image Unsplash @ slidebean) Read on to learn: The TOP BRANDS in the world Step-by-step instructions on HOW TO CHOOSE a brand … Read More

Your Name & Your Identity – blog

August 4, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

This week we focus on another aspect of our personal and professional IDENTITY: our NAME! Over the past month we’ve covered ARCHETYPES 101,  ARCHETYPES & FEMALE POP STARS, and PERSONALITY.  Are you getting the theme here? It’s all about IDENTITY. What does YOUR NAME say about you? Read on to learn: What your name means How our names affect us … Read More

Archetypes & the Music Industry – blog

July 28, 2020Newsletter

On ARCHETYPES & THE MUSIC INDUSTRY – What does the Music Industry have to do with Archetypes?  Let me back up… Thank you for all the emails you sent telling me which ARCHETYPE you are!  I LOL’d at a cheeky email I received from “Heidi,” who replied,  “I’m a SINNER” As in Steve Miller’s  ? “I’m a Joker, … Read More

Let’s Talk About Your Personality – blog

July 21, 2020Newsletter

Let’s talk PERSONALITY.  Are you a leader? A risk-taker? Funny? Charismatic? Read on to learn about: Personality Tests Can We Change Our Personality?  Brand Personality This concept of personalities is closely related to ARCHETYPES. Have you listened to last week’s podcast ? on ARCHETYPES? If yes, let me know what you think!  If you haven’t listened yet, think of this short (23min) ?episode as your “Archetypes 101” … Read More

What’s YOUR Archetype? A Sage, a Hero, a Magician, or? – blog

July 14, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

What’s your ARCHETYPE?  Read on to learn how an archetype can help people and brands resonate. Which archetype describes YOU? Your BRAND? You can skim this email or click on the LINKS to dig in and learn more. Let’s do this!   ? THE “ARCHETYPE” PODCAST Think of this week’s podcast as your “ARCHETYPES 101″ lecture.  (Note this is … Read More

Conversation Topics – blog

July 7, 2020Newsletter

On what your conversation topics say about you… I’ve been thinking about how our CONVERSATION TOPICS  say a lot about us.  (How “meta,” right? ?) So what do YOU talk about? Two weeks ago I blogged about how RACISM has quickly evolved from a taboo conversation topic to a common conversation topic – something we need to … Read More

CRISIS LEADERSHIP & LEADING VIRTUAL TEAMS – blog

June 30, 2020Newsletter

This week we focus on two specific leadership contexts, CRISIS LEADERSHIP  and leading VIRTUAL TEAMS. How’s that for timely? Whether you’re managing a corporation, leading a project, coaching a sports team, or parenting your children, chances are you can improve your leadership effectiveness.     ? The Podcast: CRISIS LEADERSHIP & VIRTUAL TEAMS Executive coach Heather Stark is back to … Read More

WORDS MATTER: racism, taboo topics, implicit bias – blog

June 22, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

“Racism.” Words matter more than ever before. Listening may be the #1 most important communication skill. But it’s not enough. Recently I’ve had a few intense conversations (as I’m sure we all have!) about current events including systemic discrimination, police brutality, #blacklivesmatter, protesting and looting. Are you with me? Read on to learn: important definitions your … Read More

Talk About LEADERSHIP – blog

June 16, 2020Newsletter

This week it’s all about LEADERSHIP. My Dad always had a sign on his desk that said, “LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY.” It’s not quite clear who said this first, but we all need to know our role, right? If you ever play the role of LEADER, this blog is for you. … Read More

Talk About OPTIMISM – blog

June 8, 2020Newsletter

On OPTIMISM and communicating POSITIVITY – There’s a lot to be gloomy about these days, isn’t there?  As one of my kids announced this week, “2020 is the worst year ever.  There’s Kobe, COVID-19, murder hornets, police brutality, looting….”  (This comes from a kid who hasn’t even seen that many years!) There’s no question that our collective … Read More

Talk About Open Source Strategy & Competition – blog

June 1, 2020Newsletter

This week we’re moving on from EMOTIONS and NEGOTIATIONS to COMPETITION and Open Source Strategy! Read on to learn about: Podcast #51 – COMPETITION with open source strategy expert Dr. Mekki MacAulay (Un)Healthy Competition – and what to do about it! Open Source Strategy 101 – your primer! You can skim this blog or click … Read More

Talk About… NEGOTIATION – blog

May 25, 2020Newsletter

Negotiation. It’s something we all do, be it negotiating our salaries, a sales price, or our childrens’ bedtimes!  Read on for:  5 little-known negotiation tips 3 master negotiators negotiating quotes from familiar names  Let’s do this! 5 LITTLE-KNOWN NEGOTIATION TIPS 1️⃣ Don’t Be Selfish! It’s certainly advisable to come prepared to a negotiation knowing what you want and … Read More

Getting all EMOTIONAL – blog

May 18, 2020Newsletter

Recently I had the privilege of interviewing an academic researcher about an important communication-related topic: EMOTIONAL EXPRESSIONS. So I’ve got your head ? and your heart ?covered this week. Unfortunately for some people, expressing certain emotions may be taboo. But have you noticed that people (including political leaders) are slowly starting to express their emotions … Read More

Communication skills now more than ever – blog

May 11, 2020Newsletter

“Now more than ever.” Now more than ever. Is it just me, or do you too keep hearing those words? This week I’m sharing 5 UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES that we have during this pandemic to focus on our COMMUNICATION SKILLS.  Now more than ever, we have a great opportunity. And I’m not just talking our Zoom skills.  … Read More

Talk About Parenting & Online Schooling – blog

May 4, 2020Newsletter

This podcast ?episode is focused on ONLINE LEARNING and  COMMUNICATING WITH OUR CHILDREN and specifically our role as parents or guardians in our children’s education. We are very fortunate to have learning strategist & parenting coach Kimberley Acres with us for this episode.  Kimberley is a career educator who has worked with students around the globe, be it in the … Read More

Feeling Inspired during COVID-19 – blog

April 28, 2020Newsletter

You’ll be inspired after reading this blog!  Read on to learn: How to rock it in ZOOM meetings Inspired COVID-19 projects undertaken by past Talk About Talk podcast guests ROCKING THE ZOOM A few of you asked me to share some ZOOM tips. Here are 5 Zoom pointers that stand out for me: 1️⃣ Use the MUTE Button … Read More

Talk About CONFIDENCE ONSTAGE – blog

April 21, 2020Newsletter

This week, we focus on CONFIDENCE ONSTAGE. I wonder if Brené Brown still feels nervous when she goes onstage?  I’m guessing she would say YES…  Did you watch any TED Talks over the past week? There is one TED Talk in particular that Talk About Talk podcast guest experts frequently reference. Do you know which one … Read More

Talk About… TED Talks & Presentation Skills blog

April 13, 2020Newsletter

PRESENTATION SKILLS and TED Talks Based on your positive feedback, I know many of you have already listened to last week’s ? podcast on COMPELLING PRESENTATIONS with Andrew Musselman and you’re looking forward to next week’s episode on PRESENTING WITH CONFIDENCE.  In case you haven’t listened to it yet, here’s the link again. In last week’s … Read More

Talk About… Compelling Presentations blog

April 6, 2020Newsletter

Do you know how to create and deliver  COMPELLING PRESENTATIONS? This week we move on from NETWORKING and BIOHACKS to another communication skill, but this time where YOU are centre stage!   (Unsplash | @ miguel_photo) Let’s do this! First – ?The PODCAST This ?episode is focused on the skill of preparing and delivering COMPELLING PRESENTATIONS or speech. As in – you standing in … Read More

How to be SOCIAL at a distance blog

March 30, 2020Newsletter

How to be SOCIAL While Physically Distant Humans need social interaction.  You’ve probably heard that social support is correlated with longevity, right? Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, we all need to be social. Here are 5 ways you can be SOCIAL while physically distant: 1️⃣ Track your daily connections Every morning, update your list of the … Read More

Talk About… BIOHACKING to Boost Your Immunity!

March 23, 2020Newsletter

This week, I have a highly relevant ?podcast that I’m excited to share with you: BIOHACKING TIPS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY with Biohacker Oksana Andreiuk.  I met Oksana Andreiuk a few weeks ago at a networking event.  Yes, a networking event.  I took the advice that Sharon Mah-Gin shared with us in the NETWORKING episode ?and amongst other … Read More

Talk About… Social distance

March 17, 2020Newsletter

This week, let’s focus on SOCIALLY DISTANT COMMUNICATION. We’re working at home, school’s being taught online, and events are postponed until further notice.  As in: working from home effective video-conferencing thriving in a socially distant world being POSITIVE… (think Lori Ryerson, Italian balcony singers, and Zion Williamson!) We could use some POSITIVE, yes? Let’s do this! WORKING FROM … Read More

Talk About… How to be a good NETWORKER

March 8, 2020Newsletter

Do you know how to be a good networker? I remember when I was in business school, I kept hearing how we all need to become a “good networker.“  What exactly does that mean? Coincidentally, my personal New Years resolution for 2020 is to “get out there with real people in real life.”  Apparently, that … Read More

Talk About… INTERVIEWING

February 24, 2020Newsletter

This week’s podcast episode ?is focused on INTERVIEWING – as in conducting a job interview, an information-seeking interview, a journalistic interview, or a podcast interview! In the future we will also cover how to rock-it in a job interview.  But this week it’s all about when you are in the driver’s seat, INTERVIEWING, as in conducting the interview. As … Read More

Talk About …. Introverts and Extraverts

February 17, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

This week we focus on the Introvert/Extravert scale. When I asked Dr. Nadine Kelly, the guest expert from last week’s podcast, “Are you an Introvert or an Extravert?”, she said, “I think a good solid mix of both. I used to think I wasn’t extraverted but I don’t think you can be a podcaster and … Read More

Talk About… Posture and Breathing

February 11, 2020Newsletter

Hello Talkers! This week, we focus on POSTURE and BREATHING, things that affect our nervous, circulatory, muscle and other systems, our stress levels, and our communication skills! Let’s do this! First – The PODCAST For this episode ?on posture and breathing, I interviewed Dr. Nadine Kelly.  Dr. Kelly, or Nadine, as she likes to be called, is a … Read More

Talk About… the GENERATIONS (Boomers, Millennials & X-Y-Z)!

February 4, 2020Newsletter

This week I thought we would focus on “the Generations.”  Is it just me or are we all talking about “the generations” lately? I keep hearing complaints about “Millennials,” and then there’s the “OK Boomer” thing… Given this cultural discourse, I thought we could all use a generational primer….   Let’s do this! To Which GENERATION Do YOU … Read More

Talk About… TELLING YOUR STORY

January 27, 2020Newsletter

This week we focus on TELLING OUR STORY – as in writing fiction and non-fiction, the power of metaphors, talking to the media, and why we all need a personal 60-second infomercial! Let’s do this! ? This Week’s Podcast: TELLING YOUR STORY I just released this week’s ?podcast, focused on TELLING YOUR STORY with best-selling author, consultant and … Read More

Talk About … GOOD news and BAD news

January 20, 2020Newsletter

This week we focus on “the good news and the bad news.”  Which would YOU rather hear first? Let’s do this! Which do you want to hear first? The GOOD news or the BAD news? Most people want to get the bad news out of the way. According to academic research, 78% of us prefer to hear … Read More

Talk About … LISTENING and Remembering Names and Small Talk

January 13, 2020Newsletter

Listen here… I hope you had a good week.  Did you have a chance to INTRODUCE anyone – using the skills we learned about last week? This week’s newsletter theme and ?podcast is on LISTENING. I can’t wait to introduce you to our guest expert – author, consultant, and legal veteran Norman Bacal. But before we get … Read More

Talk About… Introductions

January 6, 2020Newsletter 1 Comment

An INTRODUCTION to the New Year! Did you have a restful break? Are you feeling inspired about 2020? I am so excited about 2020. ? My plan is to continue to focus on upping our COMMUNICATION SKILLS with: weekly email newsletters, bi-weekly podcast episodes, some new things that you will be the the first to hear about though this email blog! … Read More

Talk About… Communication Learnings from 2019!

December 27, 2019Newsletter

In this week’s podcast (podcast #40!), I briefly summarize all of our learnings into “The 19 COMMUNICATION SKILLS We Learned in 2019.” To come up with this list, I went through the key learnings from the 39 podcast episodes, the weekly email newsletters, and the 5 LinkedIn papers from the past year. To simplify the list, I categorized the learnings … Read More

Talk About… Dealing with Difficult People

December 17, 2019Newsletter

This week we’re talking about a topic that was suggested by several of you: “How to Deal with Difficult People.” You know – the difficult ones, the grumpy guy, the trolls, the “NO man,” the toxic-types…  You can skim this short email or click the links to learn more. Let’s do this… The Podcast: “How to deal … Read More

Talk About… Saying THANK YOU!

December 9, 2019Newsletter 1 Comment

On saying thank you! Did you have a chance to listen to last week’s podcast on GIFT-GIVING yet? If not, I encourage you to do so – especially in this season of giving. Are YOU a good gift-giver? Whether we are conscious of it or not, the gifts we give symbolically communicate things about ourselves, … Read More

Talk About… Gift-giving blog

December 2, 2019Newsletter

Hello Talkers! It’s that time of year… ?  Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, we communicate a lot with our gifts, don’t we?  Here’s a Q: How confident are you with your gift-giving? In this email, you’ll get help with both: GIFT-GIVING and CONFIDENCE  ! You can skim this email or click on the links to earn more.  Let’s do this!   … Read More

Talk About…. CONFIDENCE!!!

November 23, 2019Newsletter

Hello Talkers! Quick:  ☎️ What’s your first reaction when your phone rings?  Do you love it or loathe it? Thanks again to Talk About Talk listeners for suggesting last week’s ?podcast topic: Communication Media: Phone or Email?  Many many listeners have told me since that this is a very important and useful topic. ? Thanks as well to HR … Read More

Talk about…. Communication Media

November 19, 2019Newsletter

This week we’re talking about which Communication Media we should employ. If you’ve listened to the Talk About Talk podcasts, you know that I ask every guest expert 5 Rapid Fire Qs, including “what is your go-to communication medium for personal conversations?”  The answers vary widely – from face-to-face, to phone, to text, and more. … Read More

Talk About… Communication Skills & Behind the Scenes

November 12, 2019Newsletter

Lots of great things to share with you, including: Communication Skills Talking Mental Health Confidence The ABCDEs of Communication Interviewing Behind the Scenes at Talk About Talk Upcoming episodes  HotDocs Podcast Festival As always, you can skim this email or click the links to learn more! Let’s do this!    TALKING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH Downloads … Read More

Talk about… Our Mental Health

November 6, 2019Newsletter

It’s November!  I hope you enjoyed the extra daylight-savings hour last weekend!  ⏰ Did you have a chance to listen to last week’s podcast ?TALKING MONEY?  If yes, had you had any conversations with your parents or your partner or your children about money? Thanks to guest expert Kelly Harper for sharing her advice to make … Read More

Talking MONEY (and other scary topics)

October 28, 2019Newsletter

Happy Halloween!!!  This week we’re talking about a very spooky topic: MONEY! ? You can skim this short email or click the links to learn more. Let’s do this… ? The Podcast: “Let’s Talk About MONEY with Kelly Harper” Andrea & Kelly For this week’s ?podcast episode focused on “TALKING MONEY,” I interviewed Kelly Harper, an … Read More

Talk About… an IMPROV Invitation, WHY We Talk, DISAGREEMENTS & YouTube!

October 22, 2019Newsletter

More on IMPROV & a Monkey Toast INVITATION… Understanding WHY We Talk How to Talk When We DISAGREE and more! You can skim this short email or click the links to learn more! Let’s do this…. ? More on IMPROV & an Invitation… Did you have a chance to listen to last week’s ?podcast: Lessons From the IMPROV Stage with improv comedians, … Read More

Talk & Learn About…. Lessons from the IMPROV STAGE !!!!

October 17, 2019Newsletter

Hello!!! Have you had a chance to listen to the podcast on AUTHENTICITY yet?  With federal elections coming up in both Canada ??and the U.S.??, a few of you told me this podcast helped you evaluate political candidates in terms of their authenticity!  This week we shift gears and look to the IMPROV STAGE for some lessons on … Read More

Talk About… AUTHENTICITY

October 9, 2019Newsletter

This week we focus on “AUTHENTICITY” (a.k.a. “the real deal,” or “not putting on airs”).  Authenticity is critical for effective communication, whether we’re talking PERSONALLY or PROFESSIONALLY, managing a brand. You can skim this short email or click the links to learn more! Let’s do this…. ?PODCAST EPISODE #33: COMMUNICATING AUTHENTICITY AUTHENTICITY.  It seems like a … Read More

Talk About… YogiMD, a new FB group, getting promoted by LinkedIn, and being grateful!

October 1, 2019Newsletter

Hello!!! Recently I’ve received several testimonials from people who listened to the Talk About Talk podcast and successfully put the communication learnings into action!   One listener used the start-continue-stop framework to provide some much-needed feedback to her husband! (“It worked!”) One listener encouraged her daughter to learn the ABCDE’s of Communication before she broached the subject of … Read More

Talk & Learn about… how to Conquer your EMAIL INBOX!!!!

September 26, 2019Newsletter

Hello!!! Last week we tackled a rather negative, but very important topic:  how to give negative feedback….  (NOT like this!) This week, we tackle another topic that Talk About Talk listeners suggested: How to conquer your EMAIL INBOX!   You can skim this short email or click the links to learn more! Let’s do this…. ?PODCAST EPISODE … Read More

Talk & learn about … How to give NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

September 18, 2019Newsletter

This week we focus on negative or constructive feedback – “softening the blow,” as they say.  You can skim this short blog or click the links to learn more! Let’s do this…. ?PODCAST EPISODE #31: HOW TO GIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK You ASKED for it … One of the most common Qs that I receive is, “how can … Read More

Talk & learn about “being heard”: USING YOUR CONSUMER VOICE!

September 12, 2019Newsletter

This week we consider how we, as consumers, can exercise or amplify our consumer voices. I interviewed a market researcher who helps firms identify consumer insights by listening to consumers with some very cool technology and techniques.  Can you say INCABOT?    You can skim this short email or click the links to learn more! Let’s do … Read More

Dr. Andrea answers your Qs!

September 4, 2019Newsletter

Did you enjoy last week’s Talk About Talk ? episode 28 on COMMUNICATING CHANGE? Professor Ellen Auster is so brilliant and yet so down-to-earth. No wonder her clients and her students love her! Based on her advice, I have been making an effort to use the “inclusive we,” amongst other things. Please reply to let me know … Read More

Talk & Learn About…. CHANGE

August 27, 2019Newsletter

I hope you enjoyed the  3-episode ?Talk About Talk series focused on on SELF-TALK!  In case you haven’t had a chance to listen to all of them, here they are: #25: BUILDING RESILIENCE with Tosca Reno #26: SELF-TALK & MINDSETS with yours truly #27: POSITIVE SELF-TALK & the 3Es of WELLNESS with Tosca Reno Thanks again to Tosca Reno for sharing her … Read More

Talk About…. SELF-TALK 3of3: Tattoos, Mantras & more!

August 19, 2019Newsletter

Here we are with the 3rd & final episode in our Talk About Talk ? series on SELF-TALK: (Self-Talk 1of3 Ep.25) – Two weeks ago, we focused on BUILDING RESILIENCE with Tosca Reno (Self-Talk 2of3 Ep.26) – Last week I summarized some research on SELF-TALK & 5 MINDSETS we should seek to adopt (Self-Talk 3of3 Ep.27) – This week, Tosca Reno is back with us, with POSITIVE SELF-TALK … Read More

Talk About… SELF-TALK 2of3: MINDSETS

August 14, 2019Newsletter

I hope you had a chance to listen to episode #25: “BUILDING RESILIENCE: Sets & Reps – with Eat Clean founder & master wellness coach Tosca Reno! A few of you told me that you’ve read her books and even participated in her wellness programs.  She is so inspiring, isn’t she? Well GUESS WHAT?!? Tosca … Read More

Talk About… SELF-TALK 1of3: BUILDING RESILIENCE

August 7, 2019Newsletter

Did you have a chance to listen to episode #24“The ABCDEs of Communication” ? If not, I encourage you to do so – or, if you prefer, you might want to read about it in the LinkedIn paper I wrote.  Here is your cheat-sheet again with the 5 steps: This week we kick off a 3-episode ? series on SELF-TALK.  … Read More

Talk About … Effective Communication Skills! (& a few Qs….)

July 29, 2019Newsletter

Hello!!! Are you an effective communicator? Have you had a chance to listen to read last week’s blog on asking questions? If yes, you are one step into this week’s topic: The ABCDE’s of EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.  Yes, step one is “A” = ASK Qs! Speaking of which, I’m planning a Q&A podcast episode where I answer listeners’ … Read More

Talk & Learn About…. ASKING QUESTIONS

July 24, 2019Newsletter 1 Comment

Have you had a chance to listen to the PROFANITY podcast yet? Several of you told me that you learned a lot.  ME TOO!  I was curious to see the ratio of downloads between the explicit and the clean versions of the profanity podcast.  FYI – it is about 2:1 explicit:clean.  Hmm… ? Moving on….  … Read More

PROFANITY: Talking Taboo

July 19, 2019Newsletter, Taboo Topics

I hope you’re enjoying the summer so far – wherever you are! ☀️☀️☀️ Did you listen to the FUNNY TALK podcast with Hillary Anger Elfenbein?  If not, I encourage you to do so.  I promise you will laugh! And you will learn how to make others laugh too!If you haven’t read it yet, here is your primer on … Read More

Talking TABOOS !

July 11, 2019Newsletter

Here’s the new podcast on PROFANITY.  Yes, two versions… PROFANITY PODCAST (clean) – https://talkabouttalk.com/23s2-clean-profanity-talking-taboo-with-linguistics-professor-darin-flynn/ PROFANITY PODCAST (explicit) – https://talkabouttalk.com/23s2-explicit-profanity-talking-taboo-with-linguistics-professor-darin-flynn/ MORE great TOPICS here: https://talkabouttalk.com/podcasts/ I figured I would ease us into profanity by blogging this week about TABOO TOPICS – what they are, and how to handle them in conversation.  (You can skim this short email … Read More

Talk & Learn About… Being FUNNY!

July 4, 2019Newsletter

This week – it’s all about being FUNNY… I know I’m not very funny.  Maybe I can be clever sometimes – maybe. But I would like to be funnier.  And I love comedy!  Let’s do this! ? PODCAST #22: FUNNY TALK with stand-up comedian & business school professor Hillary Anger Elfenbein So in this podcast episode, we learn some … Read More

The A-B-C-D-E’s of Table Talk

June 26, 2019Newsletter

This blog is a little different from previous blogs and podcasts.  This week, we talk & learn about “TABLE TALK” – or what to say and do when interacting with others around a table.   For this blog more than any other, I would really appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to tell me what you … Read More

Talk & Learn about …. TRUST (& Body Language & Scams…)

June 17, 2019Newsletter

I hope you had a great week!  Over the past few weeks, we have talked Supporting our Grieving Friends, Friendships, and Talking with our Doctor. This week, we talk and learn about TRUST – an absolutely imperative element of communication.  Trust me! (You can skim this short email or dive in to the many links to learn … Read More