Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadWhat to wear to work? Your clothing communicates a lot about you, more than you probably think! Andrea shares what some of the research says about how we dress and others’ perception of us. Then she shares some do’s and don’ts when choosing your outfit. Here’s a question: what’s … Read More
I have two quick things to share with you today: 1. The #1 technique to improve your communication skills – fast 2. My communication pet peeve “What’s the fastest way to improve my communication skills?” People ask me this question all the time. Can you guess what my answer is? It’s recording yourself and then … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea shares best practices for texting, email, phone, virtual and in-person meetings. This is beyond the basics! Of course, you need to be courteous and punctual. These tips will elevate your communication effectiveness across various media. RESOURCES “COMMUNICATION MEDIA: Which medium is best for your message?” PODCAST EPISODE: … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadDo you know when to text versus email versus pick up the phone? What about virtual versus face-to-face meetings? Andrea encourages you to think beyond your default media and consider the WHO, the WHAT and the WHY when choosing the ideal communication medium. RESOURCES “MEDIA” or “MEDIUM”? https://grammarist.com/usage/media-mediums/ … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHow many emails do you have in your inbox? Need some tips to help clear out your inbox? You can increase your productivity and reduce your email anxiety by doing 3 things: make behavioral changes; employ technology hacks; and effectively managing our sent mail. Let’s clear out your inbox! … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHere’s your checklist of 5 impactful but often overlooked ways that you can communicate and reinforce your personal brand. Of course there’s how we introduce ourselves, our social media profiles, our resume. But when was the last time you updated your voicemail greeting? Check out TalkAboutTalk.com RESOURCES Personal … Read More
We all have a personal brand, whether we choose to strategically manage it or not. And more and more of our impressions are made online. Image by ismagilov from Getty Images/Canva There’s no question: Social media is a fantastic opportunity to cultivate our personal brand! Last week I introduced you to my friend, social media … Read More
Do you ever catch yourself going on AUTOPILOT as you scroll through your SOCIAL MEDIA feeds? (I can’t be the only one!) Image by Latino Life from Canva No more AUTOPILOT! Don’t worry – that’s what these platforms were designed to do. And with so many different platforms and content creators, there’s a lot to take in. … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSocial media is an effective but under-leveraged tool for communicating our personal brand. Let’s get strategic and learn how. Consider 3 things: WHERE you’re engaging, HOW you’re engaging and WHAT you’re saying. Here’s your opportunity to get updated on social media from an industry expert, Andrew Jenkins, author of … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea’s top 3 communication insights after 100 episodes of the Talk About Talk podcast. These are the under-rated insights that Andrea encourages us to focus on, regardless of your profession or seniority. 1.) Keep it short. 2.) It’s not about you. 3.) Adopt a growth mindset. SUBSCRIBE TO THE … Read More
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
Do you ever scan your Body Language? When you were growing up, did your parents ever lecture you about your posture? “Stand up straight!” “Don’t slouch!” “Keep your hands out of your pockets!” It may have felt like nagging at the time, but it turns out our parents were actually doing us a favour. That’s … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadBody language is a significant element in our communication. Here’s a 3-point body language scan to help you optimize both how you are perceived and how you feel. Perhaps you’re not sure what to do with your hands? Or perhaps you catch yourself slouching and your mind is wandering. … Read More
Gender stereotypes are everywhere. You’ve probably heard the expression, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.” This was the title of a best-selling book published in 1992, billed as a guide to understanding the opposite sex. So, are men and women really from different planets? No, of course not! However, men and women often DO have different communication … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea interviews leadership communication expert Judith Humphrey (part 2). Learn about imposter syndrome, communication differences between men and women, effective self-promotion, the leaders’ script, when we should apologize, and what to do when your boss suggests it’s time to demonstrate leadership. This is part 2 of a two-part feature … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea interviews leadership communication expert Judith Humphrey. Learn about imposter syndrome, communication differences between men and women, effective self-promotion, the leaders’ script, when we should apologize, and what to do when your boss suggests you need to demonstrate leadership. This is part 1 of a two-part feature (ep. 94 … Read More
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 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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadTHREE is a powerful number that we can use to improve our communication. 3 makes things easier to understand and easier to recall. 3 is balanced and substantive, but not overwhelming. Consider the power of 3 in your communication, whether you’re categorizing, listing, highlighting, influencing, ranking or creating a … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadNETWORKS: We all want a strong network, but most of us hate networking. Jamie Millar of SkyBridge shares tips for building a strong network, options for how to curate your LinkedIn connections, and why we should distinguish between networks and networking. RESOURCES James Millar LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-millar-3033/ SkyBridge … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHow can we be authentic without sharing TMI (too much information)? How can we be transparent, bring our “whole selves” to work, without appearing unprofessional? Copywriter and messaging strategist Tom Megginson encourages us to be authentic, but focus on our audience. Code-switching and filtering are two ways to maintain … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadLeading online meetings (virtual meetings) is a challenge. Staying focused and encouraging others to participate is a huge challenge! Learn 4 tactics to encourage engagement in others, plus tips on what we ourselves should be doing during virtual meetings. RESOURCES Online Meeting Apps & Websites ONLINE MEETING INTERACTION … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadActionable advice on how to communicate your personal brand online, including 3 KEY PRINCIPLES of personal branding, plus instructions for how to UPDATE, PARTICIPATE and MONITOR your personal brand online. REFERENCES & LINKS Resources “How to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile” podcast episode – https://talkabouttalk.com/62-optimize-linkedin/ Updating your email signature … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHere’s your online meeting preparation checklist! We cover technology requirements and recommendations, your physical space, and your personal appearance. Preparation can fuel success in virtual meetings. RESOURCES Online Meeting Apps & Websites Most downloaded apps of 2020 – https://startuptalky.com/most-apps-downloaded/ Fastest growing companies of 2020 – https://www.investors.com/research/fastest-growing-companies-2020-despite-coronavirus/ ZOOM website … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadOnline networking is the only networking these days! Executive recruiter Sharon-Mah-Gin shares advice on how to approach people when networking online, how to follow-up, as well as general networking advice. There are many reasons to be optimistic! Just remember: “With true networking, it’s really not about you. It’s really … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadTop 3 lists from Andrea and Talk About Talk, including the top 3 Talk About Talk podcast episodes and newsletters, Andrea’s favorite podcasts, plus communication insights from 2020 and focus areas for 2021. THANKS for listening – and READING! – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/ – Web: https://talkabouttalk.com/ – Email: Andrea@TalkAboutTalk.com … Read More
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
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadLearn 5 key communication insights for educators, including the positive impact of technology in the classroom. Chris Besse shares how edtech platforms like Edsby make education more student-centric, they enable communication and collaboration, they enable accessibility and immediacy of information, and they encourage students to learn how to learn. … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadStep by step instructions on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Volterra founder Andrew Jenkins shares how to use LinkedIn for creating your personal brand, networking, thought leadership, marketing, and job-searching. REFERENCES Andrew Jenkins & Volterra LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjjenkins Volterra – https://www.linkedin.com/company/volterradigital/ Talk About Talk podcast episode with … Read More
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: 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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAre you leading a virtual team? Learn how to lead a virtual team and excel in a crisis. During a crisis, everything is magnified, including leadership skills. Executive coach Heather Stark shares her “5C’s of creating a virtual culture” framework to help leaders navigate and excel in the new … Read More
“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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadLearning strategist & parenting coach Kimberley Acres helps us in this time of physical distancing and online schooling with parenting philosophies and online learning tactics, including optimizing our children’s workspace, setting boundaries, and celebrating! REFERENCES & LINKS Kimberley Acres LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-acres-1793a0104/ Email – kjacoaching@gmail.com Books & Resources … Read More
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
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadDo you know when to use the phone or email? What about text, social media, and face-to-face meetings? How do you feel when you hear the phone ring? In this podcast episode, HR expert Tamara Finlay shares advice and frameworks to help you choose the ideal communication media or … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHow many emails do you have in your inbox? Need some tips on how to conquer your email inbox? You can increase your productivity and reduce your email anxiety by doing three things: (1.) making behavioral changes; (2.) employing technology hacks; and (3.) effectively managing our sent mail! The … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadLearn 5 ways you can exercise or amplify your consumer voice. Market researcher Kathy Cheng of Nexxt Intelligence talks A.I. and chatbots, how firms can use augmented reality (AR), and the new market research, including why we shouldn’t call these consumer participants “respondents,” but rather partners or co-creators. References … Read More
This week we talk emojis ! ? I hope you had a great week! Two questions for you, based on last week’s Podcast and blog on “FONTS“: What is your favourite font? Have you adjusted what fonts you are using? (You can skim this short email or dive in to the many links to learn more!) ?All About EMOJIs … Read More
I hope you had a great week! Two questions for you, based on last week’s blog & featured podcast (“POSSESSIONS“): Have you been thinking more about your “stuff”? Have you been sharing nicely? ? In this week’s Talk About Talk email blog, we talk and learn about FONTS! (You can skim this short email or dive in … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadFonts are on our screens, on paper, on the products we buy, and on signs everywhere! When used effectively, fonts can significantly improve our communication. Patrick Griffin (“the font guy”) shares his advice about choosing the ideal font, considering the white space, and emojis! References & Links Patrick … Read More
? FIRST – THE PODCAST Have you seen any of the Matrix movies? (If not, you should!) These movies depict a scary future, where artificial intelligence (AI) has taken over the world and humanity. Perhaps partly fuelled by this movie, many people are very concerned about our future with AI. Well, after listening to this week’s podcast, I … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAre you optimistic about our future with ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE? Avi Goldfarb (professor and author of “Prediction Machines”) shares a brief history of AI, various AI applications that are being used in the marketplace, and specific reasons why we should be optimistic about our future with AI. References & … Read More
Social Media expert Andrew Jenkins, Mass Audiences & Your One True Love…❤️ Recently I asked my teenaged son, “Who are the popular kids at your school?” He named a few names. Then I asked, “How do you define popularity?” His answer shocked me. One word. “Followers.” (WHAT?!?) Maybe he didn’t understand. I meant IRL (In … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAre you social media savvy? Do you run out of ideas for what to post? Whether you’re on social media to stay connected with friends, managing a marketing campaign, or maybe you are reluctant to participate, Andrew Jenkins provides valuable insights about how to navigate the world of online … Read More
In this week’s Talk About Talk blog newsletter, we talk about online reviews, Super Bowl ads, and 3 short quotes worth TalkingAbout. First – online reviews.? I can’t imagine buying much online if it wasn’t for online ratings and reviews. Can you? However, according to some sources, up to 50% of online reviews might be … Read More
Can you spot fake online reviews? Consumers provide online ratings and reviews to share their opinions and stories about brands. This can provide us with valuable information regarding our purchase decisions. Unfortunately not all reviews are credible. In this episode we learn from Homestars CEO Nancy Peterson about how to write and interpret product ratings … Read More
