Andrea shares what the research says about interruptions, how to respond to being interrupted, and advice for how you can effectively interrupt. (REPOSTED DUE TO UPLOADING ISSUE) Resources Sally Farley “Nonverbal Reactions to Conversational Interruptions” (2010) Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk: Website: TalkAboutTalk.com LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk Weekly Communication Skills Newsletter: https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea shares what the research says about interruptions, how to respond to being interrupted, and advice for how you can effectively interrupt. Resources Sally Farley “Nonverbal Reactions to Conversational Interruptions” (2010) Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk: Website: TalkAboutTalk.com LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk Weekly Communication Skills Newsletter: https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download3 books recommended by Andrea: INFLUENCE, CHATTER and GETTING TO YES. Andrea & guest Adam Ashton, host of the popular “What You Will Learn” podcast, review these 3 books. You will feel a lot smarter after listening to this episode, and you might have some new books to read! … Read More
Have you heard Jeff Bezos’ definition of a personal brand? This definition is particularly useful because we can imagine various scenarios when we’re not in the room – and we really, really care what people are saying! Certainly, this definition works well. But recently I’ve come up with another definition that I like even more. Are … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea shares the 3 most common personal branding mistakes and misconceptions she sees with her clients: communicating first, scripting, and copying others. Learn why these are mistakes, and what you should do instead to build a strong and effective personal brand. RESOURCES Other Talk About Talk episodes on Personal … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAndrea shares several suggestions that she and her clients use to adopt improved communication habits. Whether it’s a new philosophy, words you’re trying to use (or avoid), or different body language, simple tactics to cue these new habits will help you succeed. RESOURCES ATOMIC HABITS by … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this BONUS episode released on #BellLetsTalk Day, Nicole German, founder of The Maddie Project, shares her experience and thoughtful advice to parents, family members, coaches, teachers, anyone who interacts with youth. Youth mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression are common. We need to step-it-up with awareness, … 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
CONNECTING PEOPLE – Are you a CONNECTOR? Connecting people in your network with each other, whether via email or IRL, can create valuable opportunities for everyone involved, especially if you do it correctly! Do you know the ETIQUETTE OF MAKING CONNECTIONS? This week we focus on: The “do’s & don’ts” of introducing two people Your … Read More
Last week we focused on INTRODUCING YOURSELF. Now we shift to INTRODUCING OTHERS. Hi, I’m Andrea! Question: Which do YOU think is more challenging? introducing yourself or introducing others? For me, it’s INTRODUCING OTHERS. I’ve stumbled a few times when introducing others, be it at networking events, dinner parties, or formally introducing a guest speaker. I have a nightmare 😱memory … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHow to introduce others: The do’s & don’ts of formally introducing a speaker or a guest, plus how to introduce or connect two people. RESOURCES Dr. Andrea Wojnicki & Talk About Talk Episode 86 – INTRODUCTIONS – How to Introduce Yourself Website – https://talkabouttalk.com Free Newsletter – … Read More
Tips for Introducing Yourself Last week it was the framework, now its general tips for introducing yourself. Do you remember the framework? It’s 3 simple points: PRESENT PAST FUTURE Remember, it’s NOT a script and it’s NOT in chronological order. Here’s my example: PRESENT – “Hi. I’m Andrea Wojnicki. I’m a communication coach at Talk … Read More
How to Introduce Yourself Do you know how to INTRODUCE YOURSELF? When you’re in a meeting and the meeting leader says, “Let’s take a moment to briefly introduce ourselves. I’ll go first…” …does your head start spinning? Perhaps you get tongue-tied when you’re introducing yourself? Maybe you get distracted by “that guy “ whose self-introduction lasts way … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIntroducing yourself shouldn’t be something you dread. Learn a 3-point self-introduction framework (not a script!) plus 4 general tips for introducing yourself effectively. Introducing yourself is a rare opportunity to highlight your personal brand! RESOURCES Dr. Andrea Wojnicki & Talk About Talk Website – https://talkabouttalk.com Free Newsletter – … Read More
RESPONSES TO TABOO TOPICS Here’s a Q about responses to taboo topics. Have you ever been seated at a table, perhaps at a business luncheon or a conference, when someone starts talking politics or gun-laws, something TABOO, and you realize people are literally squirming in their seats? image unsplash Baptista Ime James What do you … Read More
This week we’re talking TABOO! “Taboo topics” are fascinating, aren’t they? I’m a big fan of stand-up comedy, and I love watching how comedians use taboo topics to entertain and shock their audiences – be it talk about sex, relationships, money, profanity, I could go on. Have you ever noticed that taboo topics are also commonly … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadTaboo topics are sacred or prohibited based on morals, religion or social norms. Learn how to respond to taboo topics and the significance of context when it comes to taboos. What’s considered taboo depends on the time in history, the generation, the person, the setting, even the medium. People … Read More
IMPLICIT COMMUNICATION & YOUR PERSONAL BRAND We can think of communicating our PERSONAL BRAND both EXPLICITLY and IMPLICITLY: EXPLICIT as in the words. Overt, direct, unambiguous messages. This includes your resume and how you introduce yourself. IMPLICIT as in signalling or sending queues. This is less direct, but critically important communication, as in your body language, your style, and lots more… … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadPersonal branding is more than just the words we say about ourselves. Learn to reinforce your personal brand through consistent implicit communication, ranging from your personal style, possessions, affiliations, how you show up for meetings, and more. RESOURCES Dr. Andrea Wojnicki Email – Andrea@TalkAboutTalk.com Book Andrea for a free … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadHOW TO ASK FOR HELP? Consider the 3Ms: Mindset, Motivations and Metaphors. Researcher Gretchen Barton of OZA shares her expertise, including insights from a recent Gates Foundation project on “Understanding Perceptions of Poverty” in America. Asking for help- be it expertise, time or money – isn’t easy, but you … Read More
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
Competition, or rivalry over resources, encourages us to strive and excel. Meet open source strategy expert Dr. Mekki MacAulay, who encourages us to create value by adopting an inclusive, transparent, open source mindset. According to Mekki: “90% of the equation is collaboration, helping, and communicating effectively.”
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
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadManaging our emotional expressions is critical to effective communication. Emotions researcher Tatiana Astray helps us optimize our relationships and negotiation outcomes by taking responsibility for our emotional expressions. Learn about the difference between feelings and emotions, why we should express enthusiasm, how to manage negative emotions, and all about … 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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadAre you good at networking? Executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin shares her advice on how to be a better networker, including why it’s critical to attend events, how to thrive at small talk, how to leverage LinkedIn, and the ideal networking mindset. References & Links Sharon Mah-Gin LinkedIn – … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadDo you know how to conduct an interview? It could be a job interview, an information-seeking interview, a journalistic interview, or perhaps for entertainment purposes – like an interview that’s presented as a written article, a live interview onstage, or – a podcast interview! Improviser and podcast host David … Read More
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
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
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadYouth mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression are common. Nicole German, founder of The Maddie Project, shares her experience and thoughtful advice to parents, family members, coaches, teachers, anyone who interacts with youth. We need to step-it-up with awareness, empathy, and advocacy. “Anything we can do is … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadWhy is it so difficult to talk about money? Does your family have a budget? Do you have an updated will? What about a power of attorney? Listen and learn as experience strategist Kelly Harper shares strategies for talking to your partner, your parents, your children and your friends … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadLessons from the Improv comedy stage can help us improve our communication skills! Comedians Sandy Marshall and Sandy Jobin-Bevans share their expertise – and a few laughs – including playing the scene you’re in, the beauty of mistakes, knowing your audience, testing your audience, “YES-AND,” burning a suggestion, and … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadGiving negative feedback is challenging and stressful. You will learn the mindsets, do’s & don’ts, and frameworks to help you give negative feedback effectively. Be constructive. Don’t make it a surprise, don’t joke around, don’t threaten the person. Be empathetic (compliment in public, criticize in private), be objective and … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadCommunication is a critical skill for effective change management, whether you’re leading change for an organization, a department, or for your family. Professor Ellen Auster shares five common mistakes and 6 success principles for effective change communication, including embracing the politics, collective visioning, using mantras, building change fitness and … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Do you have effective communication skills? Are you a confident communicator? In this 20 minute podcast episode, Dr. Andrea Wojnicki teaches you the 5 simple steps that will improve your communication skills. It’s as simple as ABCDE! References & Links Communication Skills & General References Professor Amy Cuddy, … Read More
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadOn swearing – Do you ever wonder why some people use profanity and others do not? Linguistics professor Darin Flynn leads us through a fascinating discussion on the taboo topic of swearing, including types of swear-words, how swear words change over time, personality types that are more likely to … Read More
(EXPLICIT) Do you ever wonder why some people use profanity and others do not? Linguistics professor Darin Flynn leads us through a fascinating discussion on the taboo topic of swearing, including types of swear-words, how swear words change over time, personality types that are more likely to use profanity, and the risks associated with profanity. … Read More
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
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadYes, you can learn to be funny! Do you appreciate humour? Do you ever imagine what it’s like to be on the stand-up comedy stage? Listen as stand-up comedian Hillary Anger Elfenbein (also a fully tenured business school professor) shares her insights on learning comedy, and compares that experience … Read More
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
I hope you had a great week. Over the past two weeks, we’ve Talked About “Supporting our Grieving Friends” and “Friendships.” This week, we focus on ourselves, and learn about HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. (You can skim this short email or dive in to the many links to learn more!) ? PODCAST #20: HOW TO TALK TO … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadDr. Joshua Tepper, CEO of North York General Hospital, shares advice on how to talk to your doctor, including: come prepared with a list; ask lots of questions; if you’re Googling your symptoms, consider the quality of your sources; and lots more! We have all felt unsure, and some of us have felt … Read More
I hope you had a great week! In this week’s Talk About Talk email blog, we talk and learn about HOW TO SUPPORT OUR GRIEVING FRIENDS. (You can skim this short email or dive in to the many links to learn more!) ? PODCAST #19: HOW TO SUPPORT OUR GRIEVING FRIENDS with psychotherapist & grief counsellor Andrea Warnick At the … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadBeyond condolences, how can we best support a grieving friend? Grief counsellor Andrea Warnick tells us what to say and do, and what to avoid. For example: yes, use the “D” word; and do not try to “fix” it. The grieving process is not linear. Rather, it is like … Read More
This week we Talk About Coaching! ?FIRST – THE PODCAST Getting an hour of Elite Camps founder Stephanie Rudnick‘s time for a podcast interview was a coup. Stephanie agreed to do the interview when our sons were practicing basketball at a high school. We looked for an open classroom in the high school, but alas, the … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadGood coaching means effective communication. Elite Camps founder Stephanie Rudnick shares advice about ego, consistency, managing the ups-and-downs, and playing favourites. For parents, we learn about the ill-effects of helicopter parenting and how young athletes prefer to hear about our epic fails. Whether you’re a coach, a teacher, a manager … 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
This week, TalkAboutTalk is talking about P.R. or “Public Relations” and Cause Marketing I promise that once you’ve listened to this week’s TalkAboutTalk podcast episode focused on Public Relations, you will be a savvier consumer of marketplace communication. This week, I researched Public Relations and interviewed PR expert Graeme Harris. I learned so much! Graeme worked in the PR industry for … Read More
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadWe can learn a lot from the PR industry. For example: be very careful about your declarations. It is risky and oftentimes false to declare that something has never and could never happen. PR professionals do more than crisis management and issuing press releases! They also manage investor relations, … Read More
