Communication Archives

How to Engineer the “Aha!” Moment

Have you ever had an “aha!” moment? What do you think prompted your aha realization? Aha moments inspire realizations or transformations that affect your future choices and actions. Such moments usually strike spontaneously, but you can also engineer them on demand. In their book The Power of Moments, Chip and Dan Heath explain how to prompt moments of discovery that deliver a shock that may change your way of thinking or even the course of your life. In this article, we’ll explore the three ways Heaths suggest that you can spark the aha moment on demand.

The Win/Win Paradigm: When Does It Work?

What is the Win/Win paradigm? Do you think a win/win outcome is possible in any situation? The Win/Win paradigm is one of Stephen Covey’s six paradigms of human interaction. The Win/Win paradigm aims to find a solution that benefits both sides, where everyone is happy with the decision and committed to the plan. However, the Win/Win paradigm may not be right for all situations. Read more to learn about the concept of Covey’s Win/Win paradigm, when Win/Win is appropriate, and when it’s not viable.

The Importance of Networking: You Are Not Self-Made

Is networking absolutely necessary for success? How can networking with the right people help you achieve your goals? You might think that building connections with others is unnecessary because some successful people are described as “self-made.” According to Brian Tracy, however, a totally self-made person is a myth. Even entrepreneurs who started their empires from virtually nothing relied on family, friends, financial backers, and customers to build their businesses. Here’s why the importance of networking with the right people cannot be underestimated.

Subjective Words: Are You Communicating Reality?

What do we communicate when we use subjective words? Are we conveying reality or merely our perception of it? Subjective words do not convey objective reality. Like everyone else, you use subjective words to convey what you believe to be true. However, your beliefs—just like your perceptions—are subjective. These are the assertions of authors don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz, who further argue that linguistic subjectivity—and our blind acceptance of subjective beliefs as concrete facts—are at the root of our unhappiness. Read more to learn how we communicate with subjective words and what impact that has.

Crucial Conversations: 3 Quotes for Tough Talks

What are some of the best quotes from Crucial Conversations? What are their context and meaning? Crucial Conversations teaches you an array of dialogue principles and practical skills, explained and demonstrated through numerous examples. After reading this book, you’ll be able to talk to anyone about virtually any topic, no matter how sensitive. Here is a selection of Crucial Conversations quotes with explanations.

Stephen Covey: Synergy and Its Benefits

How does Stephen Covey define synergy (habit six)? How does synergy relate to the previous five habits? According to Stephen Covey, synergy is the culmination of the first five habits. You need a deep conviction of your principles and values, a Win/Win paradigm, and the skills to develop and nurture effective interdependent relationships. Read more to learn about Covey’s concept of synergy, its benefits, what it entails, and how to improve your ability to synergize.

How to Develop Charisma: Be a Good Listener

What role does the ability to listen play in charisma? What steps can you take to become a better listener? Although it may seem like you only need to be a good speaker to have charisma, a big part of charisma is actually being a charismatic listener. If you take a genuine interest in others, they will be drawn to you. Here are some tips on how to develop charisma by improving your listening skills.

Olivia Fox Cabane: How to Be a Charismatic Speaker

What does it take to become a charismatic speaker? Which vocal styles are more charismatic than others? In her book The Charisma Myth, charisma expert Olivia Fox Cabane explains how to become a charismatic speaker. She says that you need to make the listener feel important, use a wide range of emotions, and speak with authority. Here are some tips on how to speak with charisma, according to Olivia Fox Cabane.

Nonverbal Skills: The Body Language of Charisma

Do you want to be more charismatic? What do nonverbal skills have to do with charisma? When you think of charisma, you probably think of a person who has magnetic energy and who can captivate any listener. However, what you may not know is that one of the most important parts of being charismatic is actually being a good nonverbal communicator. Here’s what Olivia Fox Cabane has to say about nonverbal communication in her book The Charisma Myth.

Verbal Communication: Strategies to Use and Avoid

What are some verbal communication strategies you should be aware of? Which ones should you use? Which ones should you avoid? We use various verbal communication strategies when we engage in conversations at home and work. There are three strategies—silence, violence, and “clever stories”—that you should seek to avoid, but it’s important to recognize when they are in use. Two strategies—useful stories and contrasting—lead to constructive dialogue and should be part of your skill set. Continue reading to learn about these verbal communication strategies.