Communication Archives

Is Language Left or Right Brain? Why Both Hemispheres Matter

Is language left or right brain? What role does each hemisphere play in understanding language? Despite the popular caricature of the right hemisphere as “silent,” psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist contends that it plays a crucial role in understanding language. He discusses the vital roles that both the left brain and right brain play in our use and interpretation of words. Read more to learn what we understand about language and the brain.

The Importance of Small Talk: A Stepping Stone to Connection

Do you hate small talk? Does it seem shallow and like a waste of time? Patrick King wrote an entire book about small talk. He sings its praises—and teaches the skill—because he recognizes the value of small talk as a stepping stone toward deeper connections. Read more to learn about the importance of small talk and how it’s just the beginning of substantive conversations.

Foreshadowing in a Story: Providing Your Reader With Memories

What does foreshadowing accomplish in a story? How can it be used to powerful effect with your readers? In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron explains that humans have an innate need to understand the reasons behind everything—to make sense of what’s happening to us and around us. One of the techniques that writers can use to satisfy this human need is foreshadowing. Keep reading for Cron’s exploration of foreshadowing in a story and how it affects readers.

How to Read Emotions: Body Language Tips From an FBI Agent

What does it mean when someone purses their lips? Why do people turn their feet away from others? Can you tell what someone’s feeling, despite what they’re saying? Joe Navarro, a retired FBI Special Agent, knows how to read people. In The Dictionary of Body Language, he examines some of the body language cues that indicate emotions, such as repetitive actions that suggest anxiousness and tense postures that indicate anger. Keep reading to learn how to read emotions through body language.

Story Pacing: Give Readers a Break With Subplots & Flashbacks

How should flashbacks be used in a story? What role do subplots play in a narrative? Good stories are powered by conflict. Struggle moves a plot forward toward its resolution. But, our brains can get overloaded when we don’t get breaks from conflict in a story. Lisa Cron, who approaches story writing from a neurological perspective, explains that effective story pacing is the answer. Read on for Cron’s exploration of two story pacing techniques: subplots and flashbacks.

How to Initiate a Conversation by Leveraging Small Talk

Do you avoid making the first move to talk with someone? If so, what opportunities are you missing? Social interaction specialist Patrick King argues that the oft-dreaded small talk is actually the best way to start a conversation that eventually can go in any direction and to any depth. He shares practical tips for approaching and engaging someone effectively and comfortably. Continue reading to learn how to initiate a conversation and make a good first impression in the process.

How to Develop a Plot That Satisfies the Readers’ Expectations

How’s a story’s plot different from what your story is about? How can understanding how the brain works help you create a compelling plot? Lisa Cron explains the formula that the human brain expects to encounter in a story. Then, she shows how you as a writer can employ that formula. She provides tips on how to develop a plot—exploring elements such as conflict, cause and effect, hooking the reader, suspense and reveals, and pacing. Continue reading to learn how to develop a plot that satisfies the expectations of your readers.

How to Get Past Small Talk: 3 Tips From a Social Interaction Expert

Do you ever get stuck in the shallow pool of small talk? Would you like to learn how to take conversations into deeper territory? Small talk is an excellent way to start a conversation. But, if it stays there, the conversation can feel shallow and pointless. Social interaction specialist Patrick King shares some practical tips for transitioning from small talk to meaningful conversation. Read more to learn how to get past small talk and make the most of your interactions.

How Restaurant Communication Saved Eleven Madison Park

Why is restaurant communication so important? How did the prestigious restaurant Eleven Madison Park (EMP) thrive by prioritizing communication? In Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara goes into detail about how he transformed the poor relationships at EMP by communicating the values of the restaurant. In return, the employees openly shared what they wanted the restaurant’s culture to look like. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of restaurant communication.

How to Create Suspense in a Story: Insight From Neuroscience

Why does suspense keep people engaged in a story? Do you know how to provide useful hints without giving too much away? In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron shows writers how to create compelling narratives that satisfy our brains’ innate expectations of story. In her discussion of plot elements, she explains how suspense and reveals add excitement to a story and give readers a reason to keep reading. Read more to learn how to create suspense in a story by understanding why suspense draws people in.