Lynn and Daniel, her adult son, are sitting side-by-side. After mentioning his tubing trip, she asks, “did you go alone?” He enthusiastically answers, “yes.” “Were other people there?” she asks. He answers, “No, it was a very quiet day.” Silence. Daniel goes on to describe the water level and pace of the river. He missed it – Lynn’s real question. And she still hasn’t …
Why I Folded a Towel to Start a Presentation
“Raise your hand if you have a particular way of folding your towels.” This was my opening line, followed by a demonstration of my towel folding expertise. I shared that my husband complies with my request for this specific folding technique. [You have to wisely pick your battles and this wasn’t on the top of his list.] My towel escapade was a blast. I …
Be A Jerk? Or Be Human.
Today, after 6 decades of living in a home with a landline, I said good-bye to 828 658-1217. My Spectrum’s Customer Service experience was a blast – friendly conversation and laughter. Say, “customer service,” and you’ll see eyes rolling for good reason. You know these lines: “please hold,” and “let me connect you with the next customer service agent.” So, why …
How Saying Nothing Says “Confidence”
In the movie, The Big Short, Ryan Gosling’s character, Jared Vennett is standing at a table in front of 3 colleagues. Piece by piece, he slowly builds a Jenga wooden structure. At its highest point, he swings his hand, knocks it over and the wooden pieces scatter across the table. “What is that?” asks one of the men sitting at the table. Jared Vennett pauses, stares at the man asking, …
Can Speaking Skills Transform In 2-hours?
Feeling Doesn’t Equal Meaning 10am: Karen stands. Introduces herself. (our 1st speak-up activity). Then, she says, “I’m not very good at this.”(public speaking). Two hours later: Karen stands for our final speak-up activity and says, “I believe I can do this!” This transformation is not an anomaly. Her shift from “I can’t to I can,” happens with many of …