It’s been some time since I posted a book review, and I’ve been getting inquiries about what’s currently on my bookshelf. A few months ago, I got my hands on a juicy new Canadian release that those of you interested in the intersection between politics, critical thinking, and communication will probably love as much as…
Despite all best efforts, some people are simply difficult to communicate with. You’ve probably met this person; no matter how hard you try, they seem to miss chunks of conversations. No matter how clear the note, they still twist the message. No matter how explicit the instructions, they still manage to screw them up. It doesn’t seem…
I’ve been doing a fair bit of reading lately of both the print and audiobook variety, and want to share with you some of the more interesting books I’ve come across. So from time to time I’ll be sharing with you reviews for books that have caught my attention. I hope you enjoy them and…
I’m coming to the #elbowgate party a bit late. All the same, it’s too glittery a rhetoric issue for me to ignore. If you haven’t heard of Elbowgate, here is a brief summary: While votes were being gathered in the Canadian House of Commons on a contentious bill, a brouhaha was created when Prime Minister…
The message doesn’t always have to be new to have impact. How often do we go looking for information on the same old topic? How many times can we hear a similar message from different people and still be interested? Sometimes we don’t need new information – we just need to hear it from a…
I finally got off my backside and did something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time – start a video component to this blog. Here it is for your viewing pleasure: the first ever (and rather rough) Up Front Communication vlog post! I will be posting more videos here in…
It has been very, very hot in my hometown over the past week. People are hiding in their basements, seeking out air conditioned venues, and generally doing as little as possible. Men, women, children, and animals alike are sticky, sweaty, itchy, and irritable. This is affecting not only how people are saying their message, but…
There are people who come to me for help because they love speaking and want to get better at it. There are people who come to me for help because they are terrified of speaking, because they are desperately uncomfortable being heard and raising their voice, or because their shyness has started to get in…
Have you ever been in the desperately uncomfortable position of having a “buddy” conversation with your supervisor, or being in charge of an employee who treats you more like a therapist than a manager? I’ve never experienced the latter, but know several colleagues who have. The former has happened to me in a few situations,…
For my American friends, here is a guide to holiday dinner etiquette. Note the hilarity that can be created by using technically correct words in an unexpected context. Or just have fun with the sheer puerile nature of this offering. Don’t show it to your kids. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFzz6EZmkq8&w=560&h=315]
