Surprise! I hate surprises. Yes, there is such a thing as “pleasant surprises,” like discovering my kids cleaned their room without being told (that WOULD be a surprise!). But in general, I do NOT like surprises. And I don’t just mean the jump-out-of-a-box...
From Talking to Speaking to … Presenting Awhile back, I observed a man give a twenty-minute presentation at a formal event. He leaned one elbow on the podium, making occasional languid gestures, as he meandered his way through his points and finally closed....
How to Avoid an Emotional Hijacking “You’re just so damn calm!” the man yelled at me over the phone. “It’s like you don’t even care!” My jaw almost hit the floor. Me? Calm? TOO calm!? In the present circumstance, I was feeling a whirlpool of turbulent emotions....
3 Ways to Overcome Performance Anxiety You present yourself to others all the time. Every day, you say hello, answer questions, and tell stories. Most of the time, you do this without batting an eye. “Good morning. How is your day going? Can you believe this...
When to Avoid Giving Positive Feedback Most people like compliments, praise, and positive comments. Most of the time. But sometimes it’s exactly the opposite of what we want. Every year, my husband gets great performance reviews at work, and every year it makes him a...
