Communicate to Connect: Kathi’s Blog

Tips, techniques, and strategies to help you succeed and shine every time you communicate.

Superpowers (and Kryptonite) of Introverts

Superpowers (and Kryptonite) of Introverts

Are you an introvert? You might be if you: take your time to think things through before sharing your ideas aloud, are more reserved and calm than expressive and excitable, thrive in one-on-one conversations but hang back in big groups, andenjoy being with people, but...

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The Spotlight Effect

The Spotlight Effect

In social situations, do you ever feel like you’re in the spotlight? Some people love that sensation. The more introverted among us, however, rarely enjoy being the center of attention. We may even freeze up for fear of doing something embarrassing while everyone is...

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Holiday Party 101: No More “Bah, Humbug”

Holiday Party 101: No More “Bah, Humbug”

Does the thought of attending your office holiday party fill you with festive glee? Or, like so many of us introverts, would you rather get a lump of coal than go to the work shindig? If you find yourself in the “bah, humbug” camp when it comes to office holiday...

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How to Talk Politics with the Other Side

How to Talk Politics with the Other Side

You’ve probably had something like this happen to you: a friend, co-worker, or family member begins talking politics. You quickly realize that your views or opinions are squarely on the opposite side of the issue. What do you do? I think you have a couple of options:...

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Be Curious and Build a Better Relationship

Be Curious and Build a Better Relationship

When you want to build a relationship with someone, be curious about them. Focus the conversation on them. Ask them questions. Shine a friendly spotlight their way. Then, share some of your related experiences and ideas without dominating the discussion – and watch...

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The Eyes Have It: Making Eye Contact

The Eyes Have It: Making Eye Contact

The man who worked at the hotel was saying nice things – "It’s been great getting to know you and your family, I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here, my team and I wish you all the best." He was smiling. His tone was pleasant. His body language was open. So why didn’t...

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Getting on the Same Page: Avoiding Conversational Confusion

Getting on the Same Page: Avoiding Conversational Confusion

Have you ever found yourself arguing with someone over something you thought was completely obvious? I have. Maybe there was confusion because we weren't actually talking about the same thing. I was working with Gary on a joint presentation for a large audience. Gary...

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A Kindness Revolution

A Kindness Revolution

“Mom, what does ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me’ mean?” my seven-year-old daughter asked recently. “Don’t mess this up, Kathi!” I thought, eager to take this opportunity to offer her a Major Life Lesson about self-esteem and...

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Say “Yes, and”

Say “Yes, and”

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending disagreement with someone? You want to move forward. You want to make progress. You want to make a decision that works for you both. And yet, you feel like you’re on opposite sides and going nowhere fast. Maybe “Yes, and”...

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How Do You Have a Difficult Conversation?

How Do You Have a Difficult Conversation?

Sometimes, we need to say things that are hard. Challenging. Likely to upset the other person. Tough to admit, or articulate, or accept. As hard as having that talk might be, though, you know that not saying anything will just make the situation worse. So you take the...

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Presenting? Be Present.

Presenting? Be Present.

Preparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present. Ask anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next. This panic-inducing phenomenon can...

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