Sometimes you need to interrupt. Here’s how to do so with confidence and respect.
In general… don’t interrupt. In one-on-one conversations and group settings, listen attentively and take turns talking. Don’t monopolize conversations, speak over others, or impatiently finish their sentences.
Sometimes, though, you do need to interrupt — the key word being “need.” Interrupting is appropriate and even helpful in certain circumstances, especially when done respectfully. For example, please do interrupt in these cases:
To Correct an Error
Don’t go around correcting everyone on every little thing. That’s super annoying! (At least, that’s what friends tell me when I correct their grammar, ha.)…
Yes, lead by example! But there are times when your example is not enough…
One thing I’ve learned as a presenter, teacher, business owner, and parent is that being a good example doesn’t make you a good leader.
Don’t get me wrong: Being a good example is necessary. Vital, in fact. Human beings (including very young ones) are quick to notice incongruity. If there’s a discrepancy between what you say and what you do, they go with what you do. “I know you said to do XYZ… but you don’t do it yourself!” …
What does your presence say about you? Or… do you even have “presence”? What do people mean by “presence,” anyway?
Your presence is simply how you show up nonverbally to others — how you present yourself.
You do actually have to present yourself to have Presence. I sent someone a “friend” request on Facebook awhile back and he jokingly told me, “I’m a Facebook stalker. I never like or comment on anything, but I see the posts.” He has no social media “presence” because you don’t know he’s there. You have to let yourself be seen and known to have…
Modesty is not humility. So, stop already. Here’s how to practice true humility and find confidence.
Maya Angelou once said,
“I have no patience with modesty. Modesty is a learned adaptation. You don’t want modesty. You want humility. Humility comes from the inside out.”
You can spot fake humility, sometimes known as “modesty,” a mile away. Modesty, like “being nice,” is an act people adopt in order to influence the opinions of others. …
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchill
I will add: Wisdom is knowing when to do each.
Most people err to one side or the other. Some speak out easily, often, and authoritatively. Their voices are heard and they can change the world. Others, listen closely and carefully, enveloping others with their presence. They can change lives. If you are gifted with the boldness to speak out or the empathy to listen wholeheartedly, use those gifts!
Yet don’t turn your gifts into an excuse…
Nothing adds life to your conversations, presentations, and relationships like laughter. But humor can backfire. Here’s what to do and what to avoid.
Once, when I was about 13, I was trapped in the crossfire between my arguing parents. We were driving; I was in the front seat between them when the shouting started. I tried to shrink myself deeper and deeper into the seat cushions as their yelling got louder and more intense over my head. Soon, it turned into personal insults. My dad yelled “Bitch!” …
Bad habits can inhibit your ability to communicate confidence and presence. Here are five things to stop doing.
What are your nonverbal habits? Do you know?
Often with habits, you don’t even realize you’re doing them. They’re automatic and almost involuntary. You do them unconsciously because they make you feel better. Sometimes that’s good, like brushing your teeth to make your mouth feel clean. But sometimes the things you do to “feel better” aren’t actually good for you: picking your nails, lighting another cigarette, mindlessly scrolling social media. …
How to have more stability, connection, and vitality in 2021 regardless of what happens around you.
I typically look forward to the start of a new year. I love the sense of renewal. And after the holidays, I’m refreshed from the break and eager to plunge back into a routine.
Facing this upcoming year feels a bit different. <insert nervous laugh> I’m not sure what to expect and I feel a little gun shy about making goals and plans. Based on what I’m hearing from others, I know I’m not the only one who is hoping for better things in…
These behaviors are easy to fall into, especially when faced with fear, doubt, and loss. However, they amplify pain. Leave them behind to experience more peace and power in the upcoming year.
2020 is a year for the record books! Everyone experienced it differently. For some, it was a great year full of opportunities. For others, it was a year of loss upon loss. I’m somewhere in the middle. I experienced opportunity, joy, and many reasons for gratitude this year. I also experienced loss and grief.
As I look back over what I’ve learned and gained and lost and experienced…
As I reflect upon the past year, I see how valuable and grounding these seven practices can be (when I actually do them).
Do you ever feel like you have to learn the same lessons over and over?
Yeah, me too. That’s life. Head knowledge isn’t expertise. Understanding isn’t skill. Information doesn’t automatically translate to experience, wisdom, or a life well lived. You have to actually Do The Things. You practice, make mistakes, forget, start again, and each time the knowledge becomes less in your head and more in your heart, your gut, your very bones. …
Rachel Beohm
Exploring relationship skills, communication (especially nonverbal), and how to live a full life. Promoter of kindness, gratitude, and joy.
