393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations
It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to her to be direct and intentional.
393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations
It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to her to be direct and intentional.
Highlights
Be direct and honest with your words, don’t leave room for doubt or miscommunication.
Don’t leave a conversation completely up to one person. Communication goes both ways.
Being intentional in conversation, as well as understanding and compassionate.
Quotes
“I realized a lot of miscommunication and unintended injury happens when we’re passive in our language.”
“I also remembered a few people from my past who were especially difficult, insulting, and actually cruel in their communication with me. I thought about how I interacted with them – things I could have handled differently - for the purpose of learning, not regret, and thoughts about”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I encourage you to listen to last week’s short episode and then try using a less passive voice in your communication. What will you do differently so you can move past injury and grow into better, safer, more satisfying relationships?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation
Inevitably we will have to confront the reality of how certain comments, remarks, and individuals make us feel, especially when it is in a negative way. Unspoken expectations lead to resentment, and if we do not have the hard conversations and practice curiosity and active listening we not only do a disservice to them but to ourselves as well.
In this episode Sarah Elkins takes us on a hike with her dog Jocko, while teaching us the importance of mindfulness and intention in conversations, and how important it is we talk to and listen to people we want to maintain relationships with.
392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation
Inevitably we will have to confront the reality of how certain comments, remarks, and individuals make us feel, especially when it is in a negative way. Unspoken expectations lead to resentment, and if we do not have the hard conversations and practice curiosity and active listening we not only do a disservice to them but to ourselves as well.
In this episode Sarah Elkins takes us on a hike with her dog Jocko, while teaching us the importance of mindfulness and intention in conversations, and how important it is we talk to and listen to people we want to maintain relationships with.
Highlights
Sharing things we enjoy with others.
How do you approach conversations that involve or may lead to conflict?
Knowing when, where, and how to start the hard conversations. Be mindful of your audience.
Stay curious about someone’s intentions and remember to actively listen.
Quotes
“Passive versus more direct approaches in having conversations, particularly in times when we feel like there is going to be conflict or we’re addressing something that could create conflict.”
“Anyone who has ever been in a long term relationship knows that timing is everything.”
“It’s all about Practice.”
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
Episode 96: Public Relations is About Relationships
Jennifer McGinley had a dream to be an anchor on The Today Show. She got pretty close to where she wanted to be, and even had mentors to help her on her way. But something shifted, as they always do, and she has found her calling in public relations.
Jennifer celebrated two years of self-employment with her business, JLM Strategic Communications, in mid-October, and I wanted to hear some of her pivot points in those two years to learn more about her work and her inspiration.
Stories You Share Must Match Your Client and Career Goals
Jennifer McGinley, JLM Strategic Communications
Jennifer McGinley had a dream to be an anchor on The Today Show. She got pretty close to where she wanted to be, and even had mentors to help her on her way. But something shifted, as they always do, and she has found her calling in public relations.
Jennifer celebrated two years of self-employment with her business, JLM Strategic Communications, in mid-October, and I wanted to hear some of her pivot points in those two years to learn more about her work and her inspiration.
She has some great stories about how she got to where she is, and I loved her description of finding her value not in direct PR experience, but in all of her combined experience in a variety of roles that make her truly shine in her work.
One thing that stood out during our conversation was talking about people who under-share and over-share in their communications, particularly online. We agree that the most important part of sharing personal stories is knowing the audience you want to connect with, and being intentional about how and what personal stories to share, no matter where you share them. Which brings us to our other agreement: You can no longer separate your personal and professional lives, so it’s best to be intentional about how you want to be perceived - in every situation.
Jennifer and Sarah at #nlvdenver2018
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn, and be sure to follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for great PR tips and strategies. If you want to meet her in person, she’ll be hosting a speed session at the upcoming No Longer Virtual event in Chicago on March 21, 22, 2020.
Jennifer McGinley is the CEO of JLM Strategic Communications, founded in October 2017 and based in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Her company specializes in Media Relations, Community Outreach and Reputation Management.
As a public relations professional for over 25 years, Jennifer has built a reputation based on integrity, professionalism, attention to details and consistency. Prior to founding her company, Jennifer worked in the healthcare in the Philadelphia area before moving to Baltimore where she worked at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy in public affairs, development and alumni relations.
Jennifer is passionate about non-profits, small business, education, health care, mental health, fitness, nutrition, the arts, STEM and those who are changing their community for the better. Jennifer helps high level professionals and organizations amplify their brand and increase connections, visibility and credibility through strategic public relations campaigns. Listening is Jennifer’s superpower. She always tells her clients to just #BEYOU.