Pragmatic Communication

rhetoric (rĕt’ər-ĭk) n. the art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.

I love words – reading, writing, speaking, listening and, most importantly, meaning and understanding. Words can edify and connect us, but if we’re not mindful when we use them, words can be a divisive weapon that separates us. Below is a compilation of thoughts, pet peeves, cool vocabulary words, suggestions and observations about how we communicate with each other in our personal and professional relationships.

pragmatic communication

thinking of self-confidence as understanding of yourself

"Thinking of confidence not as a character trait but as a clear-eyed understanding of yourself puts you on the road ...
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demonstrate your competence instead of announcing your credentials

I used to begin every training session or class I led by saying something like: "So, who is Julie Stiles ...
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doubt your assumptions. what’s the worst thing that could happen?

For as long as I can remember, I ask why. And the asking drives me to investigate. If I'm not ...
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Invite those who will be impacted by change to participate in creating it.

When you need to initiate change, I encourage you to strongly consider involving the people who will be impacted by ...
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replying to a comment? forfeit the smackdown and choose influence

A few months ago, I read a LinkedIn post by an HR professional who was conducting a video interview with ...
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discouraged in your job search? rest. but don’t give up.

Every once in a while, I spend a few hours reviewing all the current job postings listed by a growing ...
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you inspire me. no matter what.

you inspire me. yes, I mean YOU. If you are overcoming challenges, you inspire me to persevere. If you are ...
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We have more in common than not.

I believe we have more in common than not. It doesn't always seem that way at first or at the ...
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looking for a facebook alternative? My first impressions of mewe.com, parler.com and locals.com

Tired of facebook selling your time and attention as a product to their customers (advertisers)? Been censored, warned or suspended ...
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inflammatory language and echo chambers

#foodforthought (what my brain has been chewing on for a few days) I read a post written by an experienced ...
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#ShareaResource: chirpbooks.com
discounted audiobooks

Monday through Friday, I get a daily email from Chirp (chirpbooks.com) with the subject line: "Today's audiobook deals" and in ...
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no one can do everything
but everyone can do something.

You may have seen the following letter written by "This is Us" actor, Lonnie Chavis. These images are from his ...
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tension and paradox.
recognizing valid points on both sides of a complex issue.

When I agree with someone about a point they make, it does NOT follow that I agree with EVERYthing they ...
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Don’t forfeit your opportunities to influence others.
part 2: doxing and terminating are easy.

Saw a comment by an HR professional in which they condemned someone for posting a link to a story and ...
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Don’t forfeit your opportunities to influence others.
part 1: Dismissing alternative viewpoints doesn't strengthen your argument or your credibility.

Over and over, I see facebook posts by seemingly kind people instructing friends who [they perceive] believe differently than they ...
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Permission Marketing vs. Push Marketing
build a more effective email list.

Some unsolicited advice to anyone trying to reach potential clients or customers: INVITE ME to Join Your Mailing List, DON’T ...
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Our words and actions, whether online or IRL, reveal something of our true beliefs and character.

As often as I see it, I will never be desensitized to adult bullying. It surprises me every time. Especially ...
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To the marginalized and silent 99%: You have something of value to contribute.

I recently snatched up a $1 offer for access to a huge amount of content within an online writers group ...
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Fauci, the Surgeon General and the “lady” doctor who didn’t smile.

I saw something in a facebook comment yesterday that immediately and instinctively evoked what I'll conservatively refer to as a ...
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Stop Talking About What’s Wrong. TAKE ACTION to Help Make it Right.

Working toward positive change is a much more productive use of time and energy than complaining and/or trying to thwart ...
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Fine is a Four Letter Word.

Don't listen to condescending voices of marginalization and mediocrity. Voices that say you don’t have to work as hard as ...
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maybe they’re not GIVING you a hard time. maybe they’re HAVING a hard time.

The next time someone gives you a hard time, consider the possibility that it has NOTHING to do with you ...
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Sometimes, even when it’s not your fault, it’s still your problem.

Some will step up, take ownership and work toward a solution. Some will complain and search for someone to blame ...
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If You Want to Recognize Opportunity, Pay Attention.

Notice What Others Overlook and You’ll See Opportunities They Don’t. Seems simple. but you know as well as I do ...
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