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.

don’t allow the process to supplant the goal

In a problem solving discussion, I always want to start at the beginning. It’s not uncommon for me to ask ...
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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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Pragmatic Communication