communication

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October 3, 2020

How to Stand Out by Becoming a Highlighter Person

Most people spend their lives trying to stand out by talking louder, promoting themselves more aggressively, or drawing attention to their own accomplishments. Yet the people who make the biggest impact are often doing the opposite. They listen before speaking. They elevate other people. They amplify good ideas. They create clarity in noisy environments. Years ago, my wife shared a simple phrase that completely changed how I think about influence: "Be a highlighter in a room full of crayons." The idea is simple but powerful. While crayons constantly draw attention to themselves, highlighters draw attention to what matters. This article explores why highlighter people are so rare, why they stand out, and how becoming one can transform your relationships, leadership, and influence.

May 24, 2020

Why Some Stories Stay With You Long After You Finish Them

Why do some stories stay with us for years while others are forgotten almost immediately? Whether you're a reader, writer, content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, memorable storytelling matters. The stories we remember often shape how we think, feel, and act long after we encounter them. They become part of our experiences rather than simply content we consumed. As creators, understanding why certain stories leave lasting impressions can help us create stronger work. As readers, it helps us recognize what makes our favorite books, articles, speeches, and stories so powerful. The difference between forgettable content and memorable content often comes down to one thing: connection.

September 25, 2018

How to Build Public Speaking Confidence with Proven Strategies

Public speaking consistently ranks among people's most common fears. Whether you're giving a presentation at work, leading a meeting, delivering a toast, or speaking to a large audience, nervousness is normal. The good news is that confident speakers are not born confident. Public speaking confidence is built through preparation, repeated exposure, and learning how to manage fear rather than eliminate it. These proven strategies can help you become a more effective and confident speaker.

June 29, 2018

What Writing Can Actually Do for Your Thinking and Life

Writing is often viewed as a skill reserved for authors, journalists, and content creators. In reality, writing is one of the most powerful tools available for improving how we think, communicate, learn, and create. When thoughts remain in our heads, they often feel complete and coherent. Writing forces us to examine those thoughts more carefully. It exposes weaknesses in our reasoning, clarifies our ideas, and helps us communicate more effectively with others. Whether you write professionally, keep a journal, publish online, or simply take notes, writing can have a profound impact on both your thinking and your life. Here are five reasons writing remains one of the most valuable skills you can develop.

June 25, 2018

How to Communicate More Effectively

Whether you're leading a team, strengthening a relationship, writing an article, resolving a disagreement, or asking someone for a favor, your success often depends on your ability to communicate effectively. Unfortunately, many people think communication is simply speaking, writing, or presenting information. In reality, effective communication requires much more. It requires understanding your message, considering your audience, listening carefully, and knowing the outcome you hope to achieve. When communication breaks down, it is rarely because people lack words. More often, they fail to communicate with clarity, empathy, or intention. The good news is that communication is a skill that can be learned and improved. By understanding a few key principles, you can dramatically increase the likelihood that your message is understood, respected, and acted upon.