Category: Communication
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2026 is coming (and willpower isn’t the answer)
2026 is less than 100 days away. For some, that’s cause for celebration. (A clean slate! A chance to turn the page on political and social chaos!) For others—especially those with still-lingering 2025 resolutions—it might feel like a ticking clock of shame. Before you beat yourself up for not running a marathon or not chiming in…
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Reality Check: Office Life Is Calling
It’s the end of August, and you know what that means… reality is about to kick in. No more work by the pool for you! Return to office mandates are en vogue. It’s time to emerge from your basement cave and engage, in real life, with people.So, how do you handle team dynamics, in person…
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Dreading a tough conversation? Read this first.
Does conflict make you queasy? You’re not alone. Even after 20 years in the communication field, I still feel uneasy when I need to set boundaries, deliver bad news, or offer constructive feedback. Many of my clients feel the same. One leader I work with, let’s call him Jamie, recently wrestled with how to tell…
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Learn why people say yes, and how to weave that into your next pitch.
Whether you’re pitching investors or recommending a new idea to your team, influence is everything. The key ingredients include: If you haven’t heard of Robert Cialdini, prepare to have your mind blown. The Arizona-based psychologist published Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion in 1984, and it’s remained a go-to resource for anyone who wants to ethically sway decision-making.…
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Big Presentation? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide
Here at Forté Consulting, Bethany Hart and I have been spending quality time helping speakers prepare for everything from big-stage keynotes to small-stage virtual meetings. We’ve seen it all—from last-minute scramblers to those who fine-tune every moment like it’s a Taylor Swift Eras Tour performance. Here’s what we’ve learned… whether you’re an ultra-planner or a…
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Someone Throw Shade at Work? Try This.
Snarky comments aren’t new to the workplace. You’ve probably heard, “Oh great, another meeting that could’ve been an email,” more times than you can count. Even worse? Overhearing a colleague take jabs at your process, your ideas—or your leadership. So how do you handle sarcastic, or downright rude, remarks at work? Here are three ways to respond with…
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How to Handle Potentially Triggering Conversations
Have you ever needed to have a conversation that could trigger a strong reaction? Whether it’s delivering feedback at work or discussing a contentious topic with a friend, these situations can be challenging. Recently, I was asked for advice on this very issue. Take a look at these strategies I recommended for handling potentially triggering…
