I've been scanning the internet for 2010 workplace predictions and it's got me thinking about how all these trends are going to change the way we communicate. It's my birthday - and I remember when you needed a carbon copier between two sheets of paper in a typewriter to make two copies of my television scripts. Since I'm going out on a limb with predictions I'll expect someone to haul these out next year and see whether I was right.

I have a love-hate relationship to conflict. I love it when things “work out,” but hate it when they don't. My fear of things not working out, of people's feelings getting hurt, or of me losing something important are usually high on my list of justifications for not saying certain things, not engaging in the conflict at all, or selling out on my deepest truth even in the midst of it.

I imagine most of us are aware of the story about a U.S. Congressman whose outburst during the President's speech caused quite a stir, for better or worse depending on which 'side' one is on. And yet all of us, me included, can no doubt remember times when we 'lost our cool', didn't stay centered, and let our reactions fly out of our mouths in ways that, in hindsight, we regretted.

Most of us don't think of ourselves as magicians, but in reality, each and every one is us is a magician. Everything within and around us is magical. Including me, including you. No kidding. Read on; you'll see what I mean.

Communication has always been a mastery path -- one of those areas where everyone thinks that they're 'a good communicator' and everyone else has communication issues. But if you're not experiencing relationships, interactions, manifestation, or marketing, etc., the way you'd like to be experiencing them, it's an indication that you have opportunities to refine your mastery in communication.

When I was growing up and my mother wanted to "point out the error of my ways", I remember that she often prefaced her no doubt well-intentioned words of advice with: "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Depending on how much I wanted to hear her "words of wisdom", especially if I disagreed with her or was embarrassed because I had been caught out in some way, I must have often looked away because the other phrase I remember was: "Don't you turn away when I'm speaking to you!" Why is it that, in our culture at least, we want people to look at us when we are making a point?

Have you noticed that there's often an “elephant in the room” and most of the time we don't acknowledge it. Like many people, I get scared to bring it up at times. However, when the elephant is brought up, by me or someone else, even if it's a little awkward or uncomfortable at first, it always feels better and creates a sense of peace, liberation, and authenticity for everyone involved.

Got stress? Anyone who says they don’t feel fearful sometimes in the face of this uncertain economy is in deep denial. One symptom, research shows, is that it is literally harder to hear when we’re stressed. That’s a signal to savvy, caring business owners to listen deeper and longer. Only then can we discover which problem keeps our customers awake nights. Solving that one is the thoughtful and successful way to sell.

A recent worldwide survey revealed that there are 6,800 languages and dialects spoken globally today. While I am often amazed how inaccurate communications can get, when you consider the number of languages spoken, it is somewhat amazing that we communicate at all.

How many times have you sat through a meeting and bit your tongue when a serious workplace issue was raised - only to engage in a much franker discussion about it with colleagues outside the room? Communication breakdown is a huge problem in the workplace. Call it the "moose on the table": Everyone knows this problem of lack of candour is there, but they don't want to deal with it, preferring to ignore it or pretend it doesn't exist.

The English language can be complex and confusing, creating communication nightmares and mountains of misunderstanding. But there is one simple word that can foster goodwill, help you delve deep into the psyche of people, and help you build significance, worth and value around any topic.

The word is 'And'. As simple, yet as complex as that; so let's take a look at the clout this word holds to help you be more compelling and convincing.

Internet searches for quotations about writing almost invariable turn of the thoughts of novelists, poets, playwrights, etc., as if fiction were the only category of writing of any consequence. I made such a search in order to put together this article. At first I was disappointed by the lopsided results, but on further reflection they turned out to be quite fortuitous.

Fostering a Culture of Deep Inquiry and Listening

The degree to which leaders and transformation-agents embody, communicate, foster, and require such skillfulness will define the degree of success the organization will have in meeting their greatest challenges, and aligning action with the vision and values of the organization. By leading into a culture of deep inquiry and skillful listening, leaders can strengthen the foundation from which all else stems.

I had a difficult experience this past week: I had to practice what I preach. I had to listen to someone share her criticisms, suggestions, and proposed new procedures for an organization I have been heavily involved with for the past five years. And here's the tough part, I had to force myself not to interrupt her. Every time Susan said something I disagreed with I had to struggle to control my knee-jerk reaction and say "But you don't understand...", "But we've tried that before", "But..."  I had to listen critically.

Clear communication is critical in life and in business. Use the wrong mode of communication and you can lose customers fast. Use the right mode of communication and build relationships that last.

In today's time-starved, relationship-diminished world, audiences:
Crave attention and connection with each other,
Want ready-to-use ideas,
AND still expect to be entertained.

These goals are often at odds when preparing a presentation that will make people rave about one's program long afterwards. Consequently, successful presenters need gut instincts-based behavioral insights into how to grab and hold their audiences attention.

The Best Kept Secret of Great Business Presentations

I was inundated with e-mails after digi-penning the article “Animotorize - Help Banish Boring Business Presentations.” Most agreed that the proliferation of really bad business presentations was an overbearing tax on the human mind and spirit. A few of the respondents challenged me to give them examples of what I thought were really good presentations. Not only will I provide ten examples, but also a book that I bet you’ve never heard of, that’ll help you nail any presentation.

Have you ever noticed that much of what we talk about with others isn't all that inspiring or positive? Even the most positive people I know will admit they spend more time than they’d like to admit talking about, listening to, or engaging in conversations about “bad stuff.” I challenge you to upgrade your conversations. Pay close attention to what you say. See if you can talk more about the good stuff, express your gratitude and appreciation for others and life, and look at what’s right more often than what’s wrong.

I was near death. Poisoned by an uber-ugly, overly long, boring PowerPoint presentation. Change is needed. Desperately. Something different. Please! Anything but the same old PowerPoint vomitoria. A nano-change ... even some baby steps would be welcome. On a quest to banish the boring from business presentations, I ventured out to try to find a new way to spruce up; to make presentations more interesting.