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.