What is The Communication Lab?

And why might you want to visit?

Good questions! THIS Communication Lab provides a space to examine, dissect, study and discuss communication tactics, tools and strategies.

You know that we learn how to talk while in our diapers/nappies. Talking is casual, fun and breezy. It consists of speaking to share information, ideas or feelings. Talk, and its even more casual cousin, chatter, has limits when it comes to solving problems, navigating conflict and preserving relationships.

Communication brings more distinctions, gradations and subtleties. It can seem confusing and elusive. We usually recognize when a communication attempt falters or fails. Misunderstandings, bruised relationships, mistrust and even the dreadful silent treatment can follow.

We can also detect when communication succeeds because the message in the mind of the listener matches the message in the mind of the speaker. In fact, this constitutes communication even when there’s disagreement because speaking the language of communication leads to clarity. Learning this language requires desire, awareness and practice. This Lab exists to simplify the learning of this language and to remove much of the confusion about communication.

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Why you might want to visit this Lab

Perhaps to experience a fresh take on communication, to build confidence for speaking in public, to learn how to calmly manage conflict (and prevent it), to strategically use power, to learn about the myths and misconceptions that we (often unconsciously) hold about communication, to become a deeper listener - and more!

My family, friends, clients and students know that I’m fascinated (Obsessed? YES!) with everything about all the ways in which we communicate. Why wouldn’t I be? Can you think of anything that happens without some form of communication? It’s vital - yet its infinite potential for good often goes untapped.

We’ll also explore how we talk to ourselves. The genesis of our communication with others lies deep within our habits of thinking and our assumptions, anxieties and fears.

I love the way Substack encourages community

I’ve joked that when I would no longer be teaching in classrooms, I’d become a communication busker. I imagined that I’d sit in a rocking chair on the porch of my fav seaside coffee shop with a big poster propped near my tip jar. The poster would feature a menu of topics and funny stories for visitors to choose from.

I pictured myself eliciting a few chuckles from visitors and I’d answer their questions. My forever favorite is “What should I say when ….?”

So, that’s precisely the vibe I want to maintain in this Lab: constructive conversation, practical communication tips, some lighthearted humor and a pause in your busy day.

Photo by Bailey Kestner on Unsplash

What’s up Wiz?

More than 20 years ago a client dubbed me The Communication Wizard - and it stuck. I love it because I adore Merlin and The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and …. more on that another day.

I plan to publish (almost) every Wednesday/Thursday. Use this space (or social media) to get your questions answered. Everyone who gathers can share ideas and solutions for communication challenges.

Now that you know about THIS Communication Lab, you might still be wondering: What is THE Communication Lab?

It’s the entire universe! We’re fortunate that communication swirls, bubbles and flows nonstop, all around us. The music of communication and the lyrics are right there, available for our study. Begin to tune into nuances and details with both your eyes and your ears.

For next week’s Lab I’ve got two topic options for you. Let me know in the comments which you’d like to read first. Feel free to ask questions or share input.

1. Tips for keeping others’ defenses down to help ensure your message is received.

2. How to employ power more effectively in communication.

Here’s to making communication magic!

Gloria

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