Communicast: A Communication Skills Podcast

Get out of the echo chamber. Solid leadership advice from my guest, Matthew Krayton. Matthew is the founder of Publitics, a public affairs, politics, PR, and strategy consultancy. In this episode, we discuss the importance of patience in communication, why empathy matters, and how the combination of the two will help you to avoid appearing tone deaf.  I hope you enjoy.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrayton/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.comKey Moments:The importance of authenticity in communication [00:09:23]Discussion on how great communicators understand their strengths and deliver messages authentically.The role of empathy in effective communication [00:11:32]Exploration of how leaders tap into people's emotions and channel empathy in their communication.Being true to oneself in communication [00:12:14]Importance of understanding and embracing one's natural communication style to maintain authenticity and credibility.The lack of empathy in workplaces [00:18:54]Discussion on the lack of empathy and tone deafness in workplaces, and the importance of making employees feel included.Leaders surrounding themselves with like-minded people [00:19:53]Exploration of how leaders may create an echo chamber by surrounding themselves with people who think similarly, hindering effective communication.The power of sharing struggles and being transparent [00:24:18]Importance of sharing personal struggles and being transparent as a leader to foster empathy and create a culture where team members feel comfortable seeking help.The importance of open communication [00:27:55]Discussion about the negative impact of shutting down conversations with employees and the benefits of openly discussing struggles and learning processes.Managing teams and making decisions [00:28:53]Exploration of the challenges of managing teams and making decisions in the campaign space, emphasizing that being in charge doesn't mean excluding others from the decision-making process.Patience and conflict resolution [00:30:18]Highlighting the communication skills of patience and conflict resolution, and the importance of observing situations, understanding motivations, and treating conflicts as negotiations.The importance of emotional journey in sales pitches [00:37:40]Discussion on how sales pitches that evoke emotions and take listeners on a roller coaster journey are effective.The undervalued importance of communication skills [00:38:50]Emphasis on the lack of emphasis on communication skills in educational experiences and the misconception that other skills are more important.The significance of being observant and present in communication [00:40:19]Advice on the importance of being observant, noticing feedback, and understanding how people are reacting in order to improve communication skills. 

Practice. Practice. Practice. That is the advice from my guest, Kelly Ann Doherty. Kelly Ann is the Chief Administrative Officer for Mr. Cooper where she has responsibility for HR, Corporate Communications, Brand Marketing, DEI, and much more. In this episode we discuss why you need to communicate via multiple channels multiple times, the importance of authenticity, and how practice will transform your skills. I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Kelly Ann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-doherty/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com Key Points:Kellyanne's career journey and passion for communication [00:01:04]Kellyanne shares her career journey and how her passion for communication started from a young age. The key attributes of a great communicator [00:06:02]Kellyanne discusses the importance of knowing your audience, using the right communication modalities, and making an impact with your words. The concept of campaigns for communications [00:09:37]Using multiple channels and repetition to effectively communicate messages to team members. The importance of authenticity in storytelling [00:10:53]Stripping away formality and connecting with individuals through informal and authentic communication. Experimentation and adapting to changing communication trends [00:12:09]Being willing to try new communication methods, such as videos and viral content, to reach employees effectively. The importance of tailoring communication [00:19:28]Understanding the audience and tailoring communication to their needs and preferences. The value of practice in communication [00:20:29]The benefits of practicing conversations and presentations to improve communication skills. The impact of passion and authenticity in communication [00:24:42]The role of passion and authenticity in building trust and inspiring others in communication. Ginger Heritage and the Importance of Storytelling in Employee Communications [00:29:11]Ginger Heritage's emphasis on storytelling in employee communications and the importance of asking team members about their culture needs. The Impact of a First Boss on Career Growth [00:30:45]The profound impact of a first boss on career trajectory and the importance of a good people leader. Advice on Developing Communication Skills: Practice and Listening [00:34:23]The significance of practicing communication skills and the importance of listening in effective communication.

Intelligence opens doors, but it is your communication skills that enable you to walk through them. My guest, Jorge Camacho, taught high school Honors and AP Chemistry for 25 years before starting his own company, Virtually There Teaching, where he develops engaging videos and lessons to help turn Chemistry from a GPA killer to a class rank booster. In this episode we discuss the importance of meeting your audience where they are at, developing self-awareness, and how technology has changed the way we communicate.  I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Jorge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-camacho-4a4227245/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.comKey Points:The importance of effective communication [00:00:55] Jorge discusses the importance of effective communication in teaching and how it can make or break the learning experience.Developing self-awareness [00:06:52] Jorge talks about the need for teachers to be self-aware and willing to adapt their teaching methods if their message is not resonating with the students.Working through resistance and finding resolution [00:06:05] Jorge emphasizes the importance of being able to work through resistance and find resolution in order to be an effective communicator, especially when dealing with challenging topics or situations.The importance of effective communication [00:10:28] Exploring the significance of relatable content and navigating conflicts in communication.Steps to move through conflicts [00:11:29] Four steps to handle conflicts and frustrations in communication: asking for permission, active listening, validation, and empathy.Skills needed in the workplace [00:18:45] Discussion on the essential communication skills for the future workforce and hiring considerations.The impact of technology on communication [00:20:02] Discussion on how the advent of the iPhone in 2005-2006 changed communication and led to a loss of personal connection.The importance of interpersonal communication skills [00:21:08] Emphasis on the need for effective communication skills, such as asking direct questions and engaging in person-to-person conversations.The need for adaptability in communication [00:22:30] Highlighting the importance of being able to shift and adapt in communication, especially in interpersonal interactions, and the lack of this skill in the incoming workforce.The importance of effective communication [00:30:39] Jorge discusses the importance of effective communication and how personal development work and influential figures like Tony Robbins have shaped his communication style.Adapting communication style [00:32:55] Scott and Jorge talk about the fear of adapting communication style and the importance of focusing on amplifying the message rather than one's image or personality.The role of communication skills in success [00:34:11] Jorge emphasizes the role of communication skills in success, particularly in the information age, where being able to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with others opens doors to more opportunities. 

Brand is built from the inside out. So, if you want a strong brand, focus on internal communication first. My guest, Pam Nemec, is the Founder and CEO of InsideOut, where she helps executives build leadership and communication systems. In this episode we chat about the importance of focusing not only on what you say, but also how, when and when. We discuss how to identify the various layers of your audience and why you should strive for reasonable. I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamnemecculturecoach/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqeKey Moments: The importance of communication in all aspects of life [00:00:22]Discussion on how communication impacts every aspect of life, whether at home or at work. Building a brand and culture through communication [00:02:42]Exploration of how communication plays a role in building a brand and culture within an organization. Creating processes and systems to support a strong culture [00:08:47]Importance of building systems and processes to create and maintain a strong organizational culture. Developing Trust and Relationships [00:12:17]Building trust and relationships is crucial for effective communication, especially when delivering difficult or controversial messages. Transitioning from Transactional to Consultative Communication [00:15:35]Over time, communication professionals should aim to become trusted partners and consultants, offering valuable insights and perspectives. The Importance of Patience in Communication [00:19:34]Having patience and taking the time to understand the whole situation before communicating can lead to stronger and better-received messages. The concept of communicating to multiple audiences [00:21:25]Importance of considering different perspectives and tailoring messages to various audiences for effective communication. The importance of speaking up and sharing opinions [00:23:58]The value of being honest, trustworthy, and willing to speak up in challenging situations for personal and professional growth. Influential leaders who shaped communication style [00:27:17]The impact of leaders who valued and respected the opinions of all employees, leveling the playing field and building relationships for better decision-making. The importance of inclusive leadership [00:31:17]Scott and Pam discuss the importance of leaders being inclusive and valuing the opinions of all members of the organization. The role of processes and systems in collaboration [00:32:32]Pam emphasizes the need for processes and systems to facilitate collaboration and decision-making in larger organizations. The significance of communication skills for career success [00:35:05]Pam highlights the critical role of communication skills in propelling one's career and building a brand's culture within and outside the organization.

Remove your assumptions. Otherwise, you are just going throughout your day guessing. Sage advice from my guest, Heather Younger. Heather is a TEDx Keynote Speaker, Author, and the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix. In this episode, we discuss the importance of closing the communication loop, how to balance action with curiosity, and building positive employee experiences.  I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheryounger► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqeKey Moments: The importance of closing the communication loop [00:08:21]Companies often fail to include enough people in decision-making processes and neglect to communicate the actions taken based on feedback. Balancing action with curiosity [00:06:21]Managing the tendency to jump into action by slowing down, asking questions, and gaining a holistic view before taking action. Building positive employee experiences [00:01:14]Creating an employee engagement council to improve culture during a merger and addressing blind spots in leadership to drive a positive employee experience. The importance of closing the loop [00:09:16]Closing the loop on feedback and communication leads to better engagement, productivity, and loyalty. Key communication skills for success [00:11:15]Removing assumptions, asking open-ended questions, and providing context are critical communication skills. Being present in communication [00:16:39]Having presence and being fully present in communication makes people feel valued and cared for. Creating Safe Spaces for Communication [00:20:14]The importance of creating safe spaces for open communication at home and work. Being Present and Responsive [00:22:31]The significance of being present and responsive to others' needs in order to stand out in various professional spaces. Asking the Right Questions [00:24:39]The value of asking the right questions during interviews to anticipate concerns and overcome objections on the spot. The importance of asking "what else should I know?" [00:27:04]Asking this question at the end of a conversation can lead to valuable insights and information. Contacting Heather Younger on LinkedIn [00:27:44]Heather suggests connecting with her on LinkedIn as a way to stay in touch and access her content. The importance of removing assumptions and asking questions [00:28:17]Heather's advice on removing assumptions and asking questions to improve communication skills.

What does a 340 pound NFL lineman and a 7 year old have in common? When communicating with either of them, you better focus on the “why”.  In this episode I am joined by 7-time All American and University of South Carolina Hall of Fame Swimmer, Jennifer Brunelli. Jennifer is a Registered Dietician and Founder of Sports RDpro where she has worked with the Carolina Panthers, Roush Fenway Racing, and athletes of all shapes and sizes to ensure they are fueled for success.  I hope you enjoy.  Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-brunelli-ms-rd-ldn-0735929/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe

Do you suffer from calendar clutter? Is clutter causing tension at home?  My guest Laurie, Palau, is the founder of Simply B Organized, a lifestyle service designed to help you live simply and work smarter.  In this episode we talk about how communication skills are a key driver for reducing clutter in all aspects of your life, the importance of goals, and why you need to be specific in your communication.  I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Lauri Palau on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplyborganized► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe 

Listen with empathy and practice conversational intelligence. Sound advice from my guest Dr. Aaron Bishop. Dr. Bishop is a multifaceted transformational leader with experience in education, politics, philanthropy, and is the author of For Such a Time as This.  In this episode we talk about the power of stories, empathy, and how to develop main character energy.  I hope you enjoy. Key Points: Power of Stories [00:02:39] Dr. Bishop discusses the impact of words and stories on his life and the importance of conversational intelligence.Conversational Intelligence [00:04:26] Dr. Bishop explains the concept of conversational intelligence and its role in effective communication and leadership.Listening with Empathy [00:10:05] Dr. Bishop emphasizes the power of listening with empathy and aligning oneself as a solution provider in leadership and communication.Empathy and Truth [00:11:54] Dr. Bishop discusses the importance of empathy in a world filled with real information and disinformation, and how it allows people to safely state their opinions and build together.Communication and Leadership [00:14:43] The speakers emphasize the importance of empathy and communication skills in leadership, including the need for regular, open, and honest conversations to prevent negative assumptions and drive towards common goals.Storytelling and Personability [00:19:29] Dr. Bishop shares his communication skills of storytelling and being personable, highlighting the power of engaging people through stories and building trust with best intentions.Title [00:24:13] Importance of being personable and finding what works best for effective communication.Title [00:25:14] Building bridges in conversation through open-ended questions and active listening.Title [00:28:26] The significance of association and connecting dots in conversation to build relationships and gain trust.Reading for Communication Skills [00:34:53] Reading improves communication skills by providing credible information, improving grammar and writing skills, storytelling skills, and vocabulary.Advice on Communication Skills [00:35:56] Dr. Bishop gives advice on the importance of communication skills and their impact on one's life.Finding Your Voice and Restoring Balance [00:36:19] Dr. Bishop emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice, building a toolbox of communication skills, and maintaining a balance between development and reflection.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Dr. Bishop on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aaron-bishop-04453112/► Learn more about Dr. Bishop’s work: https://www.bishopspeaks.com► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe

Make every word count and aim for progress not perfection. According to this episode’s guest, those are two great ways to become an effective communicator.  Joining me is Alejandro Cornejo. Alejandro is a Learning and Organizational Development Consultant who eats, drinks, and sleeps development.  In this episode, we talk about how to become a better listener, the importance of asking pertinent questions, and how words are like a chainsaw.  I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Alejandro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandroecornejo/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe 

Focus on your audience and use stories. That is the key advice from my guest, Rob Lauber. Rob is a career learning and development executive for brands such as McDonald’s, YUM!, and Cingular Wireless. He is also the Founder and CEO of XLO Global where he helps learning teams drive more business value. In this episode we talk about the importance of focusing on your audience, how to use stories to convey your message, and being confident that you don’t know something. I hope you enjoy. Key Points:Importance of Focusing on the Audience [00:01:01] Rob Lauber talks about his 30-year career in learning and development, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the audience and understanding their sentiment.The Power of Storytelling [00:03:43] Rob Lauber and Scott D'Amico discuss the importance of storytelling in communication, and how it can help connect with the audience and convey complex ideas.Using Examples to Connect with the Audience [00:06:00] Scott D'Amico and Rob Lauber discuss how using examples and simple stories can help connect with the audience and convey complex ideas in a relatable way.Importance of relatability in storytelling [00:07:24] Rob and Scott discuss the importance of relatability in storytelling and how it can help connect with the audience.Soft skills in the workplace [00:08:12] Rob shares his insights on the importance of soft skills in the workplace, particularly in the digital communication space.Impact of video in business communication [00:11:54] Scott and Rob discuss the acceleration of people being willing to do business without having met face-to-face, and the impact of video in business communication.Importance of Audience Understanding [00:14:25] The speakers discuss the importance of understanding the audience when communicating, especially in a multi-generational workforce, and how to anticipate pushback.Providing Context during Times of Change [00:15:52] The speakers emphasize the importance of providing context during times of change to avoid lost productivity and uncertainty.Direct Communication and Confidence [00:18:48] The speakers discuss the importance of being concise and direct in communication, as well as being confident in admitting when one does not know something.Leadership and Communication [00:21:45] Scott and Rob discuss the importance of leaders being willing to admit when they don't know something and the benefits of creating a culture where team members can learn from each other.Learning from Communication Experts [00:23:55] Rob shares how he has learned from communication experts throughout his career, and the importance of seeking feedback from them to improve communication skills.Reading for Communication Improvement [00:27:56] Scott and Rob emphasize the importance of reading to improve communication skills, whether it's reading internal company messaging or press releases from other companies.Importance of Face-to-Face and Verbal Communications [00:28:56] Rob Lauber discusses the importance of face-to-face and verbal communications, especially for those coming out of school, and how it is a skill that needs to be honed to be an effective communicator.Adapting to Digital Communication [00:29:47] Rob Lauber talks about the challenge of adapting to digital communication and how it is important to build skills in blogging, writing good posts, and leveraging communication channels like LinkedIn to build customers.Encouraging Face-to-Face Communication [00:31:53] Scott D'Amico and Rob Lauber discuss the importance of face-to-face communication and how it is a skill that needs to be practiced, especially for kids who are often buried in their phones. They encourage taking opportunities to communicate face-to-face with people in higher positions to build communication skills.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lauber/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe