Margaret’s Persuasion Coach Blog
Thanksgiving Tidbits
Where is the thanks in thanksgiving for you? Many people offer thanks for the good things in their lives to some higher power. Many pay it forward by making donations of money or time to charities that help people who do not enjoy our advantages. I certainly try to do...
Another Sneak Peek —Discussing Interests
I’m so encouraged by the interest people are showing in my book in progress Women Can Renew the World IF…and So Can You. I previously posted a sneak preview excerpt to my blog, and got favorable reactions. So here’s another sneak peek for you. This is one of the exercises at the ends of chapters. It features one of my favorite books/movies, The Lord of the Rings–The Two Towers.
Lessons from My Spooky Christmas Story
Last time I posted a little story I wrote for a contest and asked you all if you could see any communication skills lessons in it. “Jody” wrote that she would have liked me to have Mom and Iris to look into why Dad was so negative and grumpy. That was a good insight because “Why?” is our first magic question for uncovering the interests and concerns driving a person’s behavior and positions. These insights show us how to appeal to them, and thus, build consensus. Unfortunately, the contest requires…
Find the Communication Lessons in my Spooky Xmas Story
I have written “Crinkle, Crumple, Crinkle” for a contest on spooky Christmas Stories sponsored by Women In Visual and Literary Arts (WIVLA). Like all my stories, this one provides communication skills lessons. Read it below. Then, try figure out what Iris did well and her dad could have done better in terms of communication skills.
When You Don’t Know What to Say
My upcoming book, Women Can Renew the World If… and So Can You is peppered with How To’s, tips and exercises for engaging in productive discussions. Here’s a sneak peek of a How To about what to do when you don’t know what to say.
Lift Your Spirits
There are so many serious things on my mind these days. I want to share something that lifts my spirits at the beginning of every week.
A Life Resource, a Special Mail Carrier & My Book Progress
Read about Jessica Coleman’s “Write Your Life”; a mail carrier who went out of his way to be kind; a progress report on my own book-in-progress; and how I would like your feedback on the title.
Best COVID News I’ve Heard in Months
I'm sure many of you read this title and felt like saying, "Really, Margaret, you think there's good news about COVID now? Cases are spiking again, and at least 90% of them are the more contagious Delta variant. It was only yesterday that the CDC advised vaccinated...
Preview of My New Book
Good news--I've been making great headway on my new book and am very close to having a complete draft to send out for critique and editing. The book deals with productive discussions of sensitive issues such as sexual harassment, implicit bias, COVID19 vaccines, or...
Take and Give Time to Think
Last week, I delivered my presentation on “Communication Tips for Project Managers” for the San Diego chapter of PMI. It was the most fun I’ve ever had giving any such presentation. Read a few quick tips I gave them and how they relate to a delicious meal.