We might think we’re creating peace in our lives by withdrawing into our echo chambers and tribes of like-minded allies and distancing ourselves from those with whom we disagree — our enemies. But we all know, deep down in our core, that this peace isn’t real.

I had the pleasure of doing a podcast conversation with Michael Ashford recently. Please READ his book! I thought I knew a thing or two about the art of communication...his book is an eye 👀opener!

I joined Steve Leskovec, a former guest of mine, on his radio show to discuss effective #communication. We spent most of our conversation focused on how we can show up better in conflict. Listen at https://t.co/XPzsrzNJhQ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Is your offense your most prized possession?

Remove yourself from the argument-winning business and instead call on curiosity to be your guide. My book, "Can I Ask A Question?" is 50% off this week: https://t.co/XBqZHjQaWJ Filled with more than a dozen stories of people who committed to #curiosity over certainty.

Our ability to communicate through words is what makes us uniquely human. When you isolate yourself from those you disagree with, it removes this core element of the human experience. When that happens, it becomes easy to disregard others and believe them to be less than human.

One of the greatest communication lessons ever: Our push to insist other people listen to what we have to say is the very thing that makes us lose their attention in the first place. @CarlaJohnson said this to me in an interview years ago and I think about it at least once/week

Loved this conversation with Katie and Ace! Please do me a favor and take some time to listen today!

Thank you, Michael Ashford, for being a guest on our show! Follow Michael at @michaeldashford This episode drops on 9/9/24 at 1pm Eastern Hosted by @kt4tsps and @ace_doligosa Find out where to listen by visiting

Two things I believe are true: 1. polarization is our #1 issue. Can’t deal w any other issue well b/c of it. 2. Polarization is greatly exaggerated and manufactured. The study below has some new insights on the latter. Sadly, perception > reality, so #1 is still true despite #2.

To everyone seeing this who loves what’s being said but hesitates to share it because of who said it… I see you. I’m not judging you. Many times, I AM you. This is one of the areas where, in spaces like this at least, we need the most change, as quickly as possible. What if

Stop calling for civil war. Stop saying “civil war is coming.” Stop calling Trump “Hitler.” Stop calling the media “the enemy.” Stop calling Democrats or Republicans “the enemy.” Stop saying America is going to die if a particular American is elected. Stop blaming entire

This is what othering people and making enemies out of those we disagree with ALWAYS comes to — violence. Grateful that President Trump is not seriously injured, as everyone should be, no matter your politics. This must be a wake-up call. This cannot escalate further.

If your position on a topic relies on Fear, Outrage or Grievance for its advancement or success, you need to rethink your position on the topic.

What might you learn about communication if you spoke with thousands of strangers over the course of a decade? My guest on the latest episode of The Follow-Up Question, Rob Lawless, has some ideas. Listen at https://t.co/9NywBxEdQQ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Getting messages like this from my speaking coaching clients is the BEST!!!

In the latest episode of The Follow-Up Question, @Michael_McQueen and I discuss how people change and how often our attempts fail to take into account two of the most important factors in human belief and behavior: identity and dignity. https://t.co/1pf909T5LR

More conversations like this, please. Where emotions are welcomed and acknowledged, where tough questions are asked and given space for a response, and where experiences are validated.

BACK-TO-BACK SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!

TOUCHDOWN MECOLE HARDMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

BACK-TO-BACK LIKE IT'S A TRADITION‼️