There are infinite ways that we can reinforce our professional identity or personal brand. Here are 5 of the most direct and specific ways that you can reinforce your professional identity starting right now. Let’s start with the most direct: (1) your self introduction. There’s also (2) speaking up in meetings, (3) demonstrating thought leadership, (4) mentoring, teaching, and learning, and (5) being active and visible.      CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  *...

Gratitude is a communication skill that can build loyalty, serves as a catalyst to connect, and it releases endorphins! Andrea interviews The Currency of Gratitude author Michele Bailey, who shares insights on how to express gratitude in a professional context, how gratitude relates to brand ambassadors, how gratitude relates to reciprocity, whether expressing gratitude makes you sound weak, and some provocative thoughts about work-life balance.    RESOURCES * BOOK: The Currency Of...

Andrea coaches you on 5 quick fixes to boost your communication effectiveness: How to avoid upspeak, establish eye contact, focus on others, communicate with precision, and control your narrative. Where should you focus to get traction and improve your communication skills?   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  * Andrea –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/ * Talk about Talk – https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkabouttalk/ *...

Should I share my personal life at work? This is about boundaries and navigating your professional identity. Andrea shares 3 real risks to sharing your personal life at work, then 3 levels of benefits. The balance between sharing personal information and maintaining professional boundaries is delicate and can significantly affect workplace culture, individual well-being, and even your own career trajectory.   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  * Andrea – ...

GENEROUS communication: Are you a giver or a taker? Andrea shares evidence for why being generous can be an advantage plus 5 specific suggestions for how you can use generous communication at work.   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  * Andrea –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/ * Talk about Talk – https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkabouttalk/ * Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:...

Are you a giver or a taker? Andrea shares evidence for why being generous can be an advantage plus 5 specific suggestions for how you can be generous at work starting today.   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  * Andrea –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/ * Talk about Talk – https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkabouttalk/ * Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup Youtube...

Are you a powerful storyteller? Andrea interviews strategy and storytelling expert Rob Tait, who shares examples of and suggestions for great stories. These insights apply to stories from and about both product brands (marketing) and people brands (personal branding). NOTE: the accompanying free “Storytelling Tip Sheet” includes Rob’s 9-step process for creating compelling presentations and lots more to help you become a better storyteller.   Free “STORYTELLING TIP SHEET”:...

Are you a thought leader? Andrea interviews prolific thought leader Roger Martin, professor emeritus and past Dean of the Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto. Learn the distinction between private and public thought leadership, why you should consider your cadence in publishing, and three objective criteria to use when evaluating your brand promise, whether it’s for an advertising campaign or for your own personal brand.   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK *...

Is it ok to swear at work? Do you use profanity at work? Dr. Andrea Wojnicki shares the myths about profanity and highlights what the research says about the pros and cons of swearing at work.   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  * Andrea –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/ * Talk about Talk – https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkabouttalk/ * Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:...

Improve our self-awareness – Based on her research and coaching experiences, Andrea announces her personal goal for 2024: improving her self-awareness. Learn the distinction between consciousness, self-consciousness, and self-awareness. Andrea challenges listeners to diagnose their own internal and external self-awareness levels and commit to three specific goals for improvement in 2024, just like she did!   CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK * LinkedIn:  * Andrea – ...

Gift-giving is a symbolic form of communication. Are you a good gift-giver? Andrea shares research-based tips about what matters and what doesn’t, so you can think about gift-giving more rationally. Here’s a hint: We should worry less about how much money we spend. It’s typically the “low substance, high sentiment” gifts that are appreciated. It really is the thought that counts! CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:...

Let’s upgrade your resume! Executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin shares best practices in terms of resume format and content, plus common mistakes people make with their resume. Whether you’re looking for a new job or a board position, having an up-to-date resume that follows best practices can be a big advantage.   Link to free RESUME TIP SHEET from Sharon & Andrea: https://www.talkabouttalk.com/resume   Resources * Previous Talk About Talk Episodes with Sharon...

  Do you use AI to boost your communication effectiveness? Andrea shares her evolving perspective on AI, including whether using AI is “cheating,” practical ways to use AI to improve communication, and offers three “Dos” and three “Do Nots” for effective AI usage. Do you have more to add to the conversation? Let’s talk! Resources * Forbes October 2023 article on AI * Talk About Talk ep.15: AI with Avi Goldfarb * Talk About Talk ep. 129: Power with Tiziana Casciaro Connect with...

How can you articulate your strengths and accomplishments, without sounding arrogant? Andrea answers one of the most common questions she hears. First, avoid “I am humbled,” self-deprecation, or resorting to the humble brag. Instead, try these three key strategies: “Three Magic Words,” “Pivoting,” and “Own It.” Now you can share your strengths and accomplishments to reinforce your personal brand without sounding boastful or conceited. Resources Connect with Andrea & Talk About...

Controlling your narrative means purposefully reinforcing your positive and unique traits in a way that communicates your value. When it comes to your personal brand narrative, you can LET it happen or you can MAKE it happen. Andrea shares many inspiring examples of real-life success stories, actionable tips, and explores the consequences of neglecting your narrative. Intentionally controlling your narrative is like having the steering wheel of your career in your own hands. Resources *...

Is it time to update your headshot? What about other photos of you? Join Andrea in conversation with professional photographer Helen Tansey, as they talk LinkedIn headshots, how to get great photos of yourself, and how to integrate your personal brand into your headshot and other photos. Resources Connect with Helen Tansey – Sundari Photography * Website: https://www.sundariphotography.com/ * Mention “Andrea from Talk About Talk” and Helen will give you 2 bonus touch-ups when you book...

How do men and women’s communication styles vary? Explore the stereotypes of how men and women communicate, with research as a guide. Consider how much we talk, communication mindsets, our choice of words, vocal patterns, listening skills, non-verbal cues, and confidence. Andrea navigates the nuances, dismantles stereotypes, offers insights into the roots of imposter syndrome, and reveals how embracing these differences can foster more effective and diverse communication in various...

Personal Branding is important, yet it never seems urgent. Dr. Andrea Wojnicki shares 3 specific reasons why we should all take the time and effort to develop our personal brand, plus she shares a variety of resources to help you develop your personal brand: a new online course, podcast episodes, newsletter blogs, and more. Resources LEARN: Online Course * 5 Steps to Nail Your Personal Brand – reveal your superpowers, articulate your strengths, and introduce yourself with...

Speaking up in meetings is important, but not always easy.  Learn ten strategies to help you speak up. Consider what you do before the meeting, your mindset during the meeting, and your words! Resources Speaking Up Tip Sheet: * https://talkabouttalk.com/speakup Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk: Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk Youtube...

Do you communicate with IMPACT? Vice-Chair at Deloitte Jennifer Lee defines impact as the ability to get someone to take action. Learn 3 specific communication tactics to elevate your impact, plus insights about how respect, being curious, and establishing the value of each person in the room can increase your impact. Resources Jennifer T. Lee: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertlee/ Relevant Talk About Talk Episodes * STORYTELLING (ep.79) * The POWER OF 3...

  Introducing yourself shouldn’t be something you dread. Learn a 3-point self-introduction framework (not a script!) plus 4 general tips for introducing yourself effectively. Introducing yourself is a rare opportunity to highlight your personal brand!   Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk: Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk Youtube...

Communicating with precision improves comprehension, recall, persuasion, and likeability! Whether it’s verbal or written, clear and concise communication is appreciated by others. Learn three strategies you can employ to communicate with precision.   Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk: Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk Youtube...

Executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin shares her advice for job-seekers, including what to do first, what employers are looking for in job candidates, common mistakes, and (yes!) the significance of your personal brand when it comes to job searching. Resources Sharon Mah-Gin: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmahgin/ Executive Search Alliance – http://www.execsearchalliance.com/ Relevant Talk About Talk Episodes for Job Seekers * Online Networking with Sharon...

Body language has a significant effect on our communication. Here’s a 3-point body language scan to help you optimize how you are perceived and how you feel. Perhaps you’re not sure what to do with your hands? Or perhaps you catch yourself slouching and your mind is wandering. Think: “3-Point Body Language Scan!” Suddenly, you’re engaged, credible, and enthusiastic. Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk: Website: TalkAboutTalk.com Communication Coaching Newsletter:...