So many of us--especially communicators--struggle to make the case when it counts.  Sure, you may have all the facts at your fingertips, and there's no doubt you feel strongly about your point of view. But when you get to the boardroom, the interview, or any meeting for that matter, are you in the conversation or on the sidelines? Are your contributions making an impact? Do you have a seat at the table?  Perhaps you're missing a key ingredient in your leadership cocktail: Influence. Join host Dan Nestle as he welcomes author, teacher, strategist, and recognized authority on influence in PR and Communications, Deirdre Breakenridge, back to the show to help us understand what influence means to our profession - and how we can cultivate this critical quality. Discover how Deirdre's FEEL model (Face your fears, Engage with empathy, live with Ethics, unleash the Love) has transformed into the Influential Communicator framework, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), authenticity, and ethical conduct in building trust and relationships. Deirdre shares practical insights on the critical skills needed to wield influence effectively, the challenges communicators face in adopting new technologies like AI, and the importance of maintaining core human skills amidst digital advancements. She and Dan talk about the potential for AI to support and augment our ability to influence and what that might mean for the future of work, especially in communications. As an example, she talks about Facial Impact Quotient (FIQ), her innovative AI tool that analyzes facial expressions to enhance communication effectiveness, and how it can be a game-changer for professionals seeking to improve their presentation skills. Whether you're a seasoned communicator or new to the field, this episode is relevant. It offers valuable lessons on enhancing your influence, building trust, and confidently navigating the future of communications. Tune in to understand how you can leverage your unique skills to lead--and influence--in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and Communications.   Listen In and Hear About.... The evolving role of communications professionals in the context of AI and technology, emphasizing the need for leadership in its adoption. The importance of influence over self-promotion, focusing on building trust and credibility within organizations. Introduction of the "Influential Communicator" model, highlighting its components of empathy, ethics, and effective communication. Challenges faced by communicators in adapting to new technologies and the significance of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and ethical conduct. The impact of technology, particularly AI and facial recognition, on communication, and the limitations of AI in interpreting emotional cues. Development of human skills to enhance relationships and influence, including the use of tools to understand emotional signals. Resources and training opportunities for developing emotional intelligence and influence skills, aligning personal priorities with organizational goals.   Notable Quotes "You can't have a relationship if you don't feel. If you're in PR and communications, the relationship is everything. How do you advance conversations?" — Deirdre Breckenridge [03:58 - 04:03] "Influence is your ability to move someone in the direction that you desire, an action that you'd like them to take, a way that they're going to participate with you." — Deirdre Breckenridge [13:27 - 13:34] "You're not going to influence many people if you don't have confidence in who you are or what you're doing. You have to be fully present, aligned, and believing." - Deirdre Breckenridge [00:16:52]  "Emotional intelligence plays a part of it, your authenticity. I also think your contribution score when you're speaking, how much value do you add?" — Deirdre Breckenridge [19:21 - 19:30] "Empathy is on different levels. And I think you have to break down the levels