AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this fifth episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of pausing before you respond.

I share my perspective on how taking a moment to reflect can transform conflicts into growth opportunities and improve leadership effectiveness.

Practicing the skill of pausing before you respond to criticism, feedback, ideas you don't agree with, or disrespect is difficult but essential for effective leadership. Asking questions like "What could I be missing?" opens the door to growth, with empathy and curiosity being vital tools in your communication toolkit.

To learn more about my communication coaching, go to https://michaelashford.com.

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this fourth episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of staying present and observant.

I make the case for how being fully engaged in conversations can enhance communicative understanding and connection, which leads to better conversations and outcomes.

Remaining present and observant in the moment requires intentionality and focus with all that exists to distract you these days, but doing so is possible.

To learn more about my communication workshops and trainings for teams and groups, go to https://michaelashford.com/team-communication-training.

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this third episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of asking questions.

I emphasize what being a great question-asker can do for you in conversations, and I detail the importance of leading with curiosity rather than weaponizing questions.

I also walk through how using my ASK then SEE approach to communication can help you bring a more curious mindset to conversations.

Sign up for my newsletter at https://michaelashford.com/newsletter

Get your copy of my book, "Can I Ask a Question?" at https://michaelashford.com/can-i-ask-a-question-book

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this second episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of impromptu speaking, or speaking on the fly.

Despite what you might believe, the people who can confidently speak in front of a room or in front of others are not inately born with this ability. Just like other skills, communicating well — and in particular, speaking on the fly — is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. Rather than only speaking when you have your notes in front of you or shying away from the moments when you're called upon to speak or give your thoughts in an impromptu manner, follow the tips in this episode to release yourself of the pressure you might feel as a way to unlock this important communication skill. Sign up for my newsletter at https://michaelashford.com/newsletter

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this first episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of storytelling.

Storytelling enhances communication, fosters connections, and inspires change, and your ability to craft relatable stories helps create meaningful moments that resonate with audiences.

I cover the key elements of effective storytelling and discuss its relevance in both personal and professional contexts, highlighted by the reality that AI cannot replicate the human experience and connection that storytelling provides.

Do you think you are a good communicator?

I've observed ove the past year that most of us think we're great at communicating when, in reality, we struggle!

Because effective communication is not just about speaking your mind; it's about inspiring and connecting with others.

So many of us are stuck in the outdated communication styles we learned in our youth, and in this episode, I walk you through what it looks like to truly communicate well as we head into a new year.

Learn more about my communication coaching at https://michaelashford.com.

In this episode, I explore the nuance and complexity involved in trying to answer the question: Who should lead the way into difficult conversations?

What about in the face of moral exclusion? What about if the other party denies your humanity? What if you are the victim?

This episode was inspired by a recent LinkedIn post I made on which Brené Brown commented, and the whirwind that followed. You can view the post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaeldashford_i-deeply-want-to-ask-bren%C3%A9-brown-one-question-activity-7391892434491846656-99PB

In this conversation, Emily Kasriel — author of the book, "Deep Listening: Transform your relationships with family, friends, and foes" — discusses the concept of deep listening, emphasizing its transformative power and the courage it requires.

Emily has had a two-decades-long career at the BBC as an award-winning journalist, and she shares her journey from being a transactional listener to embracing deep listening, highlighting its effect on her personal relationships and professional environments.

Our discussion covers the importance of creating safe spaces for listening, the role of silence, and the challenges posed by power dynamics. Emily also details the outcomes of deep listening, including fostering connection and understanding in a polarized society, and the ethical considerations involved in listening.

You can learn more about Emily and her work at https://www.emilykasriel.com/.

To learn more about my speaking and leadership communication coaching, visit my website at https://michaelashford.com.

So much of conversation is about understanding context.

From determining which conversations and relationships are worth engaging in to understanding the alignment in values to solving conflict, if you don't pick up on the context, you might create problems.

As you'll hear from my guest in this episode, John Wang, culture also provides context clues, which he discusses in his new book, Big Asian Energy, and on his podcast.

Often, John explains, the most important context comes from conversations you have with yourself first before you seek to engage with and understand others. This can make all the difference in communicating across differences and divides.

You can order John's book at https://www.amazon.com/Big-Asian-Energy-Unapologetic-Leadership/dp/0593475437

Check out John's work at https://www.bigasianenergy.com/.

This episode's content comes from a webinar I delivered earlier this year titled, "You Want Me To Talk To Them? How To Communicate With People You Disagree With."

In this presentation, I walk through what we get wrong about conflict communication and how conversations get stuck. I also cover a new way to approach uncomfortable conversations, my ASK then SEE method, which can help us lower the temperature of heated discussions.

Looking for a presenter or keynote speaker at your next event? Learn more about my speaking at https://michaelashford.com/speaking.