Communication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard Ohrband

New Podcast Episode : How to Learn a Foreign Language—Scientifically Tired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what science really says abouteffective language learning. From input and interaction to noticing andmemory—learn how to tailor your approach based on proven psychological andlinguistic theories. Whether you're a beginner oradvanced learner, this episod...

In reality, few things in life are really black and white. However, as humans, we tend to judge in terms of dichotomies: good or bad, beautiful or ugly, success or failure. It is natural therefore to see ourselves as good or bad communicators. Of course, some of us are better, some are worse communicators. Nonetheless, what we forget is how much successful communication is situation-specific.

Every time we speak, we reveal more than we think. Behind even the most factual statement hides a glimpse of who we are—our emotions, values, and insecurities. In this short episode, discover what Friedemann Schulz von Thun calls the Self-Revelation side of every message—and how it shapes trust, misunderstandings, and connection. Are you revealing your truth or hiding behind a polished façade?

A double-bind is a situation with two options, both excludingeach other and both including a significant risk of making a mistake.   A boss tells an employee: “Be more autonomous. But alwayscoordinate with me first.” What should the employee do?

How often do youobserve? Please share your anecdotes.

What are the dangers of posturing as a perfect communicator?

Are you still communicatingjust one- or two-dimensionally?

How “reversable” doyou communicate?

The inconvenienttruths are: Most of us don’t learn new words systematically and on a dailybasis. And: We really need much less words than think we need. Found out why!

Even in a digitalworld, we will need to have some physical support for learning a language. What are the essentials?

At the beginning,many of us are insecure. Will I ever have success? Am I learning the correctway? Taking tests to obtain answers to those questions may actually be a verybad idea. Learn why!

Almost nobody hasenough time to learn a foreign language “thoroughly”. In this episode I willshow you how to make an audit of your daily language learning practice.

Many of us believewe need to accumulate many “general” words and expressions first, before we areallowed to start learning technical vocabulary and expressions.

I am guilty of thismyself. I enjoy playing the devil’s advocate. However, in group meetings it can have detrimentaleffects.

Being an altruisticspeaker doesn’t mean you need to give up on your positions. Find out more!

Which of thefollowing biases is relevant for you?

I don’t know enoughwords, is a typical complaint. The crucial question is, however: Which words?

Many of us never feelprepared enough to engage in a conversation.

How altruistic arewe really while speaking in a foreign language? Test yourself applying thefollowing criteria!

Are you stillwaiting for a permission to speak in a foreign language?

A good startingpoint is to get rid of lots of unchecked assumptions about how languagelearning should take place? Many of us have a long laundry list of everything weshould learn and practice. What do you think?

Especially in somecultures and with some persons: If you don’t understand correctly, it is your,the listener’s fault. What do you think?

We love often touse complicated expressions.   Not only in a foreign language: It is easy tospeak complicated, it is difficult to speak simple. To speak simple, you need to have clarity. Tohave clarity, you need to constantly reorganize your thoughts. Not verypopular. What do you think?

Empathy is the newhype. Everybody wants to be emphatic. But, how can we actually become moreemphatic while speaking a foreign language?

Not only in a foreign language: It is easy tospeak complicated, it is difficult to speak simple. To speak simple, you need to have clarity. Tohave clarity, you need to constantly reorganize your thoughts. Not verypopular. What do you think?