Just Saying - The BRIEF Lab

It’s easy to make fun of PowerPoint. Since its release more than 30 years ago, has this communication tool become as powerless as people say? Extra Resources: https://thebrieflab.com/resources/   The post Episode 148 – Is PowerPoint really to blame? appeared first on Just Saying .

The new normal will certainly set novel expectations for us all. And working in a remote environment will be one of them with its own rules.   The post Episode 147 – New rules in a remote world appeared first on Just Saying .

Many people readily admit they are not strong writers. I dish out a few thoughts to help them take some small steps forward. The post Episode 146 – Terrible writers need some help appeared first on Just Saying .

Everyone is human, but why are we so reluctant to admit mistakes? Authentic leaders can take the blame, when others run for cover.   The post Episode 145 – Admitting we were wrong appeared first on Just Saying .

I’ve observed four fatal flaws in thinking that always make it hard for people to follow what you’re saying. The post Episode 144 – Four false assumptions to avoid appeared first on Just Saying .

We are all using the term “virtual” these days but it can be terribly misleading. What are we really trying to say? The post Episode 143 – Defining what “virtual” really means now appeared first on Just Saying .

18 years ago, I was a tech marketer that developed (oddly enough) a sub-specialty in video teleconferencing (VTC) and its role in the SARS pandemic. Today, I marvel at what’s possible for all of us. The post Episode 142 – VTC’s and me: seeing is believing appeared first on Just Saying .

There’s a temptation to trim too much and leave your audience starving. How do you know if you’ve gone too far? The post Episode 141 – That was too brief appeared first on Just Saying .

Listening is always valuable, especially when times get tough. I have paired two past episodes that help you improve this cherished skill. The post Episode 140 – Best of: Why is listening so hard & Asking better questions appeared first on Just Saying .

What are the core characteristics that really effective communicators all share in common? The post Episode 139 – The essential qualities of great communicators appeared first on Just Saying .

The current crisis will teach us many lessons, one of which is the need to stop our frantic movement. What will we learn from this surreal moment in history? The post Episode 138 – Forcing the world to pause appeared first on Just Saying .

When distractions, disruptions and competing priorities charge into our daily lives, how can we use this little word as a powerful defense? The post Episode 137 – Saying no, not now appeared first on Just Saying .

In a way, we are now being forced to be together. I have paired two past episodes that addresses the pressing need for personal connections. Episodes referenced in this weekend’s podcast are: Episode 34: The minister for loneliness – https://podcast.thebrieflab.com/episode-34-the-minister-for-loneliness/ Episode 59: It takes a hurricane to get people to talk- https://podcast.thebrieflab.com/...

Focusing on what unites, not divides us isn’t just a political issue, but one that many leaders need to address. The post Episode 135 – Unified messaging that heals fracture and division appeared first on Just Saying .

As we all face such difficult times, it’s important for us to manage noise even more intentionally. To help you do this, we will now release a “Best of” episode every weekend. These special pairings will draw from the highlights of our previous episodes. Episodes referenced in this weekend’s podcast are: Episode 115: Noise filters: media consumption – https://podcast.thebrieflab.com/episode-...

When a crisis heats up, it’s easy for information to get amplified into deafening noise. What are a few things to lower the volume? Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KvNt5NG-GM Podcast Episodes to go back to: Episode 49 – Saying no Episode 67 – Talking yourself through adversity Episode 71 – It’s a good time to say thanks Episode 88 – Communicating when you’re on edge Episode 93 – The promis...

Being clear sometimes means needing to be precise. Other times, it’s just like splitting hairs. The post Episode 132 – That might be the wrong word appeared first on Just Saying .

Most instruction is long, tedious and boring. Teachers drone on, students tune out. Crafting a story can create a spark that fires them up. The post Episode 131 – Storytelling as a valuable tool for teaching appeared first on Just Saying .

If meetings are a source of noise, what can we do in advance to lower the volume and have better discussions and make faster decisions? The post Episode 130 – Creating momentum before a meeting appeared first on Just Saying .

Lessons learned from my team after taking time away for a brief offsite. The post Episode 129 – A semi-silent retreat debrief appeared first on Just Saying .

The role of every leader is to tirelessly communicate key messages clearly, concisely and consistently over time. Learn how to keep it fresh. The post Episode 128 – Giving into message fatigue appeared first on Just Saying .

There are serious risks if we don’t manage these critical moments well – and some enticing rewards if we do. The post Episode 127 – Voicing a frustration appeared first on Just Saying .

Preparing what we think at the start and end our day not only serves as a powerful bookends to manage the noise but also sets the tone for us to be more intentional. The post Episode 126 – NOISE Filter: Our 1st and last thought of the day appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #17 recorded October 27, 2017 In a world that’s always on, we feel drained. Ironically, we need to unplug to recharge. Finding critical moments for quiet in our day will help us gain peace, perspective and rest from the noise. The post Call Back Episode – Quiet time appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #54 recorded Aug 27, 2018 Learn the basics of awareness management, a vital skill to direct the most precious commodity we have: our attention. The post Call Back Episode – Tune into AM 101 appeared first on Just Saying .