AI tools can generate slides instantly, but that doesn’t mean they’re effective. This post explores what AI can and can’t do when it comes to building a clear, compelling slide deck. If you're using AI in your presentation workflow or thinking about it, this piece will help you understand how to get the most out of the tools without giving up control.

A hotel general manager gathers their team to address a pressing issue—a sudden drop in guest satisfaction scores. The GM sets the stage,...

An agreement is communication that establishes expectations between two or more parties. Most agreements share foundational principles...

From an early age, many of us are taught to view career success through the lens of pay and promotion. This perspective, which is deeply ingrained in our cultural fabric, positions financial gain and hierarchical advancement as the primary objectives of professional life. Society, media, and even educational narratives have long championed this view, painting a picture of success that emphasizes ascending the corporate ladder and achieving monetary wealth as the hallmarks of

My career is immensely fulfilling. I am able to engage with insightful students and colleagues, present at conferences, and empower professionals in their communication journeys. Yet, amidst these rewarding experiences, I often grapple with a distinct feeling: awareness of the scarcity of time. You might also struggle with the feeling of not having enough - be it time, money, love or opportunities. The psychology of this concept reveals that scarcity generates a sense of urge

During my junior year of college, I wanted to explore a possible career in the wealth management field. When I was offered an internship at the first place I applied, I quickly accepted the position without giving the details of the role much thought. However, within the first few days, I realized I had made a poor decision. I thought I would be learning about investment strategies and sitting in on client meetings, but I spent almost all of my time leading the effort to move

I recently met with a student who had a problem that most soon-to-be graduates would love to have: he had two job offers. He began by telling me a little bit about both opportunities. Offer A Offer B Well-known company Lesser-known company 80-90 hour workweek 50-60 hour workweek Above-average starting salary Average starting salary Competitive environment Supportive environment Four hours from hometown Close to hometown Unknown supervisor Supervisor known for mentorship

Much attention is given to how to form relationships; however, have you ever learned how to end one? The Exit Voice Loyalty Neglect Model helps us think about our options when we are not satisfied with an existing relationship; but if we choose to exit, the model doesn’t provide much guidance on how to proceed. A better understanding of how to end a relationship can help when resigning from a job, parting ways with a personal or professional organization, or ending a friends

Not satisfied? Explore your options. Even the most optimistic among us have good reason to be restless, disappointed, fed up, or even...

One of the best things a parent can do for a child is help them develop the ability to make decisions. This sometimes involves close council when stakes are high and other times it involves letting the child learn from making decisions on their own - for better or worse. My parents taught me a lot about decision making, and I have taken a greater interest in the topic since having children of my own. When I am faced with a decision in my own life I often hear my mother’s voic

With so many issues vying for your attention, having a way to think about how you spend your time and energy is essential. I’m sharing the following story about how I have come to understand the issue of homelessness with the hope that it will give you a new lens with which to see problems in your own life. While participating in a leadership development program over a decade ago, I had the opportunity to tour a homeless shelter and help make breakfast for 40 men. During the

I once had an acquaintance who was really smart and fun to hang out with, but he had a really bad habit. He told elaborate lies. Research suggests most people lie, on average, one or two times a day. However, this individual’s habit of lying verged on compulsive. Much of what he said was more than exaggerations or misleading; he routinely communicated messages that were deliberately deceiving. He lied with ease and only in hindsight did I recognize his signs of deception. Som

From the pegboard above the stove in my grandmother's kitchen hung utensils, a few small pots, and a metal sign that read: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When I was old enough to read those words, I thought if my teachers in school encouraged the Golden Rule and my deeply religious grandmother found it important enough to display in her home, it must be important. The maxim was reinforced in college when I learned that the idea is expressed in many religio

“What quality should we continue to develop as we transition from college to our careers?” This question was posed to me a couple years ago by my undergraduate teaching assistants as we celebrated the end of a great semester and their upcoming graduation. Before I tell you what I said, what would you say? Think about it before you scroll past the image below. Now, if you had to pick from the following list, which of the following qualities would you say is most important? Cri

When I was in college I read a book titled, “Write It Down, Make It Happen.” The book prompted me to begin writing down my goals, and I...

Young people have a sea of college advice available from friends, family, websites, and “expert” coaches. But conventional advice seems to drown out some important points that I wish more young people (and parents) would consider when making the choice about life after high school. If you’ve decided higher education is for you, spend the time to consider what is best for you and resist the urge to conform to external pressures. Select a major and university where the rigor ma

When I meet someone for the first time and they find out I teach management communication courses, one of the most frequent comments I...

In the last few years more students than ever have asked me some version of the following question: “How do I ask good questions?” They...