So THAT'S what that's called!

I'm a communication coach!

I didn't know for the longest time what to call myself. I tried "speaking coach" or "speaking and writing coach" and it just felt cumbersome, but at the same time what I am meant to do. So that was awkward. I'd finally found this thing that resonates with me so deeply, but I didn't really know what to call it.

It's called Communication Coaching (I found out). And I know what you're probably thinking: how good a communication coach could I be if I didn't see what was obvious.

Pretty damn good, it turns out, but that's for you to decide. Here's my pitch:

I didn't see what was obvious because it was too close to me. I missed it because communication is something I do without thinking because I've been honing this skill-set my whole life, and professionally for two decades. I don't think of myself from that distance so I missed something that's obvious from a different perspective.

What I bring to you is a different perspective from your own story so you can better hear what it is that you're trying to say. I missed "communication coach" because I lacked perspective. You are, without a doubt, missing something key to your own story because you lack the perspective necessary to articulate it. Let me use intellectual humility, empathy, and my years of experience to help you name and tell your story!

Whaddya think?

To find out more you can clickedy-click on the shiny new link up above!

VanTalks, Civil Discourse, and Billy Goats

This Thursday I'll be giving a talk at the first ever VanTalks. It's styled after TED talks but focused on the thought leaders, innovators, and creators in the local community.

My topic is on civil discourse online. Something that seems like an oxymoron. You're not supposed to read the comments section, you're not supposed to talk about politics or religion, and you're certainly not supposed to expect anyone to change their mind due to a conversation online.

I'm not okay with that. I used to be. I used to be checked out, to ignore the comments, and to avoid arguments. I thought that was the best path, the path that offended the fewest people.

If you've followed me online for very long you know I don't feel that way now. For the past five or six years I have actively engaged in conversations online about the most difficult topics. No conversation has been off limits and, with very few exceptions, the conversations and conversationalists have been thoughtful, respectful, and civil.

On Thursday evening (6:30pm at the Kiggins Theater in downtown Vancouver) I'll share what changed, what I've learned, and why I think civil discourse online is not only possible, but necessary.

And I'll tell you why you should be a billy goat.

Buy tickets (they're only $10) and tell your friends (or enemies, they need to hear this too).