by Franklin Wordsmith | Aug 22, 2017 | Culture, Neuroscience
For years, I’ve laughed and noted, “Did, ‘Because I said so!’ ever work?” when spoken by our parents?It turns out, I was wrong!You’ll find plenty of research on the language of leadership. One stands above all others when you are making a request.Which one may...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Mar 28, 2017 | Culture, Persuasion
It happens to us all.We spend a lot of time crafting that compelling message — to be delivered in person or in print — and it gets a ho-hum reaction.Our first instinct is to look around at other people or situations to blame. (It can’t be us, right?...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Feb 26, 2017 | Leadership
After having a temper tantrum, my nearly three-year-old grandson Wyatt looked up and said, “I just had a fit!”I must admit: hearing about “authenticity” gives me one.It’s a trick of my brain. Say “authenticity” to me, and I hear “synergy.” Or “core competency.” Or...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Jan 24, 2017 | Leadership
We have a saying at our house: “You can always tell a Franklin. But you can’t tell them much.”When we use words to obscure our meanings, it tells people more about us than our subject – and usually not what we’d like …You Can Always Tell a EuphemismOver the weekend,...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Dec 30, 2016 | Persuasion
I was working with a CEO on media and speaker training this month. He did two things that we all do—and need to stop, because they turn off the people we want to reach. “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”Research indicates people form an impression...