Are you communicating content or a way of thinking? — People use quotes in their writing to illustrate a point. Quotes also carry an implicit thinking pattern, telling us something about the author. So, when you quote, you are not only communicating explicit content but a thinking pattern. The pattern may belong to the author or a character in the…

Create the power to deal with critics How do you handle being insulted, criticized, or bullied? Many people suggest a direct response: Insult back with a clever or humorous reply. Have a firm word with the person to set boundaries. Tell them how you feel. These reactions are examples of…

Go slow and steady, testing the water until ready — There is a rumor on the street. A new semi-online dating app has surfaced. Its name is Stumble Knot and appears to cater only to elites. More to come on this recent development. This is Sarah Smith with Grey-Fox News. Sitting in his office, the Director thought about his new…

Strategies for loopy thinking — The Department of Unanticipated Consequences, or DUC, lives in a gray, nondescript building in the nation’s capital. No one knows where DUC gets its funding. DUC serves the highest level of government. Each new administration knows of its existence and can choose whether to use its services. Some do not. …

What a great way to tell your story through quotes. I like the quotes. It inspired me to write a story in Medium about what quotes tell about the author of the quote.

Moving past these touchy moments — Why must this be so mortifying? Oh, that’s right. Because it’s my life. ― Tessa Dare, Romancing the Duke Are you letting the fear of embarrassment keep you from achieving what you want in a job or relationship? What if the thought of being embarrassed had less power over you…

Consequences of speaking the truth — On a chilly day in October 2015, I reported for jury duty in Montgomery County, Maryland. After a long orientation, a bailiff sent me and 64 other potential jurors to a courtroom. There we endured five hours of a grueling jury selection process. …

Telling personal stories engages an audience — Let me tell you two stories. One is on “buying a car from slippery Sam” and the other is on “creating the car-buying story.” This article reflects my insights on learning how to tell personal stories and perform them. Do you remember being drawn into a non-fiction article because of…

Do you need to be a specialist? — Our culture tells us to specialize early to succeed. I didn’t do that, although not from lack of trying. What if specializing early doesn’t happen because of our nature or external circumstances? What if our interests are too broad, or our life takes an unexpected turn? …