A toy for adult friends You remember the toy, See ‘n Say? Sure you do. The cow goes Moooo. The duck goes Quack Quack. Based on my extensive experience and species research, here’s my new version of the fabulous toy: Sex-N-Say The Cat Says: I never do this. Just this…

The Secret to Master the Power of Your Voice How was your last public presentation received? How about your most recent conversation? Your most recent sales pitch? The one aspect of your presentation you probably did not even think about your voice as your primary tool. You worried about what…

History’s Mysteries Part 3 of 4 — I admit I’m a Shakespeare fan. If he were writing today, I’d go to every book signing or opening night, wearing a Bardteeshirt after standing in line in the rain. My foray began when I was in fifth grade and my teacher, frustrated that I had completed the curriculum months…

Meet Nichole L. Moore This month, I would like to introduce you to fine artist Nichole L. Moore. I met Nichole at an art show when, from two aisles away, an explosion of color captured my attention. I crossed the lanes, admired her work, and started our conversation. She agreed…

A Professional Guide to Branding Medication The Director of Marketing, who bore the unfortunate name of Cecil Gassy, dropped a small cloth bag on the conference room table. He asked, “What are we branding today, Wayne?” Wayne Billings, the Assistant Director of Marketing, who earned half of the Director’s salary…

Your Voice as Your Instrument (from Talk It Out: Mastering Critical Discourse) Consider and compare these messages. Speak each aloud to hear the difference: Angela says to her spouse, “I’m fine. I totally agree.” In an even tone at average volume. In a raised tone with a squeaky, high-pitched tone…

The Differences are Window Dressing At the end of my workday, I trudged down the hospital hall to the security booth. My rubber-soled shoes were soundless against the sparkling tile. I noticed my reflection at my feet, so clear in the polished granite, as two women carrying balloons and flowers…

Achieve Happiness Today My favorite question, since I could speak, has been: Why? My father faithfully would reply to my question with: Y is a crooked letter. His reply captures his — and my — life philosophy. It also serves as the title for this Warts & All column, where…

But it’s Still None of Your Business A group of friends was going to a party where we would meet lots of new people. My friend hesitated. She said she was introverted and didn’t want to attend. …