The lockdown changed everything, including wedding plans for many couples who postponed marriage or opted for a private wedding without family and friends. After the social constraints of the past 15 months, it is all the more important to ensure that events are flawless, including a memorable toast to the happy couple. If you are asked … Read More
A cliché is a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. For example, “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.” But have you ever given any thought to how cliches reveal gender stereotypes? When we say that a parent’s gesture is “as tender as a mother’s heart,” does that imply … Read More
Business photo created by pressfoto – www.freepik.com The Women Seen and Heard Speaker’s Journal provides you with a pathway to empowerment as you explore the past and present and the sources of your reticence to speak up. The Women Seen and Heard Speaker’s Journal offers a series of prompts in the 12 chapters that will make … Read More
Video conferencing has replaced the face-to-face social encounters we are all sorely missing these days. Happy hours, birthday parties, classrooms, business meetings, psychotherapy appointments, Mah Jong games, Passover Seders and fitness classes have all moved online so people can feel some sort of “BC” (Before Covid) normalcy. Zoom interactions are our new reality. Attitude is everything … Read More
Develop Confidence in Your Speaking Skills Using an Online Journal & a Few Friends Are you finding yourself holding back from speaking up at virtual meetings, even when you are bursting with a new idea or critical feedback? The Women Seen and Heard Speaker’s Journal (Anita Perez Ferguson, PhD and Lois Phillips, PhD) provides an opportunity … Read More
St Valentine’s Day is when people show their affection for a “significant other” or “others” by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. It’s a perfect time to reach out across the miles, and not just to those with whom you are “in love,” but rather, to those you love and cherish. I have … Read More
As the holidays claim my attention, here’s what I’m thinking, noticing, and asking: 2019 Role Models Emerge from the Impeachment Hearings Women’s Voice: Will we ever get it right? Speaking up to advocate with passionate conviction: If you see a festering problem or an unmet need but don’t speak up, who will? I found it hard … Read More
There are some special occasions, like graduation day, that require us to focus on a single individual with a hearty “hooray!” Given coverage in the press and social media, we’re all aware of the wonderful commencement addresses that are being delivered by celebrities, scholars, writers, politicians, scientists, and CEO’s. These speakers have been in the public eye … Read More
Business photo created by katemangostar – www.freepik.comCandid conversations can move the needle in advancing progress, particularly if you’re speaking with someone who controls resources or shapes policy, or perhaps the listener can influence someone who does. If you’re feeling brave, here are a few tips for being upfront in conversations that can sway opinions: Be clear … Read More
Imagine yourself in a group discussion about a controversial issue. Have you had the self-confidence to take a stand when your opinion was solicited? It’s reasonable to hesitate when you know that people in your particular social group see the world differently. For instance, it can be risky to be candid if your boss has strong … Read More