The times they are wrathful, and the art of apology seems to be atrophying. We are quick to take offense, slow to forgive, and often too proud -- or too defensive.| Public Words
We are only beginning to scratch the surface of understanding how the human brain works. Neuroscientists remind us again and ...| Public Words
We are only beginning to scratch the surface of understanding how the human brain works. Neuroscientists remind us again and again that most of our thinking is unconscious. The conscious mind—our ability to reason, analyze, and explain—operates like the visible tip of an iceberg, while the massive structure below remains hidden, shaping us in ways ... The post Why We Love Curves – and How to Use Them to Communicate appeared first on Public Words.| Public Words
Which do you think is more important for speakers, thought leaders, and leaders to be: cool or good? Let’s look ...| Public Words
What do you think of when you hear the phrase dress for success? Perhaps it's a no-brainer for you, or perhaps you dismiss it as vanity—wearing a well-cut suit or polished shoes so others will take you more seriously. But the truth is more complex -- and important. How we present ourselves doesn’t just change ... The post Should You Dress for Success? appeared first on Public Words.| Public Words
I just completed two days of teaching in Harvard’s continuing education program for mid-career executives. It’s one of my favorite ...| Public Words
How’s the hybrid workplace working out? According to a recent study, published in HBR, “Hybrid Still Isn't Working,” in the July-August 2025 issue, not well. Meetings are less effective, despite being more frequent. The wrong people are getting promoted. The culture of hybrid companies is weaker than in-person ones. The commitment of workers in general ... The post Why the Hybrid Workplace Doesn’t Work Yet appeared first on Public Words.| Public Words
Great storytelling is rare and difficult – and it has always been so. But the challenges are becoming more rather ...| Public Words
In great speechmaking, there’s a received wisdom: “Start strong, end stronger.” People remember the first thing you say, and the last. If both pack a punch, the speech will be powerful. Today, I’m focusing on the ending (I’ve posted before about how to begin a speech). The ending of a speech is the moment when ... The post How to Close a Speech appeared first on Public Words.| Public Words
The idea of ‘faking it until you make it’ receives a bad rap in this authentic era. Better to be real than bogus, goes the current thinking. But by taking advantage of a bit of brain science, you can trick yourself into thinking that you are more of a superstar than you are yet really ... The post How to Fake Your Way to Good Cheer appeared first on Public Words.| Public Words
Let’s say you are a leader having to give a speech persuading people to change in some way. Maybe you ...| Public Words
If you’re an expert on African drumming or thought leader in the field of quantum computing, or any other topic ...| Public Words