janadenker

When Fear Sounds Like Reason by Jana Denker Have you ever noticed how persuasive you can become when you’re arguing against something you actually want? You’d love to start your own business. But... the economy is uncertain, your job is secure, and perhaps you should wait another year. Or you want to ask for more money. But... your employer has other priorities right now. Besides, you don’t want to appear demanding. In your relationship, something should finally change. But... your partner...

What 20 years of high-stakes speechwriting taught me about the people who really know how to communicate By Jana Denker There is a particular image many of us have when we think of a good speaker. Confident. Outgoing. Quick on their feet. Comfortable taking up space. Someone who walks into a room and seems perfectly at ease with attention on them. In other words, someone who looks rather extroverted. But does being extroverted actually make someone a better speaker? After 20 years of writing...

5 Ways to Get Your Words Back by Jana Denker A few weeks ago, I gave a presentation. I was well prepared, enjoying it, and I wasn’t even particularly nervous. Then, halfway through, the thing every presenter dreads happened. My brain turned to cotton. The words were... just gone. I knew what I wanted to say. But for a few seconds, I simply couldn’t access it. If this has happened to you in a presentation or an important conversation, you’ll know how strange it feels. One moment you’re...