What Was That?

My 100 year old grandmother always likes to ask me if I am happy. "But are you happy, Jill," she'll ask. And it is funny because I found myself asking myself this very question today after lunch..."Are you happy Jill?" Where did that come from? It was a little voice from out of no where. But it was loud and it touched me deeply. And then, just as fast as it came from out of the blue, it disappeared back into the blue leaving me with my chaotic mind flitting from thought to thought trying to organize the afternoon, the week, the future...I like the idea of having more time to develop my inner voice. It sure is smart! To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.

Oh, Those Hand Gestures!

I started Portuguese lessons with my original instructor and I am delighted. She is so animated. And it is funny because when I was given a new private instructor last week, I couldn't figure out what was missing. She knew her grammar. She listened a lot and corrected me well. Hmp?! What was it? And then one day when I saw my previous teacher in the hallway and she started talking to me, it all came back to me. Her haaand gestures! Yes, that was it. So, I signed up to take classes with her again this week and it makes a world of difference. To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.

Emotional Rescue

I spent last weekend with my family celebrating my mother's 70th birthday. My brother was there with his three kids and I saw how much emotion gets tossed around between a parent and child. It makes me think of the days I was pursuing acting. I think I went into drama because it gave me an opportunity to express my emotions. There were some feelings I considered myself to be particularly good at and others I shyed away from. Playing an angry character didn't come easily to me for example. I learned through years of study and experience that I had to be comfortable with an emotion in my real life if I was going to play it well as an actor. I think the same is true in all communication. The better we know ourselves and how our emotions can control us, the better we will be at managing our converstations so that they are productive. As an actor I got to dive into an emotion knowing the consequence because there was a script. However, in real life, I realize that we never know how our expression could hurt someone or damage a situation. Whether it is a parent to a child, a child to a parent, a manager to a peer or direct report or a couple to each other, we can avoid this road by taking a deep breath and slowing down precisely when things start speeding up. Stepping away and letting our emotions settle before we respond can lead us to better conversations. To be added to Lanartco's Commmunication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com

Keep the Beat

I started Portuguese classes again this week. It is amazing how uncomfortable I can feel just knowing that I am about to speak another language. It is clear to me that speaking a foreign language is not about "being comfortable." The question is: How can I get people to focus on what I'm trying to say and not on my mistakes? I have to get the flow of the language. I have to use my voice and the rhythm of Portuguese in a way that reflects what the Brazilians listen for in their language. And, as my fiancé likes to point out, I need to be charming. Easier said than done when I am in the moment and I lose my words or confidence. But, I do know what he means and I know from my work that staying with the communication regardless if it is 100% correct is the most important aspect of interacting with the language. If I get the people smiling, in turn it will create levity. If I relax, my thoughts will come more readily. If I find the groove, I can keep the beat. To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.

Clear Skies

I arrived in Rio last weekend. Beautiful weather and sunny, clear skies. It is so nice to see far isn't it? Makes me feel like anything is possible. Over the past few years that was one of the main reasons I wanted to live near the water...to see the horizon. Infinite ideas, clear thoughts, fresh air. I think that with enough exposure to things that are open (like the ocean), we can learn to replicate that sensation in our lives when it isn't as present. Open space allows us to breathe easier, think creatively, and desire positivity more readily. Maybe I can find it by clearing off my desk, cleaning out a closet, or by having an overdue conversation. It certainly entails being open-minded. Good luck! To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.