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Step Out of the Shadows and Speak!

Step Out of the Shadows and Speak!

By: Dan O'Connor
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About this listen

 How is that that some people seem to know just what to say all the time? Would you like to find out? Or are you surrounded by narcissists, psychopaths, and total d-bags at work and you’re sick of feeling like they ”got you?” Whether you’re just beginning to improve your communication skills, or you’re looking for advanced communication skills training, you’ll learn something new and useful in every episode that will help you find your voice, speak up, stand your ground, and hold your own even when up against the most skilled and powerful communicators. In this podcast, you’ll learn the secrets master communicators use to always seem to have the right words at the right time. Isn’t it time you stepped out of the shadows and spoke? Brought to you by author, keynote speaker, YouTuber, blogger, and the world’s number one tactical communication skills expert Dan O’Connor.Copyright 2025 Dan O'Connor Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Episode 7: The 5 Difficult Conversations Every Professional Will Have and Most Will Avoid--How to Slay Them Using Effective Communication Skills

    Episode 7: The 5 Difficult Conversations Every Professional Will Have and Most Will Avoid--How to Slay Them Using Effective Communication Skills
    Sep 25 2023
    5 Essential Strategies for Effective Communication in Difficult ConversationsNavigating challenging dialogues is an inevitable part of a professional journey. And the difference between success and failure? The right preparation. The Undeniable Power of Freestyle Scripts Picture this: a communicator who effortlessly conveys difficult messages. No, it isn't innate talent but honed skills. Enter freestyle scripts. Here's how they work: 1. Delivering Unpleasant News The art is in your opening and closing lines. Lead in lines grab attention, set the tone, and prime the other party for a crucial dialogue. A classic example: "Mark, I have some unfortunate news." The closing? Keep it crisp and straightforward, pushing the narrative forward. "Can I count on you?" 2. Negotiating a Pay Raise Your most potent tool isn't your voice; it's your value journal. Documenting your above-and-beyond contributions quantifies your worth, making the negotiation smoother. 3. Offering Constructive Criticism Constructive feedback is a dance between precision and tact. Always have a system, like the LBNT approach: "I appreciated your presentation's passion. For a more compelling impact next time, consider diving deeper into the evidence." 4. The Art of Declining A vital part of maintaining balance and integrity is knowing when to say no. Having a system, such as a three-step script, can make this process seamless: "I'd love to assist. However, tonight's not feasible. Might tomorrow morning work?" 5. Submitting Your Resignation Exiting with grace is as crucial as your tenure. Approach it with professionalism, from the meeting call to the content of your resignation letter. In a world of unpredictable professional dynamics, the key to navigating difficult conversations lies in two words: Don't wing it. Preparation and understanding of effective communication strategies can truly set you apart as a formidable and eloquent communicator.
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    14 mins
  • Episode 1: The Nine Principles Episode 1: There is No Neutrality in the Universe

    Episode 1: The Nine Principles Episode 1: There is No Neutrality in the Universe
    May 20 2023
    In this episode, Dan explores how we might not be aware of how our environment is affecting us, but we had better take a look, because it's time to either take a stand or stand down.
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    16 mins
  • Episode 6: What am I supposed to say?

    Episode 6: What am I supposed to say?
    Mar 23 2023
    This is the audio version of the video lesson
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    13 mins
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Dan is a wonderful teacher. He helps you to be able to communicate more effectively

This guy is awesome

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We all need a helping hand who’s seeing the big picture & the dangers threatening us. In the midst of manipulation (in addition to being preoccupied by our own lives, workloads, & distresses), it can be hard to identify what’s being attempted ourselves.
Dan gives us formulas to immediately see it, as well as pat answers to deal with it & shut it down. I love that pretty much all of those answers help us to deliver logical effects (a “hot stove burn”) to manipulators that they lacked in their formative years!
Every time they’re called out, their nervous system stores that bad feeling—if it happens often enough, their nervous system will want to avoid it!

Lifeguard, control center, radar, drone…

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