Browsing in category 'Psychology of Communication'

Are You A Subdued Wallflower or a Spiky Thistle?

Are You A Subdued Wallflower or a Spiky Thistle?

In our attempts to promote ourselves, our brands, teams or organisations, there is a sweet spot somewhere between being a Subdued Wallflower and being a Spiky Thistle. We don’t want to be the shy, unnoticed bundle of fear in the corner, and we certainly don’t want to become the brash in-your-face-noise-machine who talks at everyone and connects with no one. […]

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Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Communication

Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Communication

Like many of their generation, my parents subscribed to the monthly publication ‘Reader’s Digest’. In the 1960’s it sold 24 million copies each month and was available in over 13 languages. Full of articles, short stories, humorous anecdotes, word teasers, cartoons, advice and insights on every imaginable topic and advertising from around the world – it was a vital literary […]

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3 Words To Never Forget When You Speak

3 Words To Never Forget When You Speak

An audience is there to hear you: your thoughts, your observations, your insights and your recommendations. They do not want to listen to someone who is devoid of all personality and emotion. Yes, we would all love to have the eloquence of Clinton or Obama, and that will come with years of practice, but get the basics right first and […]

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Smart Phones vs Smart People

Smart Phones vs Smart People

Last year I read research which revealed that smart phones are now outselling desk top computers and more than 57% of people in Japan are reading their emails only on their iPhone, Blackberry or Galaxy. The statistics showed that USA, Canada and Europe are not far behind and very quickly heading the same way. As if there wasn’t enough pressure […]

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Charisma – Fact or Fiction?

Charisma – Fact or Fiction?

Charisma is one of those words that is hard to define. Ask 100 people to explain why someone is charismatic, and you’ll notice that very quickly it becomes subjective – “the passion in her voice”, “his confidence”, “her intelligence”, “the way he moves”, “the connection to her message”… etc. Each of us has our own process of evaluating what’s important […]

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Are You the ‘Singer’, the ‘Song’ or the ‘CD’?

Are You the ‘Singer’, the ‘Song’ or the ‘CD’?

What makes you want to listen to music? The singer and their unique passion? The song and it’s compelling melody or lyrics? Could it be the memories of experiences and emotions associated to the song? It’s probably any one, or all, of these depending on each unique situation. Years ago when I was coaching a well known recording artist, a […]

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Boost Your Family’s Brain Power When Studying For Exams

Boost Your Family’s Brain Power When Studying For Exams

(An abridged version of this article by Poll Moussoulides was published in the ‘Health & Living’ Magazine of the Irish Independent on 4th February 2013) In 2001, I was the Voice Coach on a film adaptation of Marion Keyes’ book ‘Watermelon’ with Anna Friel and Brenda Fricker in lead roles. After a coaching session Anna and I were having lunch […]

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