Info

The Communication Guys Podcast: Communication Excellence | Professional and Personal Success

Your ultimate level of success depends on your ability to express yourself in a creative, confident, and compelling way. Whether you speak, teach, or write, the same underlying principles of communication will guarantee excellence in whatever you do. The Communication Guys podcast teaches those timeless, universal principles and applies them to all forms of communication: spoken and written, personal and public, platform and small group. Tim Downs is a professional speaker, communication trainer, novelist, and cartoonist whose work has appeared in newspapers from the New York Post to the Los Angeles Times. Dr. Tom Barrett is an internationally recognized expert in the psychology of success who specializes in teaching communication skills, emotional intelligence, and business development to entrepreneurs and business leaders.
RSS Feed iOS App
The Communication Guys Podcast: Communication Excellence | Professional and Personal Success
2021
October


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: Page 2
Jul 15, 2019

Are you a golfer, golf viewer, or even a golf widow? Then this episode is for you. Golf immortal Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life.” If he was right, there must be lessons we can learn about communication from the game of golf. Episode 149 of the Communication Guys podcast is “Communication Lessons from the Golf Course,” where the Guys draw 5 lessons from the links that may not lower your handicap, but will definitely improve your ability to connect.

Jul 8, 2019

Is it possible to connect with someone whose politics or social views are the virtual opposite of your own? Yes, it is possible—and it’s important that we learn to do it, because the world is becoming more polarized than ever before. How will we solve the problems of the future if we can’t even talk to one another? In “How to Connect with Someone You Hate,” where the Guys describe 5 essentials for beginning to connect with someone whose views are nothing like your own.

Jul 1, 2019

Have you ever left a conversation wondering if you talked too much? Why do we sometimes share more about ourselves than we mean to? Why do we sometimes dominate a conversation, only to wonder later why we did so? What are the subconscious drives that lead us to say too much? In “But Enough About Me,” the Guys reveal the 5 subconscious motivations that tempt all of us to say more than we mean to.

Jun 24, 2019

Episode 145 described 6 common techniques we all resort to in order to win an argument. They never seem to work—yet strangely, we continue to use these methods, hoping each time for a different outcome. In this episode, we’ll look at 6 more of those sure-to-win techniques that practically guarantee defeat. Episode 146 of the Communication Guys podcast is “6 MORE Ways to Lose an Argument,” where the Guys reveal 6 more tried-and-false approaches to conflict that we all need to give up for good.

Jun 17, 2019

No one likes conflict, so we often look for a shortcut that might bring the disagreement to a speedy conclusion. The problem is, some of those “shortcuts” turn out to be detours that take the conflict on a tangent or even make it worse—yet for some reason we continue to try these methods again and again, hoping each time for a better result. In “6 Ways to Lose an Argument,” the Guys describe 6 no-win approaches to conflict that all of us have tried—but none of us have succeeded with.

Jun 10, 2019

In a busy, noisy, distracted world, how can you help your listeners pay attention to what you’re saying? It’s a big problem for communicators today, whether you’re a teacher, a presenter, or even a parent. If your listeners’ minds are wandering, they’re not paying attention, and if your listeners aren’t paying attention, then you’re not connecting. In “How to Help Your Listeners Pay Attention,” the Guys discuss new research that might hold the key to creating the kind of focus that real connection requires.

Jun 3, 2019

Are you a fan of TED talks? Did you know that some of these 18-minute gems have been viewed more than 50 million times? What techniques do expert communicators use to grab your attention and hold it until the end? Episode 143 of the Communication Guys podcast is “How the Experts Make You Listen,” where the Guys analyze the principles used by some of the most popular TED talks of all time and explain how you can apply them in your own communication.

May 27, 2019

Each week you hear the Communication Guys talk about communication principles that can make you a more confident, compelling, and creative communicator in whatever you do. But this week, they get the chance to hear from you. Episode 142 of the Communication Guys podcast is “Glad You Asked,” where the Guys respond to communication-related questions and quandaries submitted by our listeners.

May 20, 2019

Scientists tell us that our thoughts can affect our physical health. Too much stress can raise your blood pressure; too much worry can give you an ulcer. That’s what scientists call the “mind-body connection,” but did you know that there’s a “body-mind connection” too? It’s true. What we do with our bodies can powerfully influence the way we think and feel. In Episode 141 the Guys explain how simple changes to your posture and movement can make you a more confident communicator.

May 13, 2019

Do people come to you for extra help, work, or favors because they know you’ll say yes? Do you quickly agree to the requests of others, but find yourself regretting it later? Do you ever feel taken advantage of because of your helpfulness? Episode 140 of the Communication Guys podcast is “Say What You Mean and Get What You Want,” where the Guys give practical principles for setting healthy boundaries by learning to say “No” in a positive and constructive way.

May 6, 2019

When you look back on your life one day, what will you regret most? In her book, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying,” Bronnie Ware describes the five most common regrets expressed to her by people she once cared for. She urges us all to address those issues while we still have the time, and to live the lives we’re truly here to live. In today's podcast the Guys explain those 5 Life Regrets, and give practical tips for beginning to lead a fulfilling and regret-free life.

Apr 29, 2019

We all have battles to fight, whether at work or at home. The trick is know which battles to fight, which to postpone, and which to run from. No one knew more about fighting battles than the ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu, who wrote the classic book on military strategy, “The Art of War.” What can a Chinese warrior teach us about choosing our own battles? Today the Guys draw principles from “The Art of War” to give time-tested advice for achieving victory in your own battles.

Apr 22, 2019

How “connected” is your workplace? Businesses used to believe that social connections between employees were unnecessary and potentially distracting. Now they understand that creating ways for employees to connect is the key to unlocking their employees’ full potential and getting the most from their talents. In “How to Connect in the Workplace,” the Guys explain the importance of social connection at work and give practical tips for connecting with your coworkers.

Apr 15, 2019

Do you ever feel discouraged or disappointed after a big presentation? Do you feel as if you’ve failed in some way, and become overly critical of your performance? The “post-presentation letdown” is a common experience among communicators, and if you’re not careful it can lead you to make bad decisions and draw the wrong conclusions. In “Dealing with Post-Presentation Discouragement,” the Guys explain the causes behind the letdown, and give tips for dealing with it in a constructive way.

Apr 8, 2019

Are you an introvert? Have you ever noticed that it’s the outgoing, enthusiastic, dominant personalities that seem to get all the attention—and the promotions? Have you wondered if someone like you has what it takes to become an outstanding communicator? Episode 135 of the Communication Guys podcast is “Why Introverts Can Be Great Communicators,” where the Guys describe the overlooked talents that introverts naturally possess, and explain how to capitalize on those talents.

Apr 1, 2019

Could you use a good laugh? Then today’s episode is for you. Are you looking for profound insight into communication theory and practice? Come back next week. Today is April Fools’ Day, when the Communication Guys like to relax, kick back, and have a few laughs at someone else’s expense. Life doesn’t get much better than that! Episode 134 of the Communication Guys podcast is “The Annual April Fools’ Episode,” where the Guys pay tribute to the stupid things all of us have probably said. Enjoy!

Mar 25, 2019

Do you have trouble remembering names? You know the names of the people who are important to you, but what about all the co-workers, neighbors, and casual acquaintances in your life? One of the simplest and most powerful ways to “connect with your world” is by understanding the power of a person’s name. Episode 133 of the Communication Guys podcast is “The Incredible Power of a Name,” where the Guys explain why names are so important and give practical tips for remembering them.

Mar 18, 2019

Did you know the United Nations wants you to be happy? It’s true. In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognized happiness as a “fundamental human goal,” and established March 20 as the annual “International Day of Happiness.” In honor of this week's “International Day of Happiness,” this Communication Guys podcast is “Quick Tips for a Great Day,” where the Guys suggest 5 simple tips for increasing your happiness today.

Mar 11, 2019

There’s a wise old saying: “Aim at nothing, and you’ll hit it every time.” Sometimes we rush into an important conversation without taking the time to consider what we’re really aiming at. What is the purpose of this conversation? What do I want from it, and how will I know if the conversation was successful or not? Episode 131 of The Communication Guys podcast is “Tips for the Toughest Conversations,” where the Guys give 5 tips for making sure your next important conversation starts on target and stays on track.

Mar 4, 2019

Do you ever lie to yourself? Self-talk is one of the most powerful forms of communication, because those are the messages you tell yourself. After all, if you’re the one saying it, it must be true—right? Not necessarily. Episode 130 of The Communication Guys podcast is “Don't You Believe It,” where the Guys describe 5 common lies we tell ourselves that affect the way we feel and influence the decisions we make.

Feb 25, 2019

The bad news is that words have the power to wound, discourage, and destroy. Your words could be ruining your career or hurting someone you love. The good news is that words also have the power to heal. Used wisely, they can encourage, inspire, and even bring someone back from the brink of despair. Episode 129 of The Communication Guys podcast is “How to Heal with Words,” where the Guys describe the remarkable restorative power that words can have—in the hands of a skilled communicator.

Feb 18, 2019

Words have the power to motivate, encourage, and inspire, but they also have the power to wound, discourage, and even destroy. Your words could be ruining your career or hurting someone you love without you even knowing it. Episode 128 of The Communication Guys podcast is “How to Kill with Words,” where the Guys explore the dark side of words and the unforeseen ways we might be using them to harm ourselves and others.

Feb 11, 2019

A simple compliment can help someone recognize their talent or potential, or it can motivate them to keep going or take a chance on something new. The right compliment has the power to redirect an entire life. Episode 127 of The Communication Guys podcast is “The Amazing Power of a Compliment,” where the Guys discuss the overlooked power of compliments, and why they’re so difficult to both give and receive.

Feb 4, 2019

You would be amazed at how much you can improve as a communicator in a single day. All you have to do is apply 5 simple but radical techniques that will leave people wondering at the remarkable transformation that’s come over you. Episode 126 of The Communication Guys podcast is “The 1 Day Communication Challenge,” where the Guys reveal those 5 life-changing techniques. Does it sound like we’re over-promising? Try it for one day and see for yourself.

Jan 28, 2019

When you approach an important conversation, do your best-laid plans seem to vanish from your mind as you find yourself winging it and making regrettable mistakes? What are the most important things for you to remember? What do you need to review before a significant conversation begins? Episode 125 of The Communication Guys podcast is “How to Prepare for Successful Conversations,” where the Guys list the 5 most important things to keep in mind before any important conversation.

1 « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next » 7