Stop Letting Your Inner Monologue Control Your Life
By Silvia Damiano on 26 November 2019
The inner voice in our brain can be distracting and even difficult to ignore sometimes. The image of a tiny angel on one shoulder and a little demon on the other, whispering into either ear may bring back the innocence of childhood when those voices often dictated our behaviours and a …
Step In Front Of The Camera To Improve Communication
By Silvia Damiano on 25 June 2019
A quick look at today’s politicians may make you wary about recording yourself when you practise speeches or other dialogue. People who seem to love the attention of the camera aren’t always the most believable, honest or sincere. Even though it may seem like a narcissistic trait to w …
4 Tips to Improve Your Communication Skills
By Silvia Damiano on 14 May 2019
Even though we may wish it were so, leaders do not exist in a vacuum, isolated and separated from others. Instead, leaders are expected to collaborate with people from around the world, crossing cultural and language barriers. Communication skills are no longer a “soft” skill, but rat …
Why Speaking Up Can Be So Difficult Sometimes
By Silvia Damiano on 23 October 2018
While films often show confident, assertive leaders, real life does not always emulate art. Depending on social customs and beliefs, many people and even those in leadership positions may find it difficult to assert themselves. There are strategies, however, that can help people overc …
The Way Women Lead
By Silvia Damiano on 25 September 2018
Neuroscience has shown that there are fundamental differences between male and female brains. Male brains tend to have higher surface areas, while female brains have higher cortical thickness, or a thicker cerebral cortex. But do these inherent physical differences affect how persons …
Communication Skills Are Like A Muscle, They Need Exercise
By Silvia Damiano on 18 September 2018
Quality leaders have to do more than merely manage the endless flow of paperwork and tasks. They must also be able to nurture and create an environment open to innovation, creativity and good communication. These skills are so often overlooked in leaders, but crucial in this global, f …
Engaging The Brains Of Others
By Silvia Damiano on 26 June 2018
Technology has advanced tremendously in the past decades, which has helped to unlock neuroscience and the secrets of the brain. While routine check-ups are a normal occurrence for other parts of the body, regular brain check-ups are now also becoming possible. In the near future, doct …
Saying It Like It Is - When Love And Trust Matter
By Silvia Damiano on 19 June 2018
Bad leadership can bring even the mightiest organisation to its knees. A company can go from successful and thriving to floundering and failing virtually overnight if people without the right leadership attributes assume the helm. Leaders must realise that love and trust are an integr …
When Your Brain Is On Vacation But Your Body Is In A Meeting
By Silvia Damiano on 19 April 2018
Be present in the moment. Sometimes, that is easier said than done. Everyone’s mind wanders from time to time, but what if it happens continuously? Is a restless mind detrimental to communication and collaboration?
Get Out Of The Shadows And Spotlight Your Leadership Skills
By Silvia Damiano on 3 April 2018
Leaders are often expected to assume many roles. They have to be peacekeepers, excellent managers, and well-spoken. But these skills don’t always come naturally to everyone. An acting skills course, for example, could be just what a leader needs, to go from good to great.
The Unspoken Words That You May Be Missing
By Silvia Damiano on 1 February 2018
The more delicate nuances of conversation are often missed by many people. A subtle glance, an uncomfortable swallow, or a slight step backward all mean something, and sometimes they mean a BIG something. But what happens when leaders aren’t cognizant of body language and words left u …
Practise Might Not Make You Perfect But It Will Make You Better
By Silvia Damiano on 23 January 2018
Many people dislike speaking in front of groups of people. For some, size doesn’t even matter. The fear, anxiety and stress make giving speeches agonising. But, what if practising can help? Science is showing that practice maybe does make perfect (or at least improve results!).