Launch your words with care so they land well Conversations and presentations will go better when you cut words that make people feel defensive, avoid absolutes like "nobody" or "best," and stay away from idioms that could be culturally confusing, writes Laurie Cure, president and CEO of Innovative Connections. "Start paying attention to the reactions you receive when speaking and cut out the words and phrases that are spurring a negative response," she writes. Full Story: Leadership Now (5/3)
Chunks of five to 15 minutes that aren't dedicated to a work task crop up throughout the week, and Julie Mujic, a visiting assistant professor and faculty partnership coordinator at Denison University, suggests five ideas for using that time wisely. For example, a quick read of information tangential to your specialty can broaden your knowledge, while delving into social media accounts can provide background for potential career changes. Full Story: Inside Higher Ed (5/6)
Infographic: Content tips from 15 famous writers This infographic from Ivory Research explains how marketers can apply writing tips from 15 famous writers, including Toni Morrison, Stephen King and John Grisham. The advice covers whether to revise or cut content, writing in an active instead of passive voice and making writing a habit. Full Story: MarketingProfs (free registration) (5/6)
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Making the Connection
Make empathy the core of your next presentation Speakers can show empathy by acknowledging what the audience might be thinking, then showing them why your point matters to them, writes Amy Boone. Addressing the question "Why does this matter?" can "show that you have thought about your audiences' lives and about what matters to them," Boone writes. Full Story: The Ethos3 Blog (5/5)
Poll
Which default font should Microsoft choose?
Bierstadt
21.84%
Grandview
25.87%
Seaford
11.50%
Skeena
12.06%
Tenorite
28.73%
The Landscape
US companies add 266,000 jobs in April, openings remain Unemployment rose to 6.1% in April as US companies added 266,000 jobs during the month, with many employers finding it hard to fill some job openings. Still, fewer pandemic restrictions, higher vaccinations rates and federal stimulus are driving a broader economic recovery. Full Story: CNBC (5/7),The Wall Street Journal (5/7)
Ford eyes post-pandemic amenities for factory workers Ford's expansion of remote working after the pandemic doesn't transfer to factory jobs, and the automaker is considering how it can make factories and other job sites more amenable. "When you finish your shift what if, rather than having to do a stop at the grocery store to pick up food for your family, we had food available that you could preorder a meal to take home to your family?" says Kiersten Robinson, Ford's chief people and employee experiences officer. Full Story: National Public Radio (5/6)
If your idea of a vacation is to head to a warm and sunny beach, rethink why that always the answer. The city of Gothenburg in Sweden has decided to accentuate the one thing that many people think ruins a vacation: rain. Full Story: The Guardian (London) (free registration) (5/6)
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