Communication Snacks: Tips for a Successful Professional Life artwork

Communication Snacks: Tips for a Successful Professional Life

78 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratings

Learn communication tips to help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world! Join Silicon Valley communication experts Marc and Blythe Musteric as they share communication tips from their 20,000+ hours of coaching clients in Silicon Valley. From interpersonal communication to presentations and public speaking to grammar, effective communication can be challenging. Learn the tips you need to lead a more successful life.

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Episodes

How to Be Coachable

April 18, 2023 13:41 - 8 minutes - 12 MB

Being coachable is the key to personal growth and success. With a little bit of focus and a little bit of effort, you can cultivate a coachable mindset.  In today’s episode, we share five ways to be more coachable.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com.  Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amz...

Why You Should Show Your Work

April 04, 2023 16:24 - 5 minutes - 7.95 MB

Even if you’re working hard, your boss, manager, and other stakeholders won’t necessarily notice unless you make an effort to show what you’re working on.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. If you love what we are doing, please rate and review us! Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn...

Are You Sending the Right Message?

March 28, 2023 13:50 - 7 minutes - 11.1 MB

When answering questions, remember to pay attention to both your answer as well as the deeper message you are implying. Even if you get the answer right, you might send the wrong message. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Let us know which of these tips have helped you. Do you have additional tips that work well for you? Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect with us on...

Your Personal Communication Metaverse

March 21, 2023 13:28 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MB

Whether you realize it or not, you are communicating inside your own personal metaverse, and your world may be very different from other people’s worlds. In today’s episode we discuss the implications of this and share three strategies that will help you avoid conflict and confusion.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect with us on In...

How to Build Trust at Work

March 14, 2023 17:35 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MB

What’s the secret to keeping your employees on your team and keeping yourself in your job? Trust. In today’s episode we talk about the 3 C’s for building trust at work.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn  

The Facilitator Paradox: How to Facilitate Like a Pro

March 07, 2023 13:00 - 14 minutes - 19.5 MB

At some point in your career, you may be asked to facilitate a discussion or workshop. It doesn’t have to be challenging if you keep the Facilitator Paradox in mind. In today’s episode, we’ll explain what this means and share the tips we've accumulated over the past 17 years leading workshops and classes. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. ...

The Lies We Tell Ourselves Before Interviews

November 18, 2022 21:51 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MB

We often lie to ourselves about our skills, abilities, and potential. Believing these lies makes it hard to represent ourselves confidently in interviews and other high-stakes conversations. In today’s episode we’ll explore the lies we tell ourselves before interviews, why we lie to ourselves, and what we should do about it.   Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communica...

How to Become a Thought Leader

March 08, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MB

What does it mean to be a thought leader? Can you become one if you’re not already a recognized leader? In today’s episode we’ll explore what it means to have influence, how to find your niche, how to build and enhance your expertise, and how to use that information to lead and influence others.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect...

How to stop worrying about what other people think

December 22, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 13.9 MB

In today's episode, we’re talking about how to stop worrying about what other people think. We'll give you 4 easy strategies that will help you leave your worries behind! Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Let us know how these tips have helped you. Do you have additional tips that you want to share? Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect with us on Instagram @communicat...

How To Take the Guesswork Out of Your Messages

December 15, 2021 11:00 - 6 minutes - 9.59 MB

In today's episode, we're talking about how to take the guesswork out of your messages and avoid burdening your listeners. Whether you are a manager who wants to have better meetings with your direct reports or simply someone who wants to avoid stressing people out, this episode is for you! Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Do you have communication questions to ask or stories to share? Send your questions or comments ...

How To Not Be Boring

December 02, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MB

It's easy to become boring if we aren't making an intentional effort to be interesting! In today's episode, we share 5 tips that will help you be less boring. We'd love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn

The One Thing You Must Do Before Your Next Presentation

November 10, 2021 11:00 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MB

In today's episode, we explain the one thing you must do before your next presentation or public speaking event. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Do you have questions about how to prepare for presentations? Do you have any presentation or public speaking stories to share with us? We'd love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our b...

Communicating With Yourself

November 03, 2021 01:18 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MB

In today's episode, we talk about communicating with yourself and why it matters.  If you want to learn more about the communication principle we mentioned at the beginning of this episode, check out our January 29, 2020 episode called "Communication Awesomeness® Principle 1." Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Do you have questions about how to answer interview questions? Send your questions or comments to questions [a...

3 Weird Communication Habits To Start Now

October 27, 2021 00:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MB

We're getting weird in today's episode! We're sharing three weird habits that will make you a better communicator.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Do you have questions about how to answer interview questions? Send your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com. Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn

How to Convince the Interviewer You Are the Right Fit for the Job

October 20, 2021 00:00 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MB

In today's episode, we give you four tips on how to convince your interviewer that you are the right fit for the job you are applying for.  If you'd like to hear what we've said in the past about small talk and conversations, check out these episodes: Conversations Made Easy, How to Set Conversation Goals, and Cocktail Party Communication. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ We would love to hear from you! Do you have questions about how to answer inte...

How To Make Your Interview Answers More Memorable

May 25, 2021 21:55 - 12 minutes - 23.8 MB

In today's episode, we discuss how to make your interview answers more memorable.  We want to give a big "thank you!" to The Six Fifty for naming Communication Snacks one of the "11 essential Silicon Valley Podcasts (mostly) not about tech"! Read their review here: https://thesixfifty.com/11-stellar-silicon-valley-podcasts-mostly-not-about-tech-9438a46e3b29 Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our...

Planning for Your Post-Pandemic Re-entry

March 23, 2021 02:55 - 12 minutes - 23.4 MB

In today's episode, we talk about tips for returning to the workplace after a year of working from home.  Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn We would love to hear from you! What are your re-entry plans? Email your questions or comments to questions [at] communicationsnacks [dot] com.

Understanding Your Discussion Style (And Why It Matters)

March 16, 2021 01:55 - 14 minutes - 26.5 MB

In today's episode, we outline three common discussion styles. We discuss what it means to be high-energy, reflective, or hierarchical and talk about how your styles can affect your communication with others.   Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn We would love to hear from you! What's your preferred discussion style? Email your questions or comments t...

How to Win in a Virtual Workplace

October 20, 2020 01:06 - 18 minutes - 34.6 MB

In today's episode, we discuss tips that will help you win in your virtual workplace. It may be a bit easier to communicate now that many of us are virtual, but this isn't the time to coast! We'll show you a few tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a virtual world. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks Find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn We would...

How to Stay Focused While Video Conferencing

June 11, 2020 16:21 - 14 minutes - 25.9 MB

Have you been spending a lot of time on video calls lately? We have, and we know how easy it can be to lose focus and motivation!  In today's episode, we share our tips on how to stay focused during calls and how to deal with challenging calls. Listen along as we discuss tips and stories about our own experiences on video calls.  In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world. Find us online at ht...

Virtual Team Building Ideas

March 25, 2020 05:23 - 10 minutes - 19.8 MB

In this episode we share suggestions for how to stay connected with your work team and how to build camaraderie while working from home. We also have a special announcement! On Friday, March 27 at 1:00 PM Pacific time, we'll be hosting a free, virtual coffee chat with our listeners. If you want to join us, simply send us an email telling us you want to join! Send your email to [email protected].  In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, prom...

Communication Secrets for Working From Home

March 13, 2020 03:43 - 11 minutes - 21 MB

Working from home? In this episode, we share secrets for keeping your connections with your colleagues strong! Special Announcement: If you've ever wanted to take one of our seminars, now's your chance! You don't have to be in the Bay Area. We're coming to you online! We'll be leading an online Speak with Confidence and Power seminar on Wednesday, March 18 at 7PM Pacific. Seats are limited. Register now! Speak with Power and Confidence Online Seminar Details: Uncover what is prev...

Communication Awesomeness® Principle 5

March 04, 2020 01:32 - 9 minutes - 18 MB

In this episode, we discuss Communication Awesomeness® Principle 5: Nothing changes unless you do. Don't get stuck in a rut! If you aren't actively attempting to improve your communication habits, your interactions with people won't change. Learn tips on how to analyze your past communication so that you can start to start moving toward your ultimate communication goals. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded ...

Communication Awesomeness® Principle 4

February 22, 2020 03:21 - 13 minutes - 24 MB

In this episode, we discuss Communication Awesomeness® Principle 4: communication must be strategic. We talk about how communication is complex and unpredictable and share ways to prepare for important conversations. And most importantly, we introduce our "WTF" strategy!  In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world. We would love to hear from you! Email your questions or comments to questions [...

Communication Awesomeness® Principle 3

February 13, 2020 05:34 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MB

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Communication Awesomeness® Principle 3: controlled communication is powerful communication. We discuss how controlling your non-verbal communication, your message, and your bridge moments will make you a more powerful communicator. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world. We would love to hear from you! Email your questions or comments to questions ...

Communication Awesomeness® Principle 2

February 05, 2020 02:01 - 14 minutes - 26.3 MB

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Communication Awesomeness® Principle 2: you cannot be successful alone. We discuss how trust enables transaction. We share three practical ways you can build trust with your colleagues: seek to listen, seek to understand, and seek to engage. The "Communication Cake, Anyone?" episode that we refer to in today's episode can be found here: http://communicationsnacks.libsyn.com/communication-cake-anyone You can also find it by searching for the tit...

Communication Awesomeness® Principle 1

January 29, 2020 03:38 - 17 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Communication Awesomeness® Principle 1: If you don't define who you are, others will. Listen along as we outline three specific strategies that will help you take charge of your personal narrative. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world. You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn If you are interested in learning more about our Comm...

The 5 Principles of Communication Awesomeness™

January 22, 2020 06:47 - 10 minutes - 18.9 MB

In this episode, we share the 5 principles of Communication Awesomeness™! In our podcast, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world. You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn If you are interested in learning more about our Communication Awesomeness™ Coaching program, you can read about it here: http://www.ovient.com/communication-awesomeness-coaching/ We would love to hear from you! Email ...

The Invisible Impact of Culture

December 18, 2019 02:41 - 7 minutes - 14.3 MB

In this episode, we talk about the invisible rules of workplace culture and how not following these rules can impact your career. We discuss some specific areas where invisible culture can impact your career and share tips for working through these situations. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you stand out, move up, and win more often in a crowded professional world. You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn If you are interested in learnin...

How To Get What You Want

June 18, 2019 09:00 - 8 minutes - 15.4 MB

Listen along as Marc explains to Blythe how she can convince him to go to the beach when all he wants to do is stay home and clean out the garage! Today's episode is all about negotiating, and Marc shares three tips for getting what you want. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you communicate your way to your goals. You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn If you are interested in learning more about our Communication Awesomeness Coaching ...

Snacks From the Past: Improve Your Sales Game

June 13, 2019 00:03 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MB

In our Snacks From the Past episodes, we dust off a vintage communication book and discuss whether it is still relevant in today's world. In today's episode, we talk about a 22-page pamphlet called "What a salesman should know about the ability to explain." It was published in 1965 and written by Mr. Lynn Surles. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you communicate your way to your goals. You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn Connect with...

Cocktail Party Communication

June 04, 2019 05:51 - 7 minutes - 13.5 MB

Have you ever been tongue-tied at a cocktail party? In today's episode, Blythe will show you how to easily break the ice and talk with strangers. We'll also explain why "what do you do?" isn't a great question and give you an alternative. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you communicate your way to your goals. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn Connect with us on I...

How to Summarize Like a Pro

May 28, 2019 09:00 - 7 minutes - 13.1 MB

The world is overflowing with information, so how can you share your knowledge in a way that gets attention and encourages action? In today's episode, Blythe will show you how in three easy steps. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips that will help you communicate your way to your goals. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnack...

We Answer Questions From Our Listeners

May 22, 2019 01:41 - 9 minutes - 18.4 MB

In today's episode, Blythe and Marc answer questions from our listeners. You'll learn tips for improving your eye contact, how to stop saying "um" when presenting, and a great way to get your audience's attention at the beginning of a presentation. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you communicate your way to your goals. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ You can find our book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2VSAPFn Connect with us...

Hack Your Writing for Clarity

March 29, 2019 05:30 - 9 minutes - 17 MB

In today's episode, Blythe and Marc discuss a FAST way to hack your writing skills. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you communicate your way to your goals. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

Two Words Every Professional Must Learn

March 12, 2019 06:11 - 7 minutes - 14.6 MB

In today's episode, Blythe talks about the two words that every professional must learn, especially when they have been promoted! In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

Do This 1 Thing for More Opportunities

March 05, 2019 07:00 - 5 minutes - 10.2 MB

In today's episode, Blythe talks about one simple thing you can do to set yourself up for more opportunities. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

Why You Need a TLDR for Your Presentations

February 21, 2019 22:33 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MB

In today's episode, we talk about what a "tl;dr" is and why you need one for your presentations. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

The Secret to Confidence

February 12, 2019 05:54 - 6 minutes - 12 MB

In today's episode, we discuss the one question that will unlock the secret to your confidence. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ and follow and connect with us at @communicationsnacks on Instagram and Facebook.

Thinking Differently About Presentations

February 08, 2019 01:45 - 7 minutes - 14 MB

In today's episode, we talk about how to think differently about your presentations and why it's not enough to simply present what you want your audience to know. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

How to Set Conversation Goals

February 02, 2019 03:54 - 6 minutes - 12.3 MB

In today's episode, we talk about setting conversation goals and how doing this can improve your interactions and grow your relationships. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

3 Communication Mistakes to Avoid

January 26, 2019 02:42 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MB

In today's episode, Marc shares three big communication mistakes that people should avoid making at work. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

Turn Troublesome Audience Members Into Allies

January 22, 2019 06:23 - 8 minutes - 15.5 MB

In today's episode, Blythe shares her secrets for dealing with distractors and disruptors when presenting. Learn tips as well as how to deal with rebels, detailers, and "phubbers." In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

Do This To Become More Successful

August 08, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 8.92 MB

In today's episode, Marc talks about how reframing some of your go-to phrases can help you become more successful. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient

How to Say No Politely

April 19, 2018 00:16 - 5 minutes - 9.97 MB

Are you nice when you say "no"? It can be very important to say "no" at work, but in order to keep our relationships healthy, we need to think about how to say no with tact. In this episode, Blythe shares how to do this in three simple steps. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Faceboo...

Define Yourself for Success

March 20, 2018 06:00 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MB

How do you feel about your communication? Do you need to change anything about yourself to be more successful in your job? In this episode, Marc defines three different groups of people and asks you to decide which group you belong to. Doing this will help you make a plan for your future. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-...

Why Am I Writing?

March 06, 2018 07:00 - 5 minutes - 10.8 MB

Why am I writing? Do you ask yourself this question before you sit down to write a document? In this episode, Blythe will explain how asking this question in three ways will make your writing more efficient and effective. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communication...

Snacks From the Past - Arousing Curiosity

February 27, 2018 07:04 - 10 minutes - 19.7 MB

Learn what a 60-year-old book has to say about communication! In today's episode, we dust off one of our old communication books to see what it can teach us about capturing attention and arousing curiosity at the beginning of our presentations. This is the first episode in our "Snacks From the Past" series in which we explore what old books can teach us about modern-day communication. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here t...

The Short Answer Is...

February 20, 2018 07:11 - 6 minutes - 11.4 MB

For many people, answering questions at the end of a presentation is the most feared part of presenting. You are often put on the spot to answer difficult questions in front of an audience, but it doesn't have to be hard! In this episode, Marc shares one simple response strategy that can help you stay focused, keep your audience happy, and avoid talking too much. In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more...

Do These Three Things for Meeting Success

February 13, 2018 07:00 - 8 minutes - 15.6 MB

If you want to stand out and be a powerful contributor on your team, make sure you do these three things in your next meeting. You will make your colleagues and boss happy! In our podcasts, we discuss communication tips to help you get hired, promoted, and funded. We’re here to help you become more successful. Find us online at http://www.ovient.com/communication-snacks-podcast/ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook: @communicationsnacks and @ovient