Advertise on podcast: Communication Skills for Working Women Podcast:Effective Communication, Healthy Relationships, Direct Communication

An unscripted conversation about what happens when “tell me more” doesn’t lead to understanding but instead reveals pain, anger, and the limits of curiosity as well as how that insight can actually calm you. Ever try to get curious, ask questions, or say statements like “tell me more” and you are met with resistance or even anger?  This can then increase your anxiety around conversations.   In this episode we unpack a text message in real time - share our thoughts and insights - and leave you with some key take aways around tone, awareness and efforts in communication. Join us for this real conversation! Join our Facebook Group Interested in Coaching? Reach out here. Discussed Resources: Blind Spot Episode 027: 3 Tips on getting curious to transform your anxious conversations to calm   Quick Explanation of the ‘Wise Mind’ (AI) Wise Mind is a core concept in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) representing the integration of your Emotional Mind (driven by feelings) and your Reasonable Mind (driven by logic and facts) to achieve balanced, intuitive, and effective decisions and actions, acting as a middle path or inner wisdom. It combines emotional awareness with rational thinking, allowing you to respond to situations with both clarity and compassion, leading to healthier choices and a life worth living.

https://communicateconnectthrive.com/ Difficult conversations about discrimination, inequity, and exclusion often escalate not because of bad intentions, but because they activate deep internal protection systems. In this episode, we help listeners understand: Why defensiveness, silence, or over-explaining show up How hidden commitments protect identity at the expense of connection How to stay regulated and engaged during high-stakes conversations How to build real capacity for equity-centered dialogue over time In this episode: Why “good intentions” aren’t enough in conversations The four elements of the Immunity to Change framework How hidden commitments drive conflict behaviors Practical,  interventions that reduce escalation Tools for facilitators and leaders navigating group conflict If you’re navigating difficult conversations around equity and belonging, you’re not failing you’re developing. Connection grows when we slow down enough to examine what’s happening inside.

Connect with us!  https://communicateconnectthrive.com/ Neurodiversity at Work: Communication Shifts That Change Everything Neurodiversity isn’t a trend or a deficit, it’s a fact of human variation. In this episode, we examine how neurotypical assumptions shape workplaces, families, and relationships and why good intentions alone aren’t enough to create access. Rather than focusing on how neurodivergent people should adapt, this episode explores what neurotypical people can shift internally and systemically to support real inclusion. In This Episode: Why “treating everyone the same” isn’t neutral How neurotypical assumptions become invisible rules Why accommodations trigger resistance How hidden commitments preserve barriers How to distinguish fairness from sameness How to support difference without lowering standards

When was the last time you avoided asking for something you needed at work and what fear was really driving that avoidance? Do you find yourself waiting for someone to notice your value instead of advocating for yourself and what might that silence be costing you? What would change if you believed that asking for fair compensation was professional and appropriate, not greedy or entitled?  Today we're sharing how to confidently ask for a raise (or any other need at work) so you can overcome hidden fears and advocate for yourself effectively. What you'll learn: Why "just ask" advice doesn't work (and what actually does) The hidden commitments keeping you from speaking up How to respond to "yes," "no," or "maybe later" Why asking for what you need is professional, not selfish Resources Raquel the Capacity Coach Communicate Connect Thrive Contact: [email protected]  

In this episode of the Communication Skills for Working Women Podcast, we explore why clear communication isn’t just a skill issue—it’s often driven by hidden fears and internal protection systems. We guide you through a practical, compassionate process to understand what’s really getting in the way of speaking clearly and confidently at work. You’ll learn how well-intentioned habits like self-editing, rehearsing, and monitoring how you’re perceived are often strategies designed to protect belonging, approval, and safety. Rather than forcing yourself to “be bolder,” this episode shows you how to practice clarity in a way that feels grounded, authentic, and sustainable. Connect With Us: Facebook Group: Develop Confidence in Relationships Through Effective Communication Skills Website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected] If this episode supported you, please leave a review and share it with another working woman who wants to communicate clearly and confidently in the new year. Until next time— Speak clearly, and listen bravely.

As the year comes to a close, this episode of the Communication Skills for Working Women Podcast invites you into a thoughtful year-end reflection focused on communication, emotional well-being, connection, and personal growth. In this episode, we walk through a powerful and practical reflection exercise centered on what to leave behind and what to take forward into the new year. This process can be used in your personal life, workplace, leadership teams, families, and relationships to create clarity, closure, and renewed confidence. We discuss how habits like taking offense, hiding, shame, anxiety, and disconnection can quietly undermine communication at work and at home—and how intentionally releasing them can open the door to calm, curiosity, creativity, and stronger relationships. You’ll hear personal stories and real-life examples that demonstrate how curiosity instead of offense, and reflection instead of reactivity, can transform communication and help working women thrive emotionally, relationally, and professionally. This episode also marks the closing of a chapter for the podcast and gently introduces the transition into a new season and direction ahead. The end of the year is an opportunity to honor both the good and the difficult experiences—and to decide what you will carry forward. By letting go of anxiety and offense and choosing curiosity, reflection, and connection, you create space to communicate clearly, connect deeply, and thrive in the year ahead. Facebook Group: Develop Confidence in Relationships Through Effective Communication Skills Website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected] If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with another working woman who wants to strengthen her communication skills and relationships.

We kick off the episode with a powerful reminder: curiosity is the antidote to anxious communication. We talk about the truth that most misunderstandings don’t come from lack of love—but from lack of clarity. When you stop filling in the blanks with anxious assumptions and instead get curious, communication becomes gentler, easier, and more productive. We also share 3 tips that can change everything. Let Curiosity Lead!  Until next time Think Clearly and Listen Bravely! We would love to connect with you. Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected]

When you leave a conversation, how often do you replay every word in your head?” “Do you notice yourself planning what to say next instead of truly listening?” “What fear shows up when you think you ‘said the wrong thing’ or ‘looked awkward’?”   Today we’re breaking down the hidden fears and habits that fuel overthinking — so you can engage authentically without the anxiety or getting stuck in your own head.     Apologies That Actually Heal Relationships (What makes an apology real—and how to apologize without excuses)  

When someone gives you feedback, what’s your first thought?  Are you listening, or are you already defending yourself? Do you separate your sense of self from the feedback, or do you take it personally every time? What’s one thing you avoid doing when you receive feedback that could actually help you grow?” Today we’re sharing how to receive feedback effectively, so you can learn, grow, and stay grounded without getting anxious and defensive and maybe you can even build some connection.   We would love to connect with you! Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected] Until next time, speak clearly; listen bravely.

When was the last time you gave feedback and the other person reacted defensively?  What might have been different if you had focused on behavior instead of character? Do you tend to hold back honest feedback to avoid conflict?  How might that impact trust and growth in your relationships Today we’re sharing how to balance honesty with empathy so you can communicate your point without hurting the relationship. We would love to connect with you! Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected] Until next time, speak clearly; listen bravely.  

How do you tend to treat people you disagree with — like opponents or as fellow humans with different experiences? When was the last time you shut down or tuned out during a disagreement — and what might’ve changed if you had paused to get curious instead   Today we’re sharing four practical tips for staying open-minded when you disagree — so you can keep calm, stay grounded, and actually hear what others are saying.   Connect with us! Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected]

When you feel anxious in a conversation, what are you doing or not doing that fuels that anxiety? What fear shows up when you imagine saying the ‘wrong thing’? If you let go of needing to be perfect, what could change in how you participate? Today we’re sharing how to manage anxiety during conversations; so you can stay calm, present, and speak with confidence. We’re breaking down the hidden beliefs and commitments that fuel conversation anxiety so you can participate authentically without getting stuck in your head. Connect with Us: Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected]

Ever feel anxious when you are communicating with someone older or younger than you?  Do you feel nervous when someone from another generation has strong views that differ from yours?  When was the last time you assumed someone’s perspective was ‘wrong’ just because of their age — and how might that assumption have affected your conversation? Do you find yourself sticking rigidly to your preferred communication style — and how could adapting to someone from another generation improve the outcome? Today we’re sharing practical strategies for communicating effectively across generations at home and at work — so you can reduce misunderstandings and manage conflict.  Instagram Facebook Website Email: [email protected]  

When have you noticed power or privilege shaping who gets heard or who stays silent in your workplace or relationships? How do you respond internally when someone brings up privilege do you feel open, defensive, curious, or uncertain? What’s one small way you could use your position, experience, or voice to create more space for others in everyday conversations? You’ll learn four practical ways to bring awareness and empathy into conversations shaped by power or difference.  This episode helps you move from defensiveness to dialogue so you can lead, listen, and communicate with deeper presence and authenticity. Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected]   Until next time, speak clearly Listen bravely

Ever had someone ask a question that’s just… a little too personal?  Oh yes. And then you freeze—do you answer, change the subject, or lie about it?  Today, we’re giving you 4 simple, polite responses you can use to protect your privacy without offending anyone.  And we’ll walk through our 6-step communication framework to help you set boundaries with clarity and kindness.   We are sharing ways to respond when someone asks a question that was too personal, or you just don’t want to share.   Ruth I Your Speech Strategist - you can find her on IG @becomethatspeaker Connect with us! Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected]