The Lowdown on Uptalk: What it is, when it hurts, and how it can actually boost your conversational influence. From time to time, I hear someone say, “I can’t STAND it when women use uptalk!” (SIGH. 🙂 Newsflash: it’s not just women.) Let’s dive into this vocal affect that drives some people crazy. What is...Read More

No outgoing voicemail? Or one that hasn’t been updated in years? That is sending a message. And not a good one. But here’s what I’ve learned: Most people don’t have an outgoing message. Or, if they do, it’s missing even the basics, such as their full name. It starts like this: “Hi! You’ve reached Rebecca’s...Read More

Last week I lost a friend to cancer. When I heard the news, I wasn’t sad. I was grateful. Here’s why: I’d known Pola Kelley for ten years. First, as the Executive Director of the Sedro Woolley Chamber, one of six local chambers in Skagit County, Northwest Washington. Then, through various photo and video projects...Read More

I’ve met many people who have a desire to be ‘a speaker’ but never move forward. Often, it’s believing that they have nothing original to say. “Everything I want to say has already been said.” This thinking kills dreams and innovation. It crushes confidence and creativity. It has stopped many people from speaking their truth....Read More

Breast Cancer Chronicle #1: Diagnosis. Below is the first video I shared following my breast cancer diagnosis in October 2021. The bad news came only days after my 30th wedding anniversary. “Happy anniversary…you’ve got cancer!” I was in shock, of course. But quickly bounced out of it to gather information. Over the next six weeks,...Read More