This is a very special episode of Performance Anxiety. What you'll find in this episode is not one but three guests exploring the essential elements of effective communication, focusing on techniques such as mirroring energy, the power of pauses, and the importance of curiosity and active listening. Panelists share insights on vulnerability, storytelling, and the role of relationships in sales, emphasizing the need for authenticity and adaptability in various communication contexts. The discussion also highlights the significance of lifelong learning and the impact of different media on storytelling.

This episode originally aired live at the Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire in my class on Work Ready Communication.

Takeaways:

• Mirroring the energy of the person you're communicating with fosters connection.
• Pausing before responding shows active listening and thoughtfulness.
• Curiosity is a vital tool for engaging conversations.
• Active listening involves summarizing what others say to show understanding.
• Vulnerability can enhance authenticity in communication.
• Building relationships is crucial in sales and professional settings.
• Managing performance anxiety is key to effective communication.
• Storytelling can make communication more relatable and impactful.
• Different media require different storytelling techniques.
• It's important to maintain curiosity and a beginner's mindset throughout your career.

Panelists:

Jamie Carroll

Jamie is an Emmy-nominated Producer, Award-winning filmmaker, former Professional Actor, and Casting Director for both scripted and non-scripted programming. As an Audition Coach, Jamie has successfully coached actors into all levels of roles, from Co-Star, Guest Star, Recurring, Series Regular, Film Leads, and beyond the screen to Broadway and regional theaters throughout the country.

Amy Selwyn

Amy Selwyn is an artist, a storyteller, an author, a brand strategist, a life coach, a secret dancer, and a talk show hostess with the mostest. She has worked in more than 30 countries around the world, advising on how to tell stories that matter. Her written work has appeared in more than 1,000 publications (true story), and she says she is so passionate about stories that even if the readership were zero she'd keep writing! Ms. Selwyn is completing her MFA in Media Arts, and her practice includes audio, photography, performance and video. She's wild about dogs, especially her small but mighty French Bulldog, Arrow.

Stacey Elman

Stacey Elman is a Behavioural Economist who left the world of finance in 2023 to help drive the growth of Riverside.fm, the world’s #1 recording platform. Stacey holds an HBA from Ivey Business School and an MA from Reichman University. Her passion for the humanity behind global economics has seen Stacey organize annual cancer charity events, as well as teaching English classes to new Canadian immigrants.