Communicate with Courage Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges

Clear communication requires the courage to confront the psychological blocks that hold you back. Learn how to become a more fearless and peerless communicator.

Raising your game as a communicator is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world, but it takes courage to open up to others and invite others to open up to you. As a lifelong communication coach, Michelle Gladieux has discovered four sneaky obstacles that can keep you from becoming the best communicator you can be:

• Hiding—Fear of exposing your supposed weaknesses
• Defining—Putting too much stock into assumptions and being quick to judge
• Rationalizing—Using “being realistic” to shield yourself from taking chances, engaging in conflict, or doing other scary but potentially rewarding actions
• Settling—Stopping at “good enough” instead of aiming for something better in your interactions

These challenges all have something in common. They require taking risks—to reveal yourself, question your beliefs, take a leap of faith, or move out of your comfort zone. Each chapter includes a real-world practice called a Pro Move and an exercise, both carefully crafted to help you overcome hang-ups and take more joy in communicating.

Courageous communication requires self-knowledge, practice, and a desire to grow. It is a full-body, full-mind, and full-heart effort. This book is like having a caring, expert coach along with you for the journey.

Michelle Gladieux is president of Gladieux Consulting. She has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at three major universities in addition to her consulting, speaking, and training work. Her current clients include Adidas, the American Red Cross, Best Buy, ManpowerGroup, Inc., Medtronic, United Way, YWCA, and many others. Her in-person seminars and online webinars have sparked positive change in thousands of lives each year. Gladieux is also a keynote speaker at national conferences.