Rethinking Communication

Michael Ashford
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Self-Improvement

On Rethinking Communication (formerly The Follow-Up Question), independent journalist, speaking coach, and communication expert Michael Ashford explores how we can better connect with each other through the power of our words. For most of us, our formal education left gaps in our ability to communicate well with each other, especially when trying to navigate conflict, inspire change, and overcome misunderstandings. The goal is to get you to rethink how you connect with others, from the stage to the meeting room to the living room and everywhere in between.

  1. May 27

    Ep 158: Learning to communicate well as a leader shouldn't be on-the-job training

    Most leaders are promoted into their roles believing authority alone will inspire confidence, but the truth is, your communication style is what truly sets you apart as a leader.   In this episode, I reveal how many new leaders unwittingly sabotage their growth by misunderstanding what effective leadership communication actually looks like. A shift in mindset — moving from control to influence — and how to do this effectively is what's missing from nearly every leadership and development program I've come across.   In this episode, I cover: Why demanding to be heard often backfires and how inviting curiosity actually builds influence The top two communication mistakes new leaders make — and how to avoid them How releasing the need to control can empower you to lead with confidence, even when you lack final decision authority The secret power of asking open questions that turn pushback into productive dialogue   This episode is essential listening if you're stepping into or aspiring toward leadership and want to unlock the true power of your words. Whether you're managing a team, navigating cross-departmental goals, or climbing the corporate ladder, mastering leadership communication is your shortcut to advancing faster and leading more effectively.   Resources & Links: Download The New Leader's Communication Playbook Learn more about my communication coaching Connect with me on LinkedIn

    28 min

  2. Mar 2

    Part 6: The 6 communication skills to improve in the age of AI - Being yourself

    AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.    When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.   And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.   In this sixth and final episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of being yourself.   Great communication values human intuition, emotional understanding, and critical thinking to create genuine connections and effective messaging, traits that AI simply cannot reproduce.   To learn more about my communication coaching, go to https://michaelashford.com.

    18 min

  3. Feb 23

    Part 5: The 6 communication skills to improve in the age of AI - Pausing before you respond

    AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.    When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.   And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.   In this fifth episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of pausing before you respond.   I share my perspective on how taking a moment to reflect can transform conflicts into growth opportunities and improve leadership effectiveness.   Practicing the skill of pausing before you respond to criticism, feedback, ideas you don't agree with, or disrespect is difficult but essential for effective leadership. Asking questions like "What could I be missing?" opens the door to growth, with empathy and curiosity being vital tools in your communication toolkit.   To learn more about my communication coaching, go to https://michaelashford.com.

    20 min

  4. Feb 16

    Part 4: The 6 communication skills to improve in the age of AI - Staying present and observant

    AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.    When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.   And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.   In this fourth episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of staying present and observant.   I make the case for how being fully engaged in conversations can enhance communicative understanding and connection, which leads to better conversations and outcomes.   Remaining present and observant in the moment requires intentionality and focus with all that exists to distract you these days, but doing so is possible.   To learn more about my communication workshops and trainings for teams and groups, go to https://michaelashford.com/team-communication-training.

    17 min

  5. Feb 9

    Part 3: The 6 communication skills to improve in the age of AI - Asking questions

    AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.    When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.   And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.   In this third episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of asking questions.   I emphasize what being a great question-asker can do for you in conversations, and I detail the importance of leading with curiosity rather than weaponizing questions.   I also walk through how using my ASK then SEE approach to communication can help you bring a more curious mindset to conversations.   Sign up for my newsletter at https://michaelashford.com/newsletter   Get your copy of my book, "Can I Ask a Question?" at https://michaelashford.com/can-i-ask-a-question-book

    23 min

  6. Feb 2

    Part 2: The 6 communication skills to improve in the age of AI - Impromptu speaking

    AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.    When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.   And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.   In this second episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of impromptu speaking, or speaking on the fly.   Despite what you might believe, the people who can confidently speak in front of a room or in front of others are not inately born with this ability. Just like other skills, communicating well — and in particular, speaking on the fly — is a skill that can be learned and developed over time.     Rather than only speaking when you have your notes in front of you or shying away from the moments when you're called upon to speak or give your thoughts in an impromptu manner, follow the tips in this episode to release yourself of the pressure you might feel as a way to unlock this important communication skill.     Sign up for my newsletter at https://michaelashford.com/newsletter

    17 min

  7. Feb 2

    Part 1: The 6 communication skills to improve in the age of AI - Storytelling

    AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.    When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.   And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.   In this first episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of storytelling.   Storytelling enhances communication, fosters connections, and inspires change, and your ability to craft relatable stories helps create meaningful moments that resonate with audiences.   I cover the key elements of effective storytelling and discuss its relevance in both personal and professional contexts, highlighted by the reality that AI cannot replicate the human experience and connection that storytelling provides.

    23 min

  8. Jan 1

    Ep. 151: The No. 1 communication lesson I want you to take into 2026

    Do you think you are a good communicator?   I've observed ove the past year that most of us think we're great at communicating when, in reality, we struggle!   Because effective communication is not just about speaking your mind; it's about inspiring and connecting with others.    So many of us are stuck in the outdated communication styles we learned in our youth, and in this episode, I walk you through what it looks like to truly communicate well as we head into a new year.   Learn more about my communication coaching at https://michaelashford.com.

    34 min
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5
out of 5
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About

On Rethinking Communication (formerly The Follow-Up Question), independent journalist, speaking coach, and communication expert Michael Ashford explores how we can better connect with each other through the power of our words. For most of us, our formal education left gaps in our ability to communicate well with each other, especially when trying to navigate conflict, inspire change, and overcome misunderstandings. The goal is to get you to rethink how you connect with others, from the stage to the meeting room to the living room and everywhere in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Ashford
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rethinking Communication
  • Show Website
    Rethinking Communication