Communication has been a broad topic for ages that we often find it hard to describe. Robert Danisch, PhD, joins us in this episode to narrow down our scattered ideas about communication to come up with a simple definition we can use from now on. Rob also discussed his interesting thoughts about the communication skills among his current students. Are their skills improving or declining? Moreover, he illustrates what good communication looks like and how to build it. 

Rob is currently Chair of the Department of Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo and the voice behind the Now We’re Talking podcast. He is also the author of books that cover communication topics such as civility, communication effects, pragmatism, rhetoric, and democracy. 


In this Episode:

[00:01 - 04:36] Opening Segment

  • Let’s get to know Robert Danisch, PhD
  • His path to the communication world 
  • The communication issues Rob wants to address 



[04:37 - 14:06] What is Communication? 

  • Is communication getting better or worse?
  • Listen to Rob’s insights 
  • Role of social media in communication 
  • Listen to Rob’s idea of democracy that you should hear now 
  • Rob’s tips to facilitate a dialogue among people 
  • What are “pull tactics of persuasion?”
  • What comes before persuasion? 
  • .The human side of communication



[14:07 - 24:16] Characteristics of a Good Communication 

  • Why intrapersonal communication fascinates Rob
  • Listen to his explanation of the neutral inner voice 
  • Good communication looks like this…
  • 2 things to consider according to Rob
  • Balancing relational and functional communication practices 
  • Rob’s “checklist” to see if you are good at communication 



[24:17 - 32:30] Related Self-Disclosure 

  • How to do reflective listening
  • The process of being authentic as advised by Rob 
  • Listen to Rob’s explanation about related self-disclosure 



[32:31 - 39:07] Asking Questions to Keep A Conversation Going 

  • The conversation that left you with the most impact
  • During an intense meeting when he was young 
  • What communication skill would you have wanted to learn sooner?
  • Asking questions to orient conversations 
  • The best communicator you know
  • A colleague who’s balanced giving criticisms and support 



[39:08 - 40:47] Closing Segment

  • Connect with Rob!
  • Links below 
  • Final words from me



Tweetable Quotes:

“Communication is actually a process of producing effects on other people.” - Robert Danisch, PhD

“I think the first thing you need to do is start to reflect on the effects you have on others.” - Robert Danisch, PhD


Resources Mentioned: 

  • FREE e-course to master body language and micro-expressions to boost your EQ by 10% and sales by 20%. Check it out here. 
  • Rob’s books
  • Rob’s

Rss Apple Podcaster
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Greg Rice. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Greg Rice och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.