Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Peace for Today
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie (attributed to various sources)
Melody Beattie, born in 1948, is an American author known for her influential work in the self-help and recovery fields. Her bestselling book, “Codependent No More,” revolutionized the understanding of codependency. Beattie’s writing often explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and gratitude. Drawing from personal experiences, she has inspired countless individuals to overcome challenges and find empowerment. With numerous published works and a commitment to helping others navigate life’s complexities, Melody Beattie continues to be a beacon of hope and guidance for many.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
The Designer’s Advantage – Speaking with Pictures and Plans
Behind every great design is a story: a spark of inspiration, a client’s dream, a challenge overcome.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...