By Steve Adubato, PhD

Effectively communicating is hard enough, however, effectively communicating with someone who has a communication disorder is really tough. Consider Aphasia, which is an acquired language disorder caused by brain damage after a stroke, brain tumor or other brain injury. Aphasia severely impacts on a person’s ability to communicate and connect with others in the seemingly simplest of circumstances.

By Steve Adubato, PhD

Tennis great Andre Agassi gave a powerful and moving speech last Sunday after bowing out at the U.S. Open. Agassi offered his emotional farewell after playing 21 straight years at the U.S. Open thereby creating a powerful bond with tennis fans and many casual observers. But as the Star-Ledger’s David Waldstein noted in his September 4 article, “A Kiss Goodbye,” Agassi who was known and criticized early on in his career for his “image is everything” motto “actually spent the past seven years proving that substance is what matters most.”

By Steve Adubato, PhD

The way we touch or physically connect in public can communicate powerful messages. Often, our intent is misunderstood, feelings can be hurt, people can get angry and reputations are impacted. Consider a couple of high-profile incidents recently that demonstrate this point.

By Steve Adubato, PhD

When it comes to communication, often it is the “small stuff” that makes a big difference. We get caught up in thinking that great communication is all about being a superior orator, a savvy debater and a super sales person who knows how to close. But great communication is really about connecting with other people, which helps build and foster relationships—the cornerstone of professional success. But what kind of communication “small stuff” are we really talking about?

By Steve Adubato, PhD

Governor Jon Corzine is not the most dynamic communicator around. He has a tendency to read from a prepared text, and as a result, sometimes his words and brain may not be in sync. Sometimes he stumbles or loses his place. I have seen Corzine deliver presentations in a variety of settings including his recent speech with state workers on the Capital steps in which he was shouting to an audience of supportive public employees.

By Steve Adubato, PhD

Bob Miglani, is author of the book, “Treat Your Customers: Thirty Lessons on Service and Sales That I Learned at My Family's Dairy Queen Store.” Miglani wrote in to respond to my recent column titled, “Employers need honest feedback.” Says Miglani; “In my experience, in both big and small business, the number one problem is not necessarily about feedback rather it is about TIME employers/managers spend with their employee. We are not spending quality time with our employees. Time training them, coaching them and fully engaging them in conversation. This yields productive employees who are focused on the most important thin in business—the customer.”

By Steve Adubato, PhD

A recent RoperASW survey found that 55% of employers called themselves “good communicators.” The problem is that only 35% of those who worked for these employers agreed. The RoperASW survey also found that only 8% of employers said they were “poor communicators,” while 31% of their employees said their employers “lacked communication skills.” Eighty-three percent of these employers said that they communicated a “clear vision of the coming year” while only 68% of employees agreed. You get the idea.