Communicate with Courage

CHAPTER 1

Strength in Vulnerability (Saying “Nobody’s Perfect,” and Meaning It)

LOWER YOUR WALL

If I were to begin life again, I should want it as it were. I would only open my eyes a little more.

—JULES RENARD, FRENCH WRITER

LET’S START OUR ADVENTURES in communication by taking a brave look at what seems distasteful, painful, or threatening in interactions with others so we can see what holds us back. Fear is inherent in our hidden challenges. Maybe you’re afraid to the point of freezing in some scenarios, or maybe just a little nervous and feeling butterflies in your stomach. The same emotion casts a wide net. We’re going to outfox our fear by changing it into a tool. When fear shows up, we’ll consider it an important alert that courage is ...