Episode #16: 6 Pre-Game Strategies for Mastering Conversations Before They Begin

Ever feel misunderstood or struggle to express yourself clearly?

You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help. Part of an ongoing series on mastering communication,  Dr.  Jan Newman dives into six powerful pre-game strategies for transformative conversations. A former corporate lawyer turned psychologist, high-performance coach, and multipreneur, Dr. Jan blends research-backed insights with real-world experience to help you communicate more effectively—both at work and at home. 

In this episode, you’ll discover practical research-based tools to enhance your communication skills, build stronger relationships, and create deeper connections. Dr. Jan explains how perspective-taking, stress regulation, mindset mastery, and value-driven communication can unlock more fulfilling interactions. Grounded in neuroscience and psychology, her techniques will help you approach conversations with clarity, intention, and confidence. 

Whether you’re navigating personal relationships or professional challenges, Dr. Jan shows why effective communication is the key to genuine connection, happiness, and success. From executives and entrepreneurs to parents and partners, anyone looking to elevate their communication skills will benefit from her actionable advice. 

Tune in now to learn how to turn everyday exchanges into meaningful, impactful dialogues—and take the first step toward becoming a master communicator!

What You’ll Learn

[00:01:22] From law to psychology: Lessons learned from shifting focus from outcomes to processes.

[00:03:21] The Harvard Study on Adult Development: The link between close relationships and happiness.

[00:04:17] Success stories: How communication transformed the lives of high performers.

[00:07:27] Identifying difficult conversations you’ve been avoiding.

[00:08:20] Understanding your audience: Perspective-taking as a key skill.

[00:13:04] Examples of communication across relationships, parenting, and workplace dynamics.

[00:21:11] How cognitive biases and learning history shape communication.

[00:27:08] The power of assuming benevolent intent in challenging conversations.

[00:43:09] Aligning communication with values for meaningful interactions

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Connect with Dr. Jan Newman 

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