Communication Lessons from Cancer Survivor: Deb Krier

What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone Facing a Health Crisis Navigating Tough Conversations: Lessons from a Cancer Warrior

Episode 246 (Deb is based in Atlanta, Georgia

In this conversation we explore:

1. How to communicate effectively during a personal crisis
2. The challenges of sharing personal health struggles with others
3. Why specificity in communication leads to better support
4. How to support someone facing a serious illness in a meaningful way
5. The role of humor in dealing with difficult situations
6. How to advocate for yourself in the medical system
7. The common mistakes people make when trying to offer support
8. How business leaders should communicate a personal health crisis to their team
9. What employers can do to support employees facing serious health challenges
10. How facing adversity reshapes life perspectives and priorities

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About our guest Deb Krier:

Deb is a three-time cancer survivor...or warrior as she prefers. The cancers were breast, basal cell carcinoma and thyroid cancer. She has an MBA and a masters in communication. She founded her marketing firm, Wise Woman Communication in 2009.

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Key Learning Points from the Podcast

1. The Challenge of Sharing Personal Struggles

   • Many people hesitate to share their diagnosis due to fear of judgment or burdening others.

2. The Importance of Specificity in Communication

   • Instead of vague offers to help, being specific about what you can do makes a real difference.

3. How to Support Someone Facing a Serious Illness

   • Simple gestures, like sending a card or making a concrete offer, are more helpful than vague sympathy.

4. The Role of Humor in Coping with Difficult Situations

   • Humor can be a powerful tool for dealing with hardship, but it should come from the person experiencing it.

5. Advocating for Yourself in the Medical System

   • Patients need to be proactive, ask questions, and not hesitate to push for answers from healthcare providers.

6. The Pitfalls of Saying "I Know How You Feel"

   • Everyone’s experience is different, and assuming you understand their emotions can be dismissive.

7. How Business Leaders Should Communicate a Health Challenge

   • Transparency is key—sharing information directly helps prevent rumors and misinformation.

8. What Employers Can Do to Support an Employee Facing a Health Crisis

   • Providing mental health resources and flexibility in work arrangements can make a big impact.

9. The Power of Living in the Present

   • Facing a serious illness often shifts one’s priorities toward making the most of every day.

10. Why Words Matter More Than Ever in Difficult Times

• Thoughtful, intentional communication helps people feel supported rather than isolated.

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Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self.

In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.

 

Your host is George Torok

George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presen