Speak With Merritt

Midweek with Merritt | Part 4 “Can you give me a call instead, please?” For some, that request feels simple and reasonable. They want a call? Sure. For others, it can bring a moment of hesitation. Is a call really necessary? Cultural and generational preferences can shape which option is chosen. Texts can feel easier and more efficient in a world that prioritizes speed and convenience. Responses can happen when time allows. Calls, on the other hand, can feel clearer and more personal. The person can speak in “real time” with you and hear your voice (tone, inflection, etc.) to better interpret meaning. One is not better than the other, but note the common goal… TIME. It is the one thing we cannot make more of, so deciding how you use it is important. Could the issue have been rectified with a text or would a quick call have been better suited to reduce confusion? This is where leadership, flexibility, and audience awareness can go a long way with communication. Sometimes, you may have to bend to a less preferred mode of communication, but if it saves time and resolves a problem, not having to circle back is a win. At the same time, boundaries still matter. If back and forth texting is not solving the issue, a call might be in order. If the call is only addressing a simple question, it could have been a text. Finding that balance comes as you build the relationship. You learn what works and adjust accordingly. Flexibility helps, but without clear expectations and boundaries, even simple conversations can become frustrating. #GenerationalCommunication #CrossCulturalCommunication #CommunicationStyles #MidweekWithMerritt

Midweek with Merritt | Part 3 “I thought my responsibilities for this role were X, not Y.” “I don’t remember agreeing to take on those tasks.” Statements like this can come up in volunteer or collaborative spaces, especially when pressure is high. Even when expectations have been communicated, how they are received can shift in the moment. A request that once felt reasonable to the other person can suddenly feel like too much. When they express that, it can come across as backtracking or not honoring their commitments. That may not have been the intent, but it can come across that way. And, in moments like that, the task does not go away. The conversation just becomes more difficult to navigate. This is the point where how you respond next matters most. You may need to reinforce what was originally agreed to in a clear and professional way. Or, if needed, adjust and find another way to keep the task moving forward. You cannot control the response you will received after. You can control how clearly you communicate what still needs to be done and go from there. #Leadership #Collaboration #MidweekWithMerritt

Midweek with Merritt | Part 2 Interpretation Gap Did you know there is a “linear model of communication?” “Okay!” 😄 “Ok.” 😶 “Ooookkk…” 🙂 “Ok 🤷🏽♀️” Depending on tone, context, and even generation, “ok” can signal: • agreement • neutrality • hesitation • dismissal That’s the challenge with communication. Words are not just read. They are interpreted. What feels clear to one person can land completely differently to someone else. And that gap is where misunderstanding starts. Next week, we’ll look at what happens when the issue isn’t interpretation… but the fact that expectations were never clearly defined in the first place. #MidweekWithMerritt #Communication

Midweek with Merritt | Part 1 Internal pressure before speaking “It wasn’t the message that was difficult. It was deciding how safe it was to say it.” Ever rehearse a message in your head a few different ways before sending it just to avoid the “wrong” reaction? A deadline is coming. You need that update. But you end up focused more on how it will land than what actually needs to be said. So you soften the message to appear more polite. Reword it because it is “too nice” now. Overthink it because when you are direct, it is perceived as harsh. Delay it since you have not found the perfect words. Now, the message gets less clear every time, and you have wasted time. But it’s not always TONE that breaks communication. It’s OVER-managing reactions. Clarity doesn’t come from predicting people; it comes from being intentional, and that takes practice and courage. You are not going to please everyone. You can only control your replies and reactions. If you have communicated politely, clearly, and with appropriate urgency (this means without anxiety or frustration), you have done your part. Let it stand. Next week, SWM will look at what happens when the same message is received but interpreted in completely different ways. #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #MidweekWithMerritt

Today is World Semicolon Day. The semicolon has become a recognized symbol of hope and continuation in the conversation around mental health awareness. To those in this community who may be navigating challenges, your voice matters and your story is still being written. For those new here, Speak With Merritt focuses on helping individuals and organizations communicate stories with clarity, intention, and understanding across cultures, generations, and everyday interactions. We believe words can support and uplift, and genuine care strengthens community.

Everyone has received that message at work that makes them stop mid-scroll or mid-sentence. Sometimes it prompts thoughts like “Not sure what they mean.” Sometimes it feels pushy or even offensive. Sometimes it sparks silent self-doubt: “Am I overthinking this… again?” Reply to the poll below, and provide your honest answer. #Leadership #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture

Miscommunication at work is not just about language. It is about nuance. Nuance is the subtle meaning behind words, tone, and context. For example: “I shouldn’t have to tell you this. You should already know.” If you hear this at work, do you immediately judge the person’s intent or do you pause to consider context? Situations can change langauge. This is not about excusing tone. It is about pausing before reacting emotionally. Ask yourself: ✨What context might I be missing? ✨Could their background influence their words? ✨Can I clarify before assuming intent? Understanding nuance helps us separate intent from emotion which leads to stronger communication and healthier workplace interactions. Stay tuned. Future posts will explore communication barriers, nuance, and how multigenerational and cross-cultural dynamics shape the way we connect personally and professionally. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture

A follower recently asked about cross-cultural communication, and it’s a topic worth exploring in depth! Communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. It looks different depending on context, culture, and perspective. Take Sign Language, for example: You may have heard of American Sign Language (ASL), but did you know there are entirely different sign languages around the world like British Sign Language (BSL) and Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Even within ASL, signs can vary by region. What’s used on the East Coast may differ from the West Coast. Same purpose. Different expression. In short, we are all trying to commmunicate but background plays a major role. So, it may take some effort and grace, but that’s where growth happens. The goal with communication is connection, not perfection. You won’t always get it right, and trying to be perfect often prevents progress. What matters is the willingness to keep learning, adjust, and improve over time. There will be more posts exploring cross-cultural communication, including how language affects clarity and understanding. Stay tuned! #CrossCulturalCommunication #Communication #Leadership #Accessibility #Inclusion

It's International Women's Day! Today (and all year), we should celebrate the many EPIC women whose VOICES inspire ACTION and whose PRESENCE LIGHTS THE PATH for others. Tag or reach out to a woman who inspires you, and let her know the impact she’s made.

This page now has 50+ followers! Thank you for being part of this space on professional communication. I’m excited to see it grow and to share it with all of you. Here we explore how we speak, how we write, and how we think about the messages we send. Communication shapes our work, our relationships, and the opportunities that come our way. The stage is wherever you are. I will keep sharing practical tips to sharpen your communication skills. What topics or challenges would you like me to cover next?