Speaking your truth is a distinct and powerful skill.

When we care deeply about something—whether it's the health and safety of our family, equity and justice, or our children’s future—it can be challenging to get our message across in a way that others can hear.

Is your tendency to open the flood gates and let it rip, burning bridges or making a bit of a mess? Do you downplay your needs, later regretting that you didn't speak up more?

You don't have to choose between being honest and being kind.

It’s possible to be both direct and compassionate. 

Such speech is rare and powerful. It's clear—honoring nuance instead of reducing complex realities to sound bites. It's vulnerable—owning our feelings instead of projecting blame with inflammatory language. And it's brave, connecting with the fullness of our shared humanity, instead of reducing others to two-dimensional beings.

This kind of authentic speech requires something far more demanding than just saying what's on your mind. It requires connecting with the fullness of your heart, moving beyond the narrow constraints of the dominant culture, and working through fears and habits.

If you’re ready to start having better conversations (instead of feeling like your only options are to argue or shut down), join me for my next, live 8-week online course: Authentic Communication.

In this eight-week course, you’ll learn ways to:

• Feel more confident in conversations
• Say what matters most to you in any interaction
• Ask for what you want in a way that invites collaboration 
• Say no and set limits while still expressing your care for others

The course starts April 4th, meeting Thursdays, 4-5:30p PT. Each live session will be recorded and available for listening/viewing afterwards. We also offer certificates of completion, group discounts, and scholarships.

This is the last time I'll be teaching the course live. (All future sessions will be pre-recorded).

If you’re ready to learn more or register, check it out here.

Register Now

I hope you can join me for the class to explore these themes more deeply. Either way, I look forward to staying in touch and hope to see you down the line at one of my upcoming events.

Warm wishes,

Oren

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See past reflections here.