Category Archives: Politics

They Aren’t Your Generals! They’re Ours!

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Words and phrases matter. If we slip into accepting a way of talking that threatens our basic values, we contribute to their downfall. And so it is with the all-too-common tendency to use “my” when presidential candidates refer to admirals … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Memo To Women: Did You Smile Enough Today?

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

If not, you may be causing offense. Then again, smiling too much or at the wrong times could suggest that you lack conviction. That you’re soft.  Maybe an airhead.  Republican National Committee Chairman, Reince Priebus, criticized Hillary Clinton for not … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Politics, Tutorials for Women, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hillary’s Speech — The First Female Presidential Candidate Knocks It Out of the Park!

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

I heard the first few minutes of Hillary Clinton’s speech on the radio. I was worried. It was stilted. Seeing her on television didn’t initially assuage those concerns, as her eyes were wide and her words did not flow smoothly. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, Politics, Tutorials for Women, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Scary Lines in Donald Trump’s Convention Speech

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Experts might reasonably agree that Donald Trump’s convention speech was too long. By the time he finished, it was difficult to remember what he’d promised. His conviction was evident.  To his additional credit, he made efforts to identify with his … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Keeping On Track When Others Disagree With You

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

As a former debater and having studied persuasion and negotiation my entire career, I enjoy disagreeing without being disagreeable. That situation is harder to find nowadays. Even the best intentions at dinner gatherings can lead to dispute. So, here is … Continue reading →

Posted in Negotiation, Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

No Idea Stands on Its Own

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

I’ve always started my persuasion classes with this comment — No Idea stands on its own. That is more true today than in years past. There are so many forms of competition for attention, often with the most inane taking … Continue reading →

Posted in Influence, Politics, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Politics of Making People Feel Good

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Given the contentiousness of the U.S. presidential race, you might wonder if politics has been turned on its head. Where is civility? Where is statesmanship? Why all this ringside excitement as if we’re looking forward to a fight? In The … Continue reading →

Posted in Confrontation, Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Clinton vs. Trump – Not likely to be a Pretty Picture

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

That’s the topic I wrote about today in a blog at Huffington Post. Clinton isn’t the Democratic nominee yet. But looking ahead, it may be that the very traits that have drawn Clinton considerable criticism are the ones that will … Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, Politics, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The ‘Cute-and-Little’ Stage Hurts Hillary Clinton Chances with Young Women

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

It’s been a while since I’ve written about this topic, but little has changed.  On Huffington Post today, I revisit it in terms of Hillary Clinton’s run for president.   In They Don’t Get It, Do They?  (re-released recently on … Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, Leadership, Politics, Tutorials for Women | 8 Comments

Additional Thoughts on Authenticity

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Having read the responses here and on my Huffington Post blog, “Authentic Politics: What is That?” I think the subject warrants some additional discussion. So, here are a few thoughts. When we’re discussing authenticity, there is being true to oneself … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Tutorials for Women, Uncategorized | 3 Comments