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How do you answer “stupid” questions effectively? Don’t call them stupid!
This post describes how to respond to questions that are often labeled “stupid.” It shares an excerpt from Chapter 36, updated to reflect answering questions in person, virtually, and in writing, such as on social media or responding to comments online.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
2 days ago4 min read
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How do you answer questions effectively when you don’t know the answer?
This is the question everyone dreads. Nutrition communicators will never know the answer to every question, but they should know how to answer most questions related to the content within the presentation or article the communicator is being asked about. Preparing ahead of time and anticipating potential questions should eliminate the potential for having to say “I don’t know” very often. In this post, we will explore how to effectively respond to questions when we don’t know
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Apr 114 min read
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How can I be an effective communicator? With flexibility and teachability.
To be effective in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, an effective communicator needs to exhibit flexibility and teachability.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jan 243 min read
9 views
1 comment

How can I be an effective communicator? With genuine courtesy, grace, and respect.
This post is the second in a series examining the qualities and skills needed to be an effective communicator, including genuine courtesy.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jan 174 min read
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So many types of bias! How can I easily know which one is which?
This blog post will define the main categories of bias and describe some of the most common types.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Dec 6, 20244 min read
11 views
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Are you comfortable in controversial conversations? Create connections, not conflict.
This post encourages being more comfortable discussing controversial topics, not to avoid conflicts, but to build connections.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Oct 11, 20243 min read
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Is your communication CLEAR? Yes. When we practice these 5 principles.
CLEAR is an acronym standing for 5 principles of clear communication. This acronym was developed by Dr. Rene Roberts, MD, MS, FAAFP.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jun 14, 20242 min read
125 views
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Is your communication CLEAR? Yes. When we repeat and reinforce.
Messages are more effective when they are repeated and reinforced.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jun 7, 20242 min read
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Is your communication CLEAR? Yes. When we leverage visual aids.
Communicators benefit from using visual aids because information is conveyed more efficiently and effectively than with words alone. Visual
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
May 17, 20243 min read
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5 Tips for Using Behavior Change Theories
This post summarizes the main points from our series on using behavior change theories with 5 brief tips.
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Apr 26, 20243 min read
19 views
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National Nutrition Month® 2024 promotes farm-to-fork nutrition.
National Nutrition Month® is a campaign of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, held each year in March, when “everyone is invited to...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Mar 8, 20242 min read
433 views
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Want effective audience engagement without technology? Try mini whiteboards.
Audience engagement is essential for effective communication, especially in presentations. As described in Chapter 20 of Communicating...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Dec 8, 20232 min read
52 views
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Save the day by remembering 3 Ps: Plan. Prepare. Prevent.
How often are you in charge of an event? Often? Sometimes? Or rarely? Your answer may be related to your history of successful execution....
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Dec 1, 20232 min read
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When experts don't know the answer how does an authority respond?
“Why don’t nutrition experts ever agree?” “Why do nutrition experts keep changing their minds?” Do you hear those complaints? I do. I can...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Oct 27, 20233 min read
27 views
0 comments

Need funding? Follow these 5 tips to succeed at grant writing.
How do you fund your projects, research, operating budget, and more? If you answered grants, you are familiar with the stress of seeking...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Oct 6, 20234 min read
29 views
0 comments

What creates effective communication? Be professional… always.
What creates effective communication? This series of posts shares 8 key principles. Here are the first seven: Communication is relational...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Aug 25, 20233 min read
49 views
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What creates effective communication? Educate AND entertain. Be Edutaining.
What creates effective communication? In this series of posts, I am proposing 8 principles. So far, we have covered the first four:...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Aug 4, 20233 min read
71 views
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Jargon is like a foreign language. Learn to speak so your audience understands.
What is jargon? According to the dictionary, jargon is “special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group...
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
May 19, 20233 min read
45 views
0 comments

Does misinterpretation plague your communication? Keep it open with clarification.
Has your communication ever been misinterpreted? Have you ever misinterpreted the messages or intentions of the communication of others?...
Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
May 5, 20233 min read
57 views
0 comments

No more filler words! 5 tips for stronger speech.
When you open your mouth to speak, what is the first sound you utter? Is it um or ah as you decide what to say? When you give a speech or...
Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Feb 24, 20233 min read
54 views
0 comments
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