Bestselling author and renowned communication strategist Sam Horn joins Michelle on this week’s episode of The Seismic Shift to share the transformative power of language in leadership and life. Drawing from her latest book Talking on Eggshells, Sam walks listeners through a series of seismic shifts in language that will help reduce tension, boost connection, and strengthen leadership presence.
From hospitals to boardrooms, Sam shares real world stories that highlight how common phrases like “you need to,” “should,” or “no, we can’t” often backfire, eroding relationships and escalating conflict. In their place she offers alternative language that frames requests positively, fosters cooperation, and helps leaders connect rather than command.
Whether you're dealing with difficult conversations, wanting to craft more positive internal dialogue, or working to create a healthier culture, this episode provides a roadmap to better communication. Michelle and Sam also discuss the link between communication and connection, and how words can create emotional safety in personal and professional settings. This episode isn’t just about semantics—it’s about reshaping your conversations to shape your results. Sam’s insights are simple to implement, and will no doubt leave a lasting difference on how people lead, relate, and live.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Words to Lose, Words to Use
01:17 Meet Sam Horn
03:55 Seismic Shifts in Communication
06:05 Replacing “Should” with “Next Time”
07:12 Avoiding “No” and “Can’t Because”
08:02 Power of Reframing Apologies
11:28 Situational Awareness in Communication
13:35 Ditch the Word “But”
17:14 Shift “There’s Nothing” to “There’s Something”
19:51 The Impact of “You Have To” vs. Courtesy
22:41 Ordering at Home and Work
24:46 Deny vs. Reframe in Accusations
25:21 Communicating the Vision
27:03 Words That Shape Environments
29:09 Banning the Word “Problem”
29:48 Return on Connection Through Language
30:20 Final Thoughts from Sam Horn
31:17 Closing and Gratitude
Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire
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