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I'M ONE TO TALK

Our Blog Posts will help you reach your full potential in becoming a confident conversationalist. New topics each week.

I Cook, You Measure with Brad Evans

i cook you measure Aug 25, 2024
 

I’m confident in conversations while cooking, it’s the soccer part of this conversation that takes me out of my comfort zone. I guess I should have pictured myself talking soccer rules when I asked a Seattle soccer legend to join me, but I didn't think through that one all the way. That wasn't the only thing I was unprepared for.

Seattle Sounders Legend Brad Evans surprised me by revealing he has experience on cooking shows, maybe that's part of the reason he was such a natural on this episode. We chatted about his career and the work the Sounders are doing in the community. 

We also share risotto hack - barley. It speeds up the process and eliminates the need for constant stirring which gives us more time to chat and drink wine. Watch the full episode of I Cook, You Measure with Brad Evans and use the ingredients list below to recreate the dish. 

The Bonus Bites episode with Brad Evans have even more stories from the MLS standout including the trick he...

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

conversation starters Aug 18, 2024

I'll be honest, the dog-days of summer have me lacking inspiration.

Which is why I'll definitely be leaning on these sports conversation starters in small talk this week. 

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I Cook, You Measure with Damon Huard

 

Of course I thought about tailgating after former UW and NFL quarterback Damon Huard agreed to be a guest measurer on I Cook, You Measure. (Side note: I've always wanted to tailgate, but my work as a sideline reporter has gotten in the way for the last 20 years.)

I knew we would be talking about football and I knew I needed a few options for pairing wine because Damon was kind enough to share a few bottles of his highly rated Passing Time wine. A passion that was fueled by dinners with former teammate and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Mario. In fact, it was Marino who introduced Damon to Washington wine despite the fact Damon grew up in Washington. Damon shares that story as part of the Bonus Bites episode that you can find right here.

The full episode includes three different appetizers you could make for game day, or any time you're in the mood for elevated snacks: roasted grape crostini, warm antipasti dip and garlic steak bites. Watch the full episode of I Cook, You Measure...

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

conversation starters Aug 11, 2024

As an NFL sideline reporter preseason football isn’t just about the action on the field. It’s a chance for me to get to know the players in a more relaxed setting rather than the high-pressure regular season environment.

My interviews during preseason games are a mix of football questions and inquiries about interests outside of the game. A question like “Outside of football, what else are you competitive in?” reveals a lot about the people I’m working with and talking to every day.

Getting to know the people you work with is just as important and that’s where this list of sports topics comes in. Stick to sports or use them to branch out to other topics. It’s the benefit of talking sporty!

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

Uncategorized Aug 04, 2024

I expect baseball fans to cheer during a baseball game. I didn’t expect an entire stadium full of baseball fans to cheer for the men’s 100m Olympic race, but they all did when it was played on the video board before Sunday’s game. 

It was a really cool moment and a reminder that sports brings people together even if you don’t expect it to.

Just a reminder that when you talk sports you’re doing more than filling time or making small talk. You’re creating community.

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Questions to Spark Interesting Conversations

conversation starters Aug 04, 2024
 

I geek out over questions. Some would say I overthink questions. My counterpoint is that it's my job.

As a sports broadcaster I ask questions for a living. I know the value of asking great questions. I know that the answers you get are a reflection of the questions asked and I know that when you ask strategic, intentional and thoughtful questions you'll get insightful answers. Answers that tell a story, that bring out an emotion, that help you make a connection and play a role in building relationships.

All of those things are important in my job and it's why I happily geek out over the questions I ask. 

Asking questions that spark insightful conversations isn't just important on TV. I need the same interactions as a business owner and as a friend. Unfortunately conversational norms often get in the way of insightful conversations, or at the very least make them more difficult. 

Here are three guidelines to asking questions that spark insightful conversations:

1. There's a...

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

conversation starters Jul 28, 2024

 

I kept going back to the same place looking for inspiration. I was trying to break through writer’s block and find fresh perspectives. It wasn’t until I tried something different, like reading different types of articles and talking to different people that inspiration struck.

When I changed the conversation (both the topic and the people) I changed my perspective. It felt interesting and energizing.

If interesting and energizing are two things on your list this week try these sports topics. I bet the topic of Breakdancing in the Olympics can spark a few fun conversations and maybe you’ll be inspired in ways you never considered.

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

conversation starters Jul 21, 2024

 

Small talk this time of year feels like it's the same questions on repeat: How’s your summer? Do you have any fun vacations planned?

There’s nothing wrong with those questions or the conversations that follow, but if you’re looking to switch it up sports gives you great options this week with the start of NFL Training Camps and the Olympic games in Paris.

If you want a changeup, these sports topics can spark fresh conversations.

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

conversation starters Jul 14, 2024

Small talk is a conversation tool. It’s one of the ways you can build rapport and strengthen relationships. It’s also a skillset that requires practice. Simply starting a conversation is one thing. Getting the most out of a quick conversation is another. The difference is being strategic and intentional while trusting your own communication skills.

Having a place to start the conversation certainly helps, which is what these sports conversation starters are for:

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Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

conversation starters Jul 07, 2024

Trying new things can come in many different forms. From trying a new cuisine to picking up a new hobby or maybe just broaching a topic outside your norm in small talk.

If you default to the same topics every week (Think: How are you? Or How was your weekend?) this could be your chance to try something you and use one of the sports conversation topics below to spark conversation this week.

Go ahead and give it a try!

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