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How do you answer hostile or controversial questions effectively? With calm confidence.
This post describes how to respond to hostile or controversial questions. A hostile question is characterized by the intent in which it is posed rather than the content of the question being asked. A controversial question is related to a topic that is surrounded by intense public disagreement. When questioners are hostile, our natural response will be to feel defensive. However, for the communicator to demonstrate hostility in any way will be counterproductive. Instead, be c

Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
May 24 min read


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


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


Why can’t nutrition experts agree? Conquer this misconception with truth and respect.
A common complaint about scientists in general and nutrition scientists, in particular, is that they can’t agree. One day they say coffee...

Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jun 16, 20233 min read


What misconceptions drive you crazy? Conquer them with truth and respect.
Misconceptions are a nemesis to food and nutrition professionals. On one extreme are claims that a little gummy chew will melt away...

Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
May 26, 20233 min read


Is Peace on Earth possible? If we share goodwill on common ground.
Christmas Eve. 1914. The Western Front. A world at war. Have you heard the story of what happened that night? There are many versions of...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Dec 23, 20222 min read


Why is small talk hated? Can it make my communication more effective?
Small talk – it gets a bad rap – it’s fashionable to dislike and make fun of. Does small talk deserve a negative image? Or does it have...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Oct 7, 20223 min read


When is silence golden?
To speak or not? Depending on the situation, speaking up or keeping silent will be the better choice. Both are important. Important...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Oct 8, 20213 min read


United we stand
Is it possible for the United States of America to be united again? What will unite us? One year ago I proposed the idea that better...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jul 2, 20213 min read


Defining moments shape a generation
Defining moments shape each generation. When we develop communication, we must consider these defining moments.

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Sep 11, 20202 min read


#TogetherApart - United against a common foe
Defeating COVID-19 will take a united effort in the battle. We can be #TogetherApart using 5 weapons for the fight.

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Apr 3, 20202 min read


Finding Common Ground for Nutrition amidst a Culture of Controversy
Would you agree we live in an increasingly polarized culture? Specifically, in the field of nutrition, polarization and controversy are...

Guest post by Rachel Baer, MS, RDN, LD
Oct 25, 20194 min read


Miss Aligned leaves you out
Meet Miss Aligned, also known as “not speaking the same language, even when it is all English.” She is another contestant in the Mis(s)...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Mar 22, 20193 min read


Can we talk?
In today’s world of instant messaging, texting, email, and social media, have we lost the art of having honest-to-goodness, face-to-face...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Jan 11, 20193 min read


Code word for civility
Are your family holiday gatherings suitable for a Norman Rockwell painting or a Hallmark movie? Maybe… sometimes. For many reasons,...

Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Dec 28, 20182 min read
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