Hey.
I’m Joe. I’ve spent the last 25 years writing, reporting, editing, and talking to people. I’ve worked as a journalist, a magazine editor, a prize-winning book author, a musician, a screenwriter, and a consultant on all things communications—but especially communications with strangers.
Read on to learn how I came to do what I do, and how I can help you do what you do, better.
(A word of advice)
Don’t Talk to Strangers
It started like this.
A few years ago, I realized I had stopped talking to strangers. This was unusual, because I’d been talking to strangers for years, both as a journalist, but also as a person. I met friends that way, unlocked opportunities, stories, insights, jokes. In fact some of the most formative experiences of my young life came as a result of talking to strangers.
Then … I stopped doing it. I didn’t choose to. I just did. Blame the phone. Blame the responsibilities of a working father. Whatever. I stopped. And I missed it. And that made me wonder exactly what I was missing. And that sent me on a journey that would consume the next few years of my life. I talked to hundreds of experts—psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, archeologists, religious leaders, politicians, and countless civilians around the world — all to understand why we don’t talk to strangers, and when we will, how we can do it well, and why it matters — both for us as individuals, and our neighborhoods, towns, cities, countries, and the world.
In the process, I amassed a wealth of useful tips, insights, and stories that have since helped many people discover the benefits of talking to strangers. Whether you’re an introvert looking to come out of your shell, someone who is just looking to sharpen your communications skills, and event planner looking for a dynamic and inspiring speaker, or a manager looking for fun and practical ways to build teams, foster connection, and better engage with clients, I can help you.
Want to learn more? Click How I Can Help above, or scroll down to read two excerpts from The Power of Strangers.
(The image above: "Just a face in the crowd" by Scott Cresswell, is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)
Excerpt: “Become a Master of Talking to Strangers”
Entrepreneurs must become experts at connecting with anyone—and with a few simple strategies, you can. Here's what happened when I tried them myself.
“The Case for Teaching Kids to Talk to Strangers.”
Screens and the pandemic hurt young people’s ability to connect. Unless we help them rebuild their social skills, they will pay a steep price.
Excerpt: “The Surprising Benefits of Talking to Strangers”
So many of us have been raised to see strangers as dangerous and scary. What would happen if we instead saw them as potential sources of comfort and belonging?
“Why Does Parenthood Make Us Nostalgic?”
Research shows that parenting can make us deeply nostalgic. But nostalgia can also make us better parents.