Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

 

 

 

The Secret to Engaging Audiences with Compelling Messages

You.

You want to be seen as a thought leader.

A skilled professional.

A valued member of the team.

And you know your stuff.

➡️So why are so many people putting their presentations, manuals, and CRM notes into AI and walking away with a ready-made talk or webinar?

AI tools can give you the content and may offer insights you missed.

But can *you* deliver that material as if you own it? 🤔

Backward and forward, in your sleep?

This is the human gap in AI.

🎯The truth is that you won't deliver the message or content as powerfully if you don't OWN it.

I was on a 1-hour webinar today where the moderator read a five-minute introduction from a script.

It was painfully obvious.

It's like reading slides in a presentation.😴

Can you imagine sitting through hours-long courses in Learning Management Systems for CEUs with instructors who don't OWN their expertise???

Ouch!

You must trust yourself at a deep, core level and know you are the subject matter expert.

Only then will others trust and respect you.

Use your o...

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Stepping Into Leadership Doesn't Have to Feel Overwhelming

Step up.

Moving into leadership roles may feel exciting, daunting, or downright scary.

Especially when project managers transition from job sites to client meetings.

Communication is the linchpin of A/E/C career growth.🎯

Not just sending RFIs on tablets or sharing drone-generated 3D models for BIM.

I mean productive toolbox talks, clarity in high-stakes client meetings, and resolving misunderstandings with colleagues about CRM content.

➡️Human-to-human interactions make or break deals and career trajectories.

October is Construction Careers Month, a reminder that despite AI and technology, good old-fashioned interpersonal communication is how we grow professionally and personally.

Procore Technologies recognizes this, too.

I'm thrilled to partner with Procore and bring my pioneering communications training to construction companies worldwide.🙌

To uplevel your skills and career, don't underestimate human-to-human communication.

It's time to learn.

It's time to step up.

 

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7 Business and Communication Insights from Dolly Parton

The real deal.

Around the world, people continue to pay tribute to Dolly Parton's legacy.

What stands out about Dolly's life is her simplicity and lack of pretension.

Whatever she was doing—singing on stage, acting in a film, or giving a one-on-one interview—Dolly always seemed down-to-earth.

Here are 7 takeaways from her life that we can apply to business, communication, and our own lives:

🔷On showing up: It was no secret; Dolly often spoke about wearing wigs. Why pretend, she said? Although she had a public image, the woman was genuine.

🔷On relating to people: The 80-year-old legend made people feel seen. Whether singing to millions or talking to one person, she communicated with warmth and without pretense. Not every celebrity or leader can do this. Dolly was straightforward; she spoke plainly, and people listened.

🔷On curiosity: Dolly believed curiosity could change a life.

In 1995, she launched her "Imagination Library" in her home state of Tennessee. Children around the globe have rece...

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Why Thought Leaders Must Stop Overthinking

An invitation.

I just got a "Congratulations" email from the team organizing a women's healthcare leadership conference.

They invited me to speak at their annual event in Houston.🤗

I'm going to be there.

I'll show up.

I'll speak up.

🧨I'll help thought leaders stop overthinking their communication.

I'll show them how to avoid jargon and buzzwords, and choose their words carefully.

I'll teach them to share their successes through stories and examples that connect with real people.

I'll help them amplify their voices in a steady, confident way that draws people in and makes an impact.

Here's the truth:

I've noticed that even people in top positions often struggle to share what they know clearly and confidently.

➡️Having a title on an org chart or business card doesn't mean much if you can't communicate in a way that truly connects with people.

You don’t need a formal invitation to refine your communication skills.

It’s a decision about how you speak up and show up.

I’m just encouraging you to be bold....

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The Power is Not in Your Words

No words.

Our nonverbal communication is much more powerful than our spoken words.

Research from Nature-dot-com says that people don’t just listen to what we say.

They also interpret our facial expressions, body language, and vocal cues at the same time. 💯

You don’t have to say much because nonverbal cues and clues can substantially shape perceptions of emotion, credibility, and trust.

The bottom line: Be a people-watcher.

Pay attention to body language and physical energy. Equally important, be aware of your own facial expressions and gestures when interacting with others.

 

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How to Quit Dancing Around Awkward Moments

The dance.

Bon Jovi is in the midst of nine shows at Madison Square Garden, after not touring since 2022.

That break followed serious vocal cord problems for frontman Jon Bon Jovi that threatened his iconic voice.

Last year, I saw Jon Bon Jovi on a news program talking about risky surgery and his tedious daily exercises.

He spoke of the physical pain and the emotions of not knowing if a comeback was possible. 😯

Critics and fans hadn't minced words a few years ago: Bon Jovi's strained and raspy voice was shot.

His bandmates tried to cover, but couldn't.

With all eyes and ears on Jon Bon Jovi, the band takes to the stage on opening night.

Surrounded by his bandmates, Bon Jovi sings the first few lines from Joe Cocker and the Beatles' song, With a Little Help From My Friends.

🎶The opening words boldly and wholeheartedly address the elephant in the room:

"What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears, and I'll sing you a song, and I'll try n...

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Before Investing in Another AI Tool, Do This

Accelerating confusion.

The chaotic pace of change with AI can feel overwhelming.

From proposals and documentation to enterprise risk and conflict resolution, firms that strategically embrace AI have a significant competitive advantage.

➡️As these changes accelerate into 2026, A/E/C leaders faces a key question:

Is your firm's communication and decision-making infrastructure keeping pace with your technology investments?

High-performing firms don't simply use more tools. 

They're establishing clear communication standards, governance protocols, accountability, and measurable business outcomes.💯

Only six months remain to align leadership priorities in 2026.

Before the end of the year, A/E/C executives should prioritize:

✅Meaningful performance measures that connect AI investments to business results—not just technology adoption.

✅Consistent communication standards that keep AI-generated information accurate and client-ready.

✅Clear expectations that help employees use AI confidently, responsibly, ...

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3 Words You Need for Resilience and Success

Three words.

There are three words that sum up the key to success in anything and everything we do.

🏀These three words—a guiding phrase—were highlighted last night after the New York Knicks made the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, edging past the San Antonio Spurs, 107-106.🏀

The Knicks' OG Anunoby scored the winning basket in the final two seconds, overcoming a 29-point deficit.

Thunderous cheers erupted as stunned Knicks fans celebrated at Madison Square Garden.

Within a minute, ESPN's Lisa Salters interviewed Anunoby about the comeback.

She asked how he and his teammates managed the victory and what he thought mid-game as the Spurs dominated.🥇

Anunoby revealed the three words that fueled their comeback: Stay with it.

He told Salters his team is resilient and never gives up. They stay with it and keep pushing.

In the span of a 90-second interview, Anunoby said "stay with it" several times.

It resonates with me as I've turned to this mantra for years. You can, too.

No matter the challeng...

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