Communication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard Ohrband
Communication psychologist Gerhard Ohrband explores the psychological research behind everyday HR and workplace communication. The podcast aims to provide scientific perspectives on topics HR professionals often encounter but rarely understand deeply. Each episode unpacks a specific topic without buzzwords, acknowledging the complexities involved. Ohrband draws on his experience consulting with HR teams in Moldova, South Eastern Europe, and beyond.
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How to Overcome Polarization in Discussions
We often label people as "stingy," "irresponsible," or"negative." But what if those same qualities become strengths in theright context? Sometimes the first step toward resolving conflict isrecognizing the positive intention behind the other person's perspective. Thatdoesn't mean you have to agree—it means you're making dialogue possible.
How to Get More Information from Employees — and from People in General
Many organizations invest heavily insurveys, monitoring systems, and data collection. Yet the best informationoften emerges in places where no one is measuring anything.People share more when they feelrespected than when they feel watched.If you want better ideas, morehonest feedback, and deeper insights from employees, the answer may not be moresurveillance—but more trust, reciprocity, and psycho
The Biggest Mistake Is to Make No Mistakes
Many organizations say they valuecontinuous improvement. But do they create the conditions that make improvementpossible?The reality is simple: learningrequires experimentation, and experimentation inevitably involves mistakes.Whether in sports, music, or communication, progress happens when people areallowed to practice, reflect, and try again.Perhaps the biggest mistake istrying so hard to avoid
When Companies Outsource Responsibility for Soft Skills
Many companies encourage employees to take responsibility for their own development. That sounds reasonable—until a customer has a bad experience.Customers don't care whether an employee was given a reading list, access to online courses, or recommendations for self-improvement. They hold the company responsible.The uncomfortable truth is that communication, respect, cooperation, and customer
Why We Often Don’t Share Useful Information With Our Colleagues
In many organizations, knowledge is createdevery day—but far too often it stays locked inside individual employees’ headsinstead of becoming part of the company’s collective intelligence.This becomes especially costly infast-moving teams, where people change roles or leave after a couple of years.A new colleague in a sales position, for example, could benefit enormously fromthe practical experienc
Why We Sound Unconvincing in Conversations — Even When We Mean Well
Most people prepare forconversations by thinking about what they want to say.But conversations are not speeches.They are unpredictable, emotional, and psychologically complex. Often, we arenot only talking to the other person — we are also reacting to invisibleobservers, social expectations, fear of judgment, and our own innercontradictions.And that is exactly why peoplesometimes sound unconvincin
Why We Resist Improving Our Communication Skills
Improving communication is rarelyjust about learning a few techniques. It often challenges our identity, habits,emotional comfort zone, and even the expectations other people have about us.Sometimes growth feels wrongprecisely because it is real growth.#CommunicationSkills #Psychology#PersonalDevelopment #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #BehaviorChange#CommunicationTraining #SelfDevelopment
Employee Voice Between Pretense and Reality
Many companies today speak about openness, participation, and employee voice. But what happens when employees actually challenge the status quo?In this episode, I explore the gap between HR branding and lived organizational reality — from onboarding processes that exist mostly on paper to cultures where speaking upward is still perceived as risky.Based on observations from Moldova and internationa
What Do I Think and Feel About This Person?
Before any difficult conversation in HR or leadership, there is a step thatis often overlooked: clarifying your own internal position toward the otherperson.This is not a “soft skill” or optional preparation. It often determineswhether a conversation becomes clear and constructive—or confused andemotionally distorted.In most workplace relationships, perceptions are mixed. We rarely deal withpurely
Error Management Training for Communication
LiteratureKeith, N., & Frese, M. (2008). Effectiveness of errormanagement training: A meta-analysis. Journal of AppliedPsychology, 93(1), 59–69.Most people believe the besttraining is the one where you make the fewest mistakes.But what if the opposite is true?When you only practice the “perfect”response, you become rigid.When reality shifts—even slightly—you get stuck.The real world of communi
Why Learning from Success Stories Might Not Be a Good Idea
For years, I consumed successstories, looking for patterns to replicate. It felt logical: learn from thosewho made it.But what if success stories don’t actually explain success?We often mistake correlation forcausation. People who succeed don’t always know why—and we fill in the gapswith appealing narratives.Lately, I’ve been shifting away fromself-help and toward testing ideas myself. Less imitat
How Can I Admit My Own Faults?
Admittingmistakes sounds simple—until your environment punishes you for it. Many peopledon’t avoid responsibility because they lack integrity, but because they’velearned that honesty can be risky. The real question is not whether admittingfaults is good, but when it is safe—and how to create that safety yourself.#Communication #Leadership #Psychology #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence#Workplace
Improving Communication and Soft Skills Becomes Critical in a Crisis
When times get tough, communicationis no longer “nice to have”—it’s essential. Clear conversations, open feedback,and sharing ideas can prevent costly mistakes, keep teams aligned, and evenuncover opportunities when the pressure is on. Investing in soft skills paysoff exactly when you need it most.#CommunicationSkills #SoftSkills #Leadership #Teamwork #CrisisManagement#EmployeeEngagement #Business
Why Keeping Updated on Politics Improves Your Customer Service
Many people say they’re notinterested in politics. But often, that really means they’re not interested inwhat’s going on in the world. And if we disconnect from the realities peopleface—economic pressure, uncertainty, frustration—we risk disconnecting from ourcustomers too.Staying informed isn’t about picking sides. It’s about understanding people.And that understanding is what makes the differenc
How to Handle Toxic People at Work
At almost every seminar or speakingevent, someone asks me this question: How do we deal with toxic people atwork?My answer is probably lesscomfortable than expected. Before labeling someone as “toxic,” it’s worthasking a few difficult questions. Could the situation be more complex than itseems? Is the other person simply under pressure? Or could there be somethingin the interaction that we ourselv
Learning Perspective-Taking in Conversation
Learning Perspective-Taking inConversationHere’s a small habit I try topractice: I regularly read or watch media from the side I usually disagreewith. Not because I want to adopt those views, but because it helps meunderstand how other people think.The same principle works in theworkplace. If you work in one department, try reading what people in anotherdepartment read. Learn their vocabulary, the
Listening to the Person Behind the Words
Evernotice how much people reveal without saying it outright? The way someonespeaks, their tone, and what they leave unsaid can tell you a lot. Learning totune in with empathy rather than judgment changes how conversations unfold—andyour connections with others.#CommunicationSkills #Empathy #ActiveListening #SoftSkills #Leadership
Can I change my voice?
Your voice shapes first impressionsmore than you might think. It’s not just what you say, but how your bodysupports your voice under pressure. Improving vocal impact is often less aboutpushing harder—and more about releasing tension where you don’t need it.#communication #voice #leadershippresence #publicspeaking #selfawareness#professionaldevelopment
Is “fake it until you make it” a good strategy for communication?
We’re often told to act confidentfirst and let confidence follow. But in communication, people are far moreperceptive than we think. Subtle signals leak through, trust is fragile, andauthenticity matters more than performance. Maybe the real question isn’t howwell you can fake it—but how honestly you can grow into who you’re becoming.#communication #authenticity#leadership #trust #personaldevelopm
Why “No Complaints” Might Be the Worst Sign in Your Company
Why “No Complaints” Might Be the Worst Sign in Your Company
Why Being Yourself Is Not Enough in Communication
We are judged in every interaction —not for who we are “deep down,” but for the role we take on in that moment.Clarity about roles comes before authenticity and long before techniques.Without it, even good intentions can lead to poor outcomes.#communication #roles #leadership #perception #authenticity#personaldevelopment
Common Misconceptions About Communication Training
Many people believe a communicationcoach must be a perfect communicator—or that coaching means being told exactlywhat to say. In reality, communication is messier, more human, and far moresituational. Drawing on a personal failure from my own professional practice, Iexplore why real progress in communication starts with feedback, courage, andaddressing what usually remains unsaid.#communication #s
Are Our Communication Skills Really Improving?
In a world obsessedwith speed and technology, are we really getting better at listening,negotiating, and connecting? Explore why human skills—especiallycommunication—might be the real differentiator in today’s professional life,and why actively improving them is more important than ever.#CommunicationSkills #SoftSkills #HumanConnection #Empathy #ProfessionalGrowth#PodcastEpisode
What Is Perfect Communication?
It’s early January 2026. More than five years have passed since I publishedmy last book.In the meantime, the world of communication has changed — and not necessarilyfor the better.We live in an age of lifehacks, quick formulas, and promises like “say thisand you’ll get what you want.” At the same time, in my work with teams andleaders, I see something troubling: empathy is declining, rigidity is i
Numerology and HR — Dangerous or Useful Shortcut?
I know this may be controversial, and some people might feel uncomfortableor even angry hearing this. But it’s worth asking: what happens when hiring,leadership, or team decisions are influenced by zodiac signs, numbers, or“energetic profiles”? In an increasingly complex world, shortcuts feeltempting. But what does science actually say — and what are the hidden costs ofputting people into neat but
How to Deal With Your Own Mistakes in Communication
Communication mistakes are far more common than we realize — and most ofthem are unintentional. When we respond with openness instead of punishment, weincrease psychological safety and strengthen teamwork. Here are some practicalideas for handling your own communication errors more effectively.#communication #leadership #psychology #personaldevelopment#workplaceculture #business #teams
The dangers of practicing communication with AI
We’re surrounded by AI tools that make communication feel safer and easier.But what happens to our real-life relationships when we remove allinterpersonal risk? Can fluency replace the ability to truly listen, feel, andunderstand another human being?#CommunicationPsychology #InterpersonalSkills #AIandHumanity#DigitalCommunication #RealConversations #LanguageLearning #RelationshipSkills#HumanConnec
What Is the Problem with Labelling Your Employees?
Have you ever noticed how quickly weput people into boxes?“He’s an introvert.” “She’s a born leader.”It feels efficient — but what do we lose when we start believing our ownlabels?In business, labelling can feel likeclarity, but it often distorts reality.Because behind every “type” is a person — and behind every person, a story thatdoesn’t fit neatly into categories.#Leadership #HR #Communication#
The Four Top Mistakes Made by Job Interviewers
Discover the top mistakes made byjob interviewers and how to avoid them to ensure a fair and effective hiringprocess. Learn why structured interviews are a game-changer and how biases likethe beauty bias can affect your decisions. Tune in to find out how you canimprove your recruitment process and attract the best talent.#JobInterviews #HiringMistakes #StructuredInterviews #RecruitmentTips #HR#Bia
Is Authenticity Overrated?
Is being authentic always the right approach? In the corporate world, where do we draw the line between authenticity and playing a role? Check out the discussion on how we balance our inner complexity and outer behavior.#Authenticity #CorporateCulture #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #InnerComplexity #PersonalValues #TrustBuilding
When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences
Praise can be a powerful tool formotivation, but did you know it can also have unintended consequences? Whetherit's making someone more vulnerable to future challenges or even backfiring ina conversation, the way we offer praise matters. In both personal andprofessional settings, it's essential to consider how and why we give feedback.#CommunicationPsychology #Feedback#Motivation #Leadersh
There Are No Conflicts in Our Team
Conflict doesn’t always look the way we expect it. Just because there’s no visible tension, doesn’t mean everything is fine. In my latest episode, I explore how unspoken misunderstandings and hidden conflicts can silently affect your team’s engagement, collaboration, and retention. It’s time to rethink what “conflict” really means in the workplace. #ConflictManagement #HR #TeamDynamics #EmployeeEn
What to Do Against Second Thoughts After a Conversation
Ever had second thoughts after a tough conversation?That nagging “I should have said…” feeling usually isn’t about wit orluck—it’s about preparation. Psychologist Friedemann Schulz von Thun shows howour Inner Team can make or break communication.Which team members show up when youspeak—and which ones are missing?👉 Discover how to train your Inner Team and walk into yournext conversation prepared.#
How to Master Your Inner Dialogue
Ever notice a lively conversation inside your own mind—each voice nudging you in a different direction? Mastering these inner voices is the first step to clearer, more authentic communication with the world.#InnerDialogue #SelfAwareness #CommunicationPsychology #InnerTeam #LeadershipFromWithinReferencesLópez-Jiménez, A. M., &Rodríguez-Testal, J. F. (2016). Relationship between inner dialog and
The Unscripted Challenge - Why Difficult Conversations Feel Harder Than Public Speaking
Public speaking is rehearsed, scripted, and predictable. But what about theconversations we can’t plan—the ones that take unexpected turns, stir emotions,or shift roles on the spot? In this episode of The Unscripted Challenge, we explore why real-life conversationsoften feel harder than stepping onto a stage—and how you can navigate them withmore confidence.ReferencesAfifi, W. A., & Weiner, J.
How to See the Good in the Bad While Talking to a Difficult Person
Every team has a “difficult person”—the colleague who always says no, challenges every idea, or seems impossibly negative. But what if that behavior actually reflects a hidden virtue? In this episode, we explore how recognizing the good in the bad can transform difficult conversations and bring more balance to your team.ReferencesBaege, M. (2018). Bowen family systems theory. Vermont Center forFam
The myth of leaving our comfort zone
We often hear that growth begins only outside our comfort zone. But the truth is more nuanced: sustainable progress happens in the learning zone, not when we’re thrown into panic. In this episode, I’ll share why keeping some areas of stability is vital if we want to grow boldly in others.#ComfortZone #LearningZone #PersonalGrowth #CommunicationSkills#PsychologicalSafety #Coaching #LeadershipDevelo
Can Conflicts Be Productive?
"Conflict isn’t always destructive—in fact, when harnessed correctly, it can sharpen ideas, drive clarity, and ignite innovation. Whether through rigorous debate or structured task-related tension, the right kind of conflict—with psychological safety and respectful handling—can transform discord into discovery."#ConflictProductivity #InnovationThroughDebate #PsychologicalSafety #GrowthMi
When Conversations Go Wrong: What You Can Learn From Regret
Have you ever replayed aconversation and wished you could hit “undo”? We all have moments where wordsdon’t land as we hoped — but what if those regrets could become your greatestteachers? This episode dives into five practical strategies to turncommunication misfires into powerful growth opportunities. Learn how shiftingyour mindset and analyzing your patterns can transform regret into resilience.
What to do about stage fright?
What’s more terrifying than spidersor heights? For many professionals, it’s public speaking.In the latest episode of myCommunication Psychology podcast, we tackle the roots of stage frightand explore what actually works to overcome it — according to science.🚩 Why do we feel speech anxiety, even when we’re prepared?🧠 What role does temperament play?🛠️ And how can you train your mind and body to thr
How to become more flexible in your conversations
In this episode of CommunicationPsychology, we explore how to becomemore flexible in your conversations — not just talking, but trulyadapting and connecting across contexts.Drawing from cutting-edge research, we examinepractical strategies like:· Building cognitiveflexibility to better tune into conversational cues (Chesebro &Martin, 2003; Richter et al., 2020)· Developing a commun
What is the correct attitude towards communication mistakes
How do you react when you make acommunication mistake — defensiveness, shame… or curiosity?In this episode of my podcast on CommunicationPsychology, I explore how we can adopt an error management attitudewhen we speak — especially when stakes are high. Drawing on the research of MichaelFrese and others, we discuss how mistakes can become stepping stones for learning,adaptability, and authentic con
Why we are afraid of working on our communication skills?
We all say communication iskey — but when it comes to receiving feedback on our own skills, many of usfreeze or flee. Why?In this episode of the CommunicationPsychology podcast, I explore the surprising psychological reasons behindour resistance to improving our communication. From fear of being “found out”to unconscious identity threats, we dig into why even high-performingprofessionals avoid thi
Are you Type 1 or Type 2 self-confident?
Most people think self-confidence means always being in control, nevershowing weakness, always looking sharp. But psychology says otherwise.In this episode, I explore two radicallydifferent forms of self-confidence:· Type 1:The polished, flawless image we project.· Type 2:The quiet strength to admit mistakes, ask questions, and show our human side.Which one builds better relationships,
How to learn a foreign language scientifically
Tired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what science really says abouteffective language learning. From input and interaction to noticing andmemory—learn how to tailor your approach based on proven psychological and linguistictheories.Whether you're a beginner oradvanced learner, this episode is packed with insights to help you learnsmarter.Listen now and upgr
Are there communication risks in becoming dependent on AI?
Are we thinking more freely—or justmore alike?In this episode, I explore how remotework, virtual meetings, and even AI tools may quietly shapethe way we think and who we engage with.As our communication becomes moredigital and more filtered, are we losing the casual, diverse encounters thatonce challenged our ideas and expanded our minds?Backed by research from NatureHuman Behaviour, PNAS, and the
What is psychological safety and how important is it?
Spoiler: It is not about creating “safe spaces” or about becoming more polite.
What to do with difficult coworkers?
How well are we equipped to navigate through conflict and workwith “difficult” people? What are some first steps you can do?
Why should we measure communication skills?
We have an excellent culture in our company; we almost never have conflicts. Or: we know who our best communicators are – by their results. So, why invest time to measure that which we already know?
Growth or fixed mindsets in communication
Carol Dweck’s theory of a growth vs. a fixed mindset has already become a part of pop psychology. What are the implications (and limits) for developing your communication skills?
How to learn a foreign language scientifically?
New Podcast Episode: How to Learn a Foreign Language—ScientificallyTired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what science really says abouteffective language learning. From input and interaction to noticing andmemory—learn how to tailor your approach based on proven psychological andlinguistic theories.Whether you're a beginner oradvanced learner, this episode i
What if you feel you are a terrible communicator?
In reality, few things in life are really black and white. However, as humans, we tend to judge in terms of dichotomies: good or bad, beautiful or ugly, success or failure.It is natural therefore to see ourselves as good or bad communicators.Of course, some of us are better, some are worse communicators. Nonetheless, what we forget is how much successful communication is situation-specific.
Self-Revelation: How Much of You Is in Every Message?
Every time we speak, we reveal more than we think. Behind even the most factual statement hides a glimpse of who we are—our emotions, values, and insecurities.In this short episode, discover what Friedemann Schulz von Thun calls the Self-Revelation side of every message—and how it shapes trust, misunderstandings, and connection.Are you revealing your truth or hiding behind a polished façade?
Double bind and how to avoid it
A double-bind is a situation with two options, both excludingeach other and both including a significant risk of making a mistake. A boss tells an employee: “Be more autonomous. But alwayscoordinate with me first.” What should the employee do?
Impression management tactics in conversation: Securing the home game advantage
How often do youobserve? Please share your anecdotes.
How perfect should you really communicate?
What are the dangers of posturing as a perfect communicator?
What is the communication square?
Are you still communicatingjust one- or two-dimensionally?
Reversibility as a sign of respect
How “reversable” doyou communicate?
How many words do I need to learn really?
The inconvenienttruths are: Most of us don’t learn new words systematically and on a dailybasis. And: We really need much less words than think we need. Found out why!
What resources do you need to learn a foreign language?
Even in a digitalworld, we will need to have some physical support for learning a language. What are the essentials?
Don’t worry about language tests early on
At the beginning,many of us are insecure. Will I ever have success? Am I learning the correctway? Taking tests to obtain answers to those questions may actually be a verybad idea. Learn why!
How to not waste time while learning a foreign language
Almost nobody hasenough time to learn a foreign language “thoroughly”. In this episode I willshow you how to make an audit of your daily language learning practice.
Start specific, become more general later
Many of us believewe need to accumulate many “general” words and expressions first, before we areallowed to start learning technical vocabulary and expressions.
The problem with playing the devil’s advocate
I am guilty of thismyself. I enjoy playing the devil’s advocate. However, in group meetings it can have detrimentaleffects.
What is an altruistic speaker
Being an altruisticspeaker doesn’t mean you need to give up on your positions. Find out more!
How objective am I about my language skills
Which of thefollowing biases is relevant for you?
What words do I need to know in a conversation
I don’t know enoughwords, is a typical complaint. The crucial question is, however: Which words?
When will I be ready to engage in conversation in a foreign language
Many of us never feelprepared enough to engage in a conversation.
What is an egotistic speaker
How altruistic arewe really while speaking in a foreign language? Test yourself applying thefollowing criteria!
Who will give me the permission to speak in a foreign language
Are you stillwaiting for a permission to speak in a foreign language?
How to simplify our language learning
A good startingpoint is to get rid of lots of unchecked assumptions about how languagelearning should take place? Many of us have a long laundry list of everything weshould learn and practice. What do you think?
Language as a form of intimidation
Especially in somecultures and with some persons: If you don’t understand correctly, it is your,the listener’s fault. What do you think?
How to simplify our speech
We love often touse complicated expressions. Not only in a foreign language: It is easy tospeak complicated, it is difficult to speak simple.To speak simple, you need to have clarity. Tohave clarity, you need to constantly reorganize your thoughts. Not verypopular. What do you think?
How can I develop more empathy while speaking
Empathy is the newhype. Everybody wants to be emphatic. But, how can we actually become moreemphatic while speaking a foreign language?
Why we love to use complicated expressions
Not only in a foreign language: It is easy tospeak complicated, it is difficult to speak simple.To speak simple, you need to have clarity. Tohave clarity, you need to constantly reorganize your thoughts. Not verypopular. What do you think?
Listening with four ears
Do you listen withjust two ears? You may be missing out on important communication secrets.
The Hamburg Understandability Concept for written texts
Not only for writtentexts. How can others understand us more easily? Remember: In most situations,our goal should not be to intimidate others with our superior language skills.
How to look smart in a foreign language
Disclaimer: As anadult, it is your responsibility to use this information only for ethicalpurposes.
How to prepare for job interviews in a foreign language
Job interviews arescary for many of us. More so in a foreign language. Learn how you couldprepare for the unexpected.
How to prepare for language tests
Many of us get intothe frenzy of making as many exercises as possible. If you become morestrategic and calculated about language tests, you can obtain better results inless time.
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