Communication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard Ohrband | Podcast Transcripts & Episodes

Numerology and HR — Dangerous or Useful Shortcut?

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I know this may be controversial, and some people might feel uncomfortableor even angry hearing this. But it’s worth asking: what happens when hirin...

How to Deal With Your Own Mistakes in Communication

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Communication mistakes are far more common than we realize — and most ofthem are unintentional. When we respond with openness instead of punishment,...

The dangers of practicing communication with AI

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re surrounded by AI tools that make communication feel safer and easier.But what happens to our real-life relationships when we remove allinterpe...

What Is the Problem with Labelling Your Employees?

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Four Top Mistakes Made by Job Interviewers

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the top mistakes made byjob interviewers and how to avoid them to ensure a fair and effective hiringprocess. Learn why structured interviews ...

Is Authenticity Overrated?

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Praise can be a powerful tool formotivation, but did you know it can also have unintended consequences? Whetherit's making someone more vulnerable...

There Are No Conflicts in Our Team

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 episod...

What to Do Against Second Thoughts After a Conversation

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had second thoughts after a tough conversation?That nagging “I should have said…” feeling usually isn’t about wit orluck—it’s about p...

How to Master Your Inner Dialogue

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever notice a lively conversation inside your own mind—each voice nudging you in a different direction? Mastering these inner voices is the first st...

The Unscripted Challenge - Why Difficult Conversations Feel Harder Than Public Speaking

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Public speaking is rehearsed, scripted, and predictable. But what about theconversations we can’t plan—the ones that take unexpected turns, stir e...

How to See the Good in the Bad While Talking to a Difficult Person

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every team has a “difficult person”—the colleague who always says no, challenges every idea, or seems impossibly negative. But what if that beha...

The myth of leaving our comfort zone

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Can Conflicts Be Productive?

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Conflict isn’t always destructive—in fact, when harnessed correctly, it can sharpen ideas, drive clarity, and ignite innovation. Whether thr...

When Conversations Go Wrong: What You Can Learn From Regret

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 thos...

What to do about stage fright?

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s more terrifying than spidersor heights? For many professionals, it’s public speaking.In the latest episode of myCommunication Psychology po...

How to become more flexible in your conversations

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of CommunicationPsychology, we explore how to becomemore flexible in your conversations — not just talking, but trulyadapting and co...

What is the correct attitude towards communication mistakes

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you react when you make acommunication mistake — defensiveness, shame… or curiosity?In this episode of my podcast on CommunicationPsycholog...

Why we are afraid of working on our communication skills?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Com...

Are you Type 1 or Type 2 self-confident?

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think self-confidence means always being in control, nevershowing weakness, always looking sharp. But psychology says otherwise.In this ep...

How to learn a foreign language scientifically

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what science really says abouteffective language learning. From input and ...

Are there communication risks in becoming dependent on AI?

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are we thinking more freely—or justmore alike?In this episode, I explore how remotework, virtual meetings, and even AI tools may quietly shapethe wa...

What is psychological safety and how important is it?

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spoiler: It is not about creating “safe spaces” or about becoming more polite.

What to do with difficult coworkers?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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?

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Growth or fixed mindsets in communication

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 develop...

How to learn a foreign language scientifically?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Podcast Episode: How to Learn a Foreign Language—ScientificallyTired of random language tips thatdon’t work? In this episode, we explore what ...

What if you feel you are a terrible communicator?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ugl...

Self-Revelation: How Much of You Is in Every Message?

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 in...

Double bind and how to avoid it

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 em...

Impression management tactics in conversation: Securing the home game advantage

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How often do youobserve? Please share your anecdotes.

How perfect should you really communicate?

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What are the dangers of posturing as a perfect communicator?

What is the communication square?

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you still communicatingjust one- or two-dimensionally?

Reversibility as a sign of respect

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How “reversable” doyou communicate?

How many words do I need to learn really?

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 n...

What resources do you need to learn a foreign language?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ma...

How to not waste time while learning a foreign language

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Start specific, become more general later

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us believewe need to accumulate many “general” words and expressions first, before we areallowed to start learning technical vocabulary an...

The problem with playing the devil’s advocate

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Which of thefollowing biases is relevant for you?

What words do I need to know in a conversation

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us never feelprepared enough to engage in a conversation.

What is an egotistic speaker

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you stillwaiting for a permission to speak in a foreign language?

How to simplify our language learning

15 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Language as a form of intimidation

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How can I develop more empathy while speaking

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 clar...

Listening with four ears

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you listen withjust two ears? You may be missing out on important communication secrets.

The Hamburg Understandability Concept for written texts

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to look smart in a foreign language

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Disclaimer: As anadult, it is your responsibility to use this information only for ethicalpurposes.

How to prepare for job interviews in a foreign language

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What can I do to become less shy?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actually, learning aforeign language can make you less shy in your native language. Learn morehere.

Social anxiety and learning a foreign language

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, social anxietyis a psychological diagnosis. However, many of us have various degrees of beingsocially anxious. When learning a foreign language, ...

SMART goals in language learning

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us haveheard of it. Fewer apply this to their business projects. Very few apply thisto language learning. What do you think?

How to set realistic goals in language learning

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Result-oriented international businesscommunication requires increasing cultural and linguistic prowess andadaptability. In this podcast you will lea...

How to generate your own grammar exercises

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Result-oriented international businesscommunication requires increasing cultural and linguistic prowess andadaptability. In this podcast you will lea...

Real vs. fake structures in language learning

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Result-oriented international businesscommunication requires increasing cultural and linguistic prowess andadaptability. In this podcast you will lea...

Why we need water in our information diet

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

One of the most neglected aspects of pronunciation

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

The 3D theory of communication difficulties

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

10 situations you should practice in your language courses

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

Typical self-sabotage in learning a foreign language

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Success in language learning depends on transforming our self-limiting and self-sabotaging tendencies, like 1. Procrastination 2. ...

How do I know my real language level?

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How good are you are at a foreign language? Many of us rely or on 1. Our intuition (I can’t possibly be at a B1 level, yet!), or on ...

The convenient lie of learning any language in just two months

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The truth often hurts. If you hear somebody reaching fluency in just two months, he or she is either an experienced liar or a very charismatic top mod...

How to find your blind spots in a foreign language

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Especially if youare an intermediate or advanced speaker: What should I be focusing on? Whatgrammar, vocabulary and communication situations should I ...

How to learn any language in one minute per day

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

By the way, it is not about one of the following: 1. You can learn a new language in two months 2. This is the easiest way to l...

What is literary language?

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

What if people have negative expectations of your language skills

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

How to set proper boundaries in your language learning

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

How dangerous is colloquial speech?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

How to become more objective about our language skills

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

What you should do at the beginning of each language course

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

How effective are language lessons?

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

What if you banned your native language?

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

What should the role of a language teacher be?

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

Plan systematic interruptions to learn a foreign language

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

False excuses for not learning a foreign language: I don’t have time

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...

Practice constructive embarrassment

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Break Languages Barriers helps you gain self-confidence while communicating in your native and in a foreign language. Gerhard Ohrband (MA in psycho...