SpeakStrong Award
Pippi the SpeakStrong Giraffe
– Peter and Pippi
There’s nothing quite as inspiring as the stories from people who overcome obstacles and accomplish something new. The I Said It Strong Award acknowledges those who speak out in challenging situations in a way that is clear, kind and direct.
The conversation does not need to be earth-shattering or life-changing. It simply needs to be a conversation where the speaker chose clarity when it seemed safer and easier to stay silent.
I publish stories that my readers send me to inspire other readers to initiate conversations that they need to have. In exchange, I send the contributors a 7” Pippi SpeakStrong Giraffe.
Pippi represents rising above the noise and “Talking the High Road.” Her name, Pippi, comes from Pippi Longstocking, the strongest girl in the whole world. Pippi is fearless, generous and always speaks up when something needs to be said. Pippi has a last name: Pangea. That means “when everything comes together.” Powerful communication occurs when all elements of a message come together into the perfect words. Powerful communication involves a blending of the personal message – thoughts, feelings and desire – with the impersonal message that is available when one steps back and looks at the situation without considering personal involvement.
Wording and presentation does not have to be perfect to merit an I Said It Strong Award.
Stories do not need to result in perfect resolution. If the submitter stretched outside of his or her comfort zone and spoke with the intent of creating clarity, they qualify for the award.
Stories that are submitted may be published in the weekly newsletter, A PowerPhrase a Week to provide inspiration to others to speak up in their own lives.
We at SpeakStrong Inc. value powerful communication and would be delighted to present you or someone who Spoke Strong to you with an I Said It Strong Award. Send your stories to:
For A Tale of Pippi and Izzie: How to Elevate Your Word Choice by Elevating Your Thinking, an article by Meryl Runion illustrating the metaphor behind the SpeakStrong Award, Click Here: www.speakstrong.com/articles/speak-strong/tale.html
Reprint/Reuse Policy:
You have permission to use any of Meryl Runion’s web articles in your newsletter, publications, or on your web site. Please:
1. Let us know when and how you are using the article via email:
2. If it is a web posting, please link back to this article.
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Meryl Runion and Speak Strong (SpeakStrong) provides Power Phrases(PowerPhrases) and other tools to help you improve communication skills at work and at home.
She is the author of the books PowerPhrases!, How to Use PowerPhrases, Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors and How to Say It: Performance Reviews. She can be reached at 719-684-2633 or by email:
