Active Learning
Practice-Based Learning
Soft Skills
Practice > (Read & Watch): A Simple System to Rewire Your Reflexes
Joe Weston
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If you can’t do it under mild pressure, you don’t actually have the skill. You have information. Let’s turn that into reflex.
Why repetition beats information
Most people “learn” by reading and nodding along. Real skill comes from three simple forces:
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Spacing: short, repeated reps beat marathon sessions. Your brain strengthens what it revisits.
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Retrieval: trying to say it out loud—without notes—cements the pathway.
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Feedback loops: tiny corrections, made immediately, compound fast.
No jargon needed. Think: mini reps, quick check, slightly better next time.
The 10-Minute Routine
(no partner needed)
| Minute | What to do | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Pick a course/scenario. E.g., “Say no without saying no.” | Sets a single, clear outcome. |
| 2–5 | Live role-play. Use AI as the other person and answer in real time. | Adds mild pressure + retrieval practice. |
| 5–7 | Instant critique. Review your score. What did you do well? What do you want to do better next time? | Gives tight feedback where it matters. |
| 7–9 | Replay once with one improvement. Same prompt, one upgrade. | You encode the fix while it’s fresh. |
| 9–10 | Review your improvement. Did it work? Did it feel better? | Reflecting on changes enhances feedback loop |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Over-consuming content. Reading more isn’t doing more.
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Practicing too long. Ten focused minutes daily > one hour on Sunday.
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No feedback. If you don’t reflect on your feedback and design improvements, you’ll just repeat what's habit.
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Changing too much at once. One improvement per replay wins.
Try the Communication Essentials Starter pack: 3 courses, 6+ scenarios -- run them this week
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Say No without saying No: Tell your manager or client why or how you can't
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Saying "I don't know" gracefully: Defer answering, or explain why it's complex
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Answering difficult questions: Give organized and thoughtful answers
FAQs
Q: Do I need a partner?
A: No—use an AI role-player and speak your replies out loud.
Q: Why only 10 minutes?
A: Frequency beats length. You’re training reflexes, not writing essays.
Q: How will I know it’s working?
A: You'll feel it. Your time-to-answer drops, your confidence rises, and more boundaries hold in real conversations.
