title: Misunderstood!: The Fast Guide to Communicating at Work--What to Say, How to Say It and When to Shut Up
author:  Allie Casey 
description: Who is Allie Casey? Growing up in suburban New York, Allie struggled with what to say and how to say it. Mostly she said nothing-especially in school. She knew things had to change when on the last day of high school a teacher said to her, "You've been in my class for a year and I don't know what your voice sounds like." Allie knew she had to do more than listen-she had to speak. Today, Allie changes lives by helping others step into their light to become powerful, effective communicators and confident leaders. She helps workers-front-line employees, direct reports, managers, CEOs and everyone in between-to communicate more effectively, to listen with more empathy and to decrease costly misunderstandings. In-other-words, to communicate with fewer headaches and better results. Allie does this through speaking, teleseminars and coaching programs. What makes Allie different? Allie brings the best of experience and expertise to her work. With previous careers in fashion, corporate image consulting, training and project management, Allie brings years of practical application in sales, management and marketing to her programs. Formerly a top-ranked communication skills trainer for one of world's largest seminar companies, she has spoken to a broad cross-section of industries including: finance, education, government, manufacturing, retail and the military. No stranger to adversity, Allie weaves humor and insight into her stories to inspire, engage and educate her audiences. She says her greatest teachers were angry customers, inebriated employees, and work place bullies, those she's had to fire, copious criers and just plain liars. Clients and participants appreciate her direct, humorous and energetic style. When she isn't writing, speaking, or coaching Allie can be found relaxing in Orlando, FL
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  ou arrive for work bright and early, ready for a productive
  day. No sooner have you entered the building than you’re
  accosted by an employee who has a complaint. “Well,” she
  demands, “what are you going to do about it?” You promise to
  get back to her later in the day.
  You head down the hall toward your office. An employee
  greets you cheerfully. Another glares and grumbles. “I’ve got to
  talk to him about that attitude,” you think.
  Stopping by the break room for coffee, you notice a few of
  your staff seated around a table in the corner. “What’s up?” you
  ask pleasantly, meaning to strike up a friendly conversation.
  “Nothing,” one of them mumbles. You surmise something is up,
  considering how their conversation stopped abruptly when you
  entered the room.
  At your desk, you power on the computer to check your e-
  mail. The usual: 37 messages and it’s only 8:15. You’ll attend to
  them later. First, you need to check with the human resources
  department about getting the new hire through orienta