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Fred Reggie is the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Tell Me: How to Initiate and Nurture Meaningful Conversations with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime. Throughout his career, Fred has worked with Fortune 500 companies and service organizations across the U.S., helping leaders cultivate meaningful connections and drive success.
Fred Reggie an executive coach, international speaker, and expert in leadership and service culture development. He is well-known in our community and for years spent his time building funding resources for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to many of our hearts.
The Power of Communication
Fred believes that genuine communication stems from an internal motivation to share a message with others. However, many people struggle with seeing the value they bring to conversations, often due to deep-seated self-doubt and imposter syndrome. He explores how, from an early age, we are celebrated for speaking but later conditioned to limit our expressions, being told to quiet down or avoid talking to strangers.
This conditioning, Fred explains, creates subconscious barriers. As adults, many of us hesitate to speak up because we question whether our words have value. Moreover, societal norms and technology have reshaped how we communicate, further distancing us from authentic, face-to-face interactions.
The Disruption of Conversation
Fred discusses how technology has altered human connection. Younger generations, he notes, often prefer texting over direct conversation, avoiding phone calls altogether. “Cocooned communication,” as Fred calls it, has been evolving for decades—beginning with the automobile, which removed people from their porches and into isolated vehicles, and continuing with the rise of television, personal computers, and smartphones. Today, many people live in bubbles of self-communication, limiting the organic conversations that once thrived in everyday life.
The Art of “Tell Me”
At the heart of Fred’s book is a simple yet profound concept: using the phrase “Tell me” to invite others into meaningful conversations. Rather than asking closed-ended questions, this approach encourages people to share freely, fostering deeper connections.
He recalls a powerful moment when James Earl Jones, upon meeting an adoring fan, responded not with a simple “Who are you?” but with “Tell me your name.” That small shift in language made the woman feel seen and valued. Fred encourages using this technique in all conversations, whether personal or professional, to create an environment of trust and engagement.
The Neuroscience of Connection
Fred emphasizes that engaging conversations have a physiological impact. When we participate in meaningful discussions, our brains release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—chemicals that enhance emotional intelligence, empathy, and overall well-being. Conversely, negative or disconnected conversations can leave us feeling drained and isolated.
The Legacy of Storytelling
Growing up in a Lebanese family, Fred was surrounded by master storytellers who didn’t just recount events but embodied the characters they spoke about. He believes that storytelling is fundamental to great conversation—it transforms the exchange of information into a compelling, memorable experience.
Fred encourages people to embrace storytelling in their daily interactions, whether through professional networking or personal relationships. He also urges listeners to recognize the ripple effect of their words, as every interaction has the power to uplift or deflate another person.
A Call to Action: Create Conversational Moments
Fred concludes with a simple yet powerful challenge: create conversational moments. He encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones, engage with strangers, and make genuine connections. By doing so, we can break the cycle of disconnected communication and bring back the lost art of conversation.
Tell Me is more than just a book—it’s a movement toward deeper human connection. As Fred reminds us, the ability to start and sustain meaningful conversations is not just a skill but a gift that can reshape our lives and the world around us. For more information, visit https://www.fredreggie.com/
