When Words Lose Us

A reflection on presence, performance, and what Bill McGowan reminded me about the courage to be clear

There’s something quietly disarming about Bill McGowan. Maybe it’s his way of listening. Maybe it’s how he speaks; precise, but never performative. But about halfway through our conversation, I found myself wondering how many times I’ve fallen into the exact traps he was describing.

You know the feeling: you're talking, but you're not quite there. You're reciting a version of yourself you think sounds credible or smart or polished. And yet, the more effort you put into sounding impressive, the further you drift from being real.

Bill has spent decades helping people undo that instinct. And what stayed with me wasn’t just his expertise. It was his deep belief that communication, at its best, isn’t about impressing people. It’s about connecting with them.

What I Felt During and After the Conversation…