Do your words create clarity—or more noise? In this episode of Decisions That Count, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and biotech CMO/ marathoner Michelle O’Brien sit down with Charles Byrne, Director General of the English-Speaking Union, to unpack oracy—the science and soul of speaking and listening well—and how it reduces decision fatigue, sharpens cognitive clarity, and elevates real-world influence.
You’ll learn how presence, breath, and active listening change the brain’s decision systems, why silence is a performance tool, and what practical oracy drills you can use today to cut through cognitive overload—at work, in leadership, in high-stakes conversations, and at home.
What You'll Learn:
Why oracy is as crucial as literacy and numeracy for modern leadership
How active listening improves judgment and reduces costly miscommunication
The link between cognitive overload, poor decisions, and weakened team dynamics
Why silence and breath reset the brain and boost clarity under pressure
Storytelling as a trust and influence multiplier
Simple, repeatable oracy exercises to apply before your next big conversation
Charles Byrne — Director General, English-Speaking Union (ESU). A cross-sector leader and oracy champion dedicated to empowering people through speaking and listening. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbbyrne/
ESU: https://www.esu.org/our-staff/charles-byrne/
00:00 Introduction
05:04 The Impact of Poor Communication on Decision-Making
09:48 Generational Shifts in Communication Skills
14:57 The Importance of Listening and Silence
19:58 Navigating Difficult Decisions in Leadership
27:31 Navigating Job Redundancies and Personal Impact
30:27 Cognitive Overload and Decision-Making Strategies
32:59 The Power of Decision Lists
36:12 Understanding Mental Load in Decision-Making
39:09 The Importance of Communication and Connection
44:11 Mindfulness and Presence in Decision-Making
decision fatigue, cognitive overload, oracy, communication skills, active listening, public speaking, leadership, neuroscience, peak performance, mental clarity, focus, productivity, storytelling, mindfulness, biohacking, gaming, esports, business, athletics, academics, cognitive function, brain optimization, stress management, habit formation
Decisions That Count helps you master the science of decision-making to overcome decision fatigue and reach peak performance. Hosted by Dr. Shawn Watson and Michelle O’Brien, we translate neuroscience into actionable strategies for focus, mental clarity, productivity, mindfulness, biohacking, and resilience—across gaming, business, athletics, academics, and everyday life.
Hosts:
Dr. Shawn Watson – Neuroscientist & Founder Michelle O’Brien – Marketer, Mum, Marathon Runner👇 Let’s Continue the Conversation What resonated most with you? Have you experienced decision fatigue in your role? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you manage high-pressure choices.
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#DecisionFatigue #Resilience #Perseverance #DecisionMaking #Neuroscience #PeakPerformance #MentalStrength #Mindfulness #Coaching #OvercomingAdversity