More often than not, our intentions and outcomes do not match. Most of us, leaders at any level, ‘mangle’ our words from time to time. If “to err is to be human”, then to ‘mangle’ is to communicate. The real question is whether we are astute enough to notice, or prefer to ignore the nonverbal and verbal responses that tell us, we were off the mark. Do we ignore? Rebuke? Excuse? Or do we acknowledge and try to get it right? The recent political noise over the word, “bitter” is a case in point. Back away, apologize or continue to use the term, purposively reframing it with the original intention. Artful Conversation holds the possibility to move from ‘mangled’ words and interpretations to intentional connection. What is your experience? Your commentary?