The Ultimate Communication Guide for Chronic Illness Warriors
How people living with chronic health conditions, aka Chronic Illness Warriors, can use their voice to make an impact in their own lives and on the world.
The chronic illness warrior’s motivational guide to speaking
up and moving forward.
People living with chronic health conditions and disabilities are the largest minority
group in the world. In the United States, more than 55 million people have a
disability. All have a voice, but not many use theirs to make an impact on
their lives and those of others. Stigma and fear may be involved. Often, the
lack of awareness about etiquette and resources also hampers the development of
communication skills. Technology has revolutionized communication, too, but not
everyone has kept up with the gadgets, software, and apps.
Everyone is born able to communicate and learn. But no one is born an expert in delivering
speeches or making engaging posts on social media. People living with chronic
health conditions can use modern techniques and technology to their advantage:
to share their stories and message, while empowering themselves, making
friends, and enjoying the journey.
In SHUSH YOUR STIGMA, Diana Hallare – an award-winning author – shares inspirational
and practical tips on how to communicate and express yourself, regardless of your
health or disability. Communication allows both your needs and wants to be
heard – and met. This is critical to different aspects of life: wellness,
career, relationships, and spirituality. involves various modes of communication, even beyond written
and verbal, such as the arts.
Besides her job as a health
education specialist, Diana Hallare has been a creative writing facilitator,
editor, and public speaker. She is passionate in helping people living with
chronic health conditions and disabilities, and she wants to equip them with
skills and hope so they can thrive.
Readers can find straightforward advice, with true stories and research to illustrate the given points. They can
enjoy the “Truths and Dare” section at the end of each chapter: Truths are the
chapter highlights and the Dare is the action step for the readers to take.
The book connects with chronic illness warriors who want to develop their communication skills and expand their
opportunities, even if they may have a shy/introverted side or even if they feel they are beginners. These people are determined to change life as well as their
communities for the better…or are at least open to change. is a handy tool for making progress in enhancing communication skills, a bridge toward fulfilling dreams.
1. Stigma Doesn't Define You
The definition of stigma and why we need to overcome this obstacle
2. Start with Love
Let love and compassion enkindle heartfelt communication and open doors.
3. Create Art from the Heart
Unleash your creativity with your message.
4. Poetry and Prose Without Perfectionism
Write poetry and prose that touch hearts with the truth.
5. Writing Letters to Reach Out
Snail mail still thrives. Make your message come alive on paper.
6. The Art of Business Emails
Craft straightforward and friendly emails.
7. Fax It Right
Effectively deliver your message through the fax machine.
8. Don't Freeze at the Voicemail
Phone and voicemail etiquette 101
9. Graphic Design Simplified
Because pictures are an A+ college essay (figuratively speaking)
10. Beyond the Newsfeed
Social media is not all about rants, but use these platforms for good.
11. Create Videos with What You Have
You can make effective videos even if you only use your phone.
12. Webinar and Teleconference Etiquette
Being a good listener, participant, and host.
13. The Zen Interviews
Interact with ease during interviews, such as for jobs or for publicity purposes.
14. Organizing Live Events 101
Events are a great way to promote your message, and yes, stress in involved. But here are ways how you can keep it in check while keeping track of your planning checklist.
15. Performing on Stage
Set your voice free, whether with music, drama, dance or a speech.
16. Beat the #1 Fear
When public speaking, find your courage, find your voice, find the sweet spot in the audience's hearts.
17. A Handshake at a Time
Build relationships with people you meet.
18. Keep in Touch with Others
Following up is crucial to establishing relationships and taking action.
19. Be in Touch with Your Inner Self
Besides the personal pep talk, energize yourself over and over. Don't forget self-care.
20. Express Yourself Even If You Are an Introvert
Bloom with communication even if you lean toward the shy side.
21. Live Stigma-Free
Follow what your heart and conscience tell you to do and say.
This book is for people living with chronic health conditions/disabilities, who want to communicate more effectively and to successfully navigate modern communication tools. SHUSH YOUR STIGMA is not only for beginners who might try public speaking, social media, or other communication methods/styles, but this book also provides more tips to express yourself more professionally.
I will go on blog/podcast tours and deliver presentations across the USA and beyond to promote the message of this book: SHUSH YOUR STIGMA. I also will release a mobile app relevant to this book; this would be a useful tool, which can help people with chronic health conditions and disabilities as well.
Don’t Reply All: 18 Email Tactics that Help You Write Better Emails and Improve Communication with Your Team - Hassan Osman (CreateSpace, 2015)
* SHUSH YOUR STIGMA illustrates how chronic illness warriors can use emails in a professional way, but also goes beyond emails, from art to "zen interviews".
Networking on Purpose: A Five-Part Success Plan to Build a Power and Profitable Business Network - Beth Bridges (iBridge Enterprises, 2013)
*SHUSH YOUR STIGMA shows how chronic illness warriors can build relationships beyond business purposes and covers ways that can also lead into networking opportunities.
How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking - Dale Carnegie (Gallery Books, Re-issued 2017)
*SHUSH YOUR STIGMA tailors public speaking tips for chronic illness warriors, and highlights many other ways to communicate and spread your message.
Communicating at Work: Strategies for Success in Business and the Professions - Robert B. Adler and Jeanne Marquardt Elmhorst ((McGraw Hill Education, 2012)
* SHUSH YOUR STIGMA goes beyond business/professional communication for chronic illness warriors, such as by exploring the arts.
The Etiquette of Social Media: How to Connect and Respond to Others in the World of Social Media - Leonard Kim (CreateSpace, 2014)
*SHUSH YOUR STIGMA encompasses more than social media as a tool for spreading your message, and the book helps you become balanced without the depressive side effects, such as "comparisonitis" when dealing with social media.
Diana is a poet, creative writing instructor, and former editor-in-chief of newsletters and literary magazines. She is also the founder of Inspirenade LLC, a motivational productions startup.
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Chipmunka Publishing raises awareness of mental health and the stigma surrounding mental health problems by encouraging society to listen. We are documenting mental health literature as a genre so history does not forget the survivors and carers of people with mental illness and disabilities.
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Fax It
Right
Sometimes, you may send materials by fax.
This chapter is the shortest by the way, yet remember: the fax machine still exists and functions in the
21st century. This is a quick way to obtain/send information in hard copies.
I have used the fax machine for various purposes, not only for job applications. I once faxed a letter
asking a company to donate either food or funds to a program. The company was
so gracious that they donated pizza vouchers. Nevertheless, in short, fax still
works. A few steps need to be taken for effectiveness.
First, you need a cover sheet which will be the first page of your package. You may find fax cover sheet
templates online. The main items you need are the following:
For courtesy, you may add a Thank You in the end.
In my story about faxing my request for donations, I followed up with the recipient to ensure that he/she
received my materials. I also followed up (about a week) later to find out the
outcome of my request. So I highly recommend following up with your fax
recipients so you can be assured that your materials arrived in good condition.
You can follow up by phone or email, if available.
If your materials are in color, remember that fax machines usually print in black-and-white. Before you
print your materials, try previewing them in grayscale or black-and-white. Make
sure that the contrast is enough for your words to be clear on the pages. It
may be a challenge for the recipient to get the whole message if at least one
of your images or if some of your words bleed, i.e. exceed the paper margins.
Also make sure that the font of the words is understandable on the page.
It is not recommendable to send personal information by fax, unless you know it is safe. For example, this
may be required - or an option - by health insurance companies and companies
handling flexible health spending accounts. Nevertheless, send ONLY the
required information.
Sometimes, it may be safer to send information via fax rather than email. Email can be hacked; on the other
hand, you can shred and dispose of faxed sheets.
One disadvantage of faxing is if the recipient’s office receives an overwhelming amount of faxed materials
daily, your package may be buried and/or ignored. Therefore, following up with
your recipient is important. Timing is also important. Aim to confirm if the
other party received your faxed items within the same day of sending them.
Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are unfamiliar with using the fax machine or if you are unable to
fax. Different fax machines work in different ways, which means the mastery of
one particular fax machine may not necessarily guarantee expertise in using
another fax machine, especially if it is a newer model.
Even if the fax machine may seem outdated, it can still be a tool to accomplish a goal. This can still be
an effective means to communicate, or at least to initiate/continue
communication, which opens doors.
2 Truths
Using a cover sheet when you fax materials is a helpful standard for you and the recipient.
1 Dare
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You'll receive 100 print + digital copies of the book. You'll also become a super sponsor of this book and get acknowledged inside. Extra Bonuses: You'll get 10 copies of my first book: Instant Insights on...Career Wellness for Chronic Illness Warriors, plus 30 packs of Memoirs conversation starter cards - great for teambuilding (with questions about positive Childhood and Teen memories)! Extra, extra bonus: You'll also be one of the first to get 5 specially designed business card organizers.
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You'll receive a live presentation and performance by Diana Hallare at your company/nonprofit/association. Plus, you'll receive 200 print + digital copies of the book. You'll also become a super sponsor of this book and get acknowledged inside. Extra Bonuses: You'll get 10 copies of my first book: Instant Insights on...Career Wellness for Chronic Illness Warriors, plus 10 packs of Memoirs conversation starter cards - great for teambuilding (with questions about positive Childhood and Teen memories)! Extra, extra bonus: You'll also be one of the first to get 10 specially designed business card organizers.
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