About the AuthorRobert J. Rubel, PhD Dr. Rubel became interested in words early in life. His father was the 11th employee of Hughes Aircraft Company and went on to senior executive positions in the Defense Department under both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. In his (fairly formal) upbringing, communication clarity and word choice were always important topics around the dinner table. After working for three years as a high school English teacher, Bob returned to graduate school. His Masters is from Boston University and his doctorate is from University of Wisconsin (Urban Education Policy Studies, criminology minor). He began his professional career working for the National Institute of Justice, (the research branch of the U.S. Department of Justice). There, he developed and tested nationally a model of crime prevention for public schools. In these settings, word choice was important both in written and oral communication. Rubel has been presenting nationally on communication issues in relationships for over 12 years. M. Jen Fairfield Ms Fairfield also learned the importance of words at a young age. She is the daughter of a military officer who considered his children to be an extension of himself. He was very demanding when it came to word choice and clear communication. As an adult, Jen has spent 25 years in a profession that has put her in daily contact with people who, in some cases, need to hear just the right words/phrases to deescalate the situation. She has also spent five years teaching adults with varying learning skills. Since 2011, Jen has joined Bob as a presenter on the national lecture circuit. how do you use bookly app Is THAT What they Meant?: A book of practical communication insights