What if Grammar Stopped Being Brussels Sprouts and Became Birthday Cake? Patty McGee on our Need for Great Grammar Artwork

The Sage Sayers

A weekly podcast on ways to stay calm and compel others as you communicate. Along with executive communications tips and strategies, we interview intriguing individuals who've found the "Sage approach" by finding gifts, opportunities, and knowledge within trying situations. New Zealander show host, Debbi Gardiner McCullough, has written on social and business trends and struggles for the Economist, the Guardian, and Financial Times of London. She's a self-retired college professor of writing, an executive communications and narrative coach. Visit her at: www.hangingrockcoaching.com

All Episodes

The Sage Sayers

What if Grammar Stopped Being Brussels Sprouts and Became Birthday Cake? Patty McGee on our Need for Great Grammar

December 12, 2025 • Patty McGee and Debbi Gardiner McCullough • Season 4 • Episode 25

Patty McGee never cared for how grammar was taught to her at school. “It was always so strict, rigid, and not interesting at all.”

After years as a teacher, Patty pledged to make grammar interesting for the kids she taught at school. From seeing such great results and children loving her approach, she co-wrote a book on grammar, one which we can appreciate as business communicators too.

In our interview, we hear of Patty’s new love for grammar, her book-writing process, and insights into the rules which make many of us feel stuck (like capitals or lowercase after a colon). Also hear her guidance on the em-dash, which AI tools love, and with that, make the punctuation mark (alas) less popular.

You can find Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction here. Please follow Patty McGee on LinkedIn here.

D G McCullough has written for the Economist, FT of London, and the Economist and taught communications and journalism at UNC Chapel Hill. She runs Hanging Rock Coaching and serves as a communications coach to leaders at Fortune 100s, including Google. Find her on LinkedIn. Join her workshops on Maven, Brag Anyway, and Listen Like a Boss. Or book her for a consult on your bio, one-liner, and work story.

Note to my dear Listeners: This is the last episode of the Sage Sayers for 2025. Thank you for enjoying this podcast with me. We resume our show first Friday of January.