Most of the professional communicators I’ve met in my delightful life in this field are super discerning. We see our spokesperson struggling as they prepare for a talk, a media tour or a conference. And, we almost always know why. Our spidey … [Read more...] about Discernment + strategy + the right words
Eradicate babbling!
You know what I tell people all the time? SAY LESS. Saying less is so much better than saying more. ALWAYS. Choose your words before you speak. It’s human nature when someone asks a question to start talking BEFORE you consider your answer … [Read more...] about Eradicate babbling!
Ready to take the mic?
Oh my goodness it's conference season again! Are you ready? You are giving a big talk at your user conference. Whether you’re on the main keynote stage or doing a breakout on the latest in MCP, you know you must invest seriously in … [Read more...] about Ready to take the mic?
It’s not about you!
Big reminder: it's way easier to be present for other people, communicate effectively, and build successful business relationships when you’re not consumed by noticing/worrying about yourself. If you are pre-occupied with imposter syndrome or … [Read more...] about It’s not about you!
Persistence and patience = real change
We fear change. Our brains fear change. Laying down a new neural pathway takes energy and attention! How can you get your team, your customers, or your partners to change? Peter Denning and Robert Dunham’s The Innovators Way is my favorite book on … [Read more...] about Persistence and patience = real change
Politeness, discernment, and persistence
Answering questions is a very particular skill. An expert spokesperson - whether they are on a podcast, an earnings call, an All Hands, or a tough media interview - does these three things well: Acknowledge that a fellow human said words. … [Read more...] about Politeness, discernment, and persistence
Courage is a communications skill
Every expert, talented PR person I know spends enormous energy creating messages for leaders and coaching them to be polished, prepared, on-message. But we can’t climb into the nervous systems of our spokespersons. Every leader needs to practice … [Read more...] about Courage is a communications skill
Be consistent
We spent February on the formula for delivering a great story. In March we’re talking about how to deliver it. “Oh look at that shiny thing over there! Everyone’s talking about it! I’d much rather talk about that than our boring old messaging!” … [Read more...] about Be consistent
Build a bridge
We spent February on the formula for delivering a great story. In March we’re talking about how to deliver it. Whenever you communicate with anyone you are crossing a bridge. You are trying to get part of what’s in your mind into the uncharted … [Read more...] about Build a bridge
Citizens of different countries
We spent February on the formula for delivering a great story. In March we’re talking about how to deliver it. Every great story has a problem. But what kind of problem is going to spike your audience’s cortisol so they’ll pay attention long … [Read more...] about Citizens of different countries
