There’s nothing new under the sun, but that doesn’t mean that your idea should be a copy of someone else’s idea. First of all, the internet exists, so everyone will find out. Second of all, it’s not respectful of your audience’s time to sell them on … [Read more...] about Build, don’t copy
Idea/conversation fit
Having a great idea is essential, but so is situating that idea within or adjacent to an existing conversation. Idea/conversation fit is the communications version of product/market fit. The market doesn’t buy what it doesn’t understand or recognize. … [Read more...] about Idea/conversation fit
A provocative and useful idea
Every great communicator has a truly provocative, useful idea. Your delivery is vital, but if you’re delivering boring crap, who cares?? You need an idea that doesn’t just get your audience’s attention. It makes them think, talk, and act. A … [Read more...] about A provocative and useful idea
What to say?
Writing a good corporate statement in a global crisis is like trying to balance a massive pyramid upside down atop a highwire. A company’s entire reputation may rest on a few sentences that get endlessly parsed on Twitter. I’ve been the PR person … [Read more...] about What to say?
Do your work, grasshopper
My favorite kind of communicators are people who understand that communication is a discipline, a skill that must be taken seriously. They invest time and energy not just in creating content, but in learning how to deliver it well too. Are you a … [Read more...] about Do your work, grasshopper
Your talk can be a symphony
What’s a crescendo? In a symphony or an aria, it’s a swelling of music that tells listeners that THIS is the most important, the most lush, the most beautiful part of the piece. Composers do so many intricate and wonderful things to build to … [Read more...] about Your talk can be a symphony
Are you a robot or a human?
Do you want to know if you’re robotic or empathetic when you speak? Analyze yourself. Watch recordings of yourself speaking. When did you look natural? Enthusiastic and energized? When did you look nervous or robotic? Note the time … [Read more...] about Are you a robot or a human?
Speak their language
As a great communicator you speak to your audiences in their language. You use their acronyms, you speak to their industry’s concerns, you know what “success” looks and feels like to them. Ask yourself: Based on what I know about the people I am … [Read more...] about Speak their language
Giving the right gifts
You know that whenever you speak to your audiences, you must give them a gift. Because when you give a talk it’s never about you, it’s about your audience. But how will you know when you have given them the gift they need most? When your great … [Read more...] about Giving the right gifts
Is this really a story?
So you’re converted to the power of stories. That’s GREAT! But how can you tell when your stories are really reaching your audience? If: Your audiences become emotionally invested and won’t let you stop until they hear the end of the story; … [Read more...] about Is this really a story?
