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
Step by step by step
We are three-quarters of the way through a rocket ship of a year. It’s already time to start thinking about the foundation you want to build for 2027. Here are a few questions to consider with your team as you plan for the year ahead: … [Read more...] about Step by step by step
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?
Say thank you!
Are you ready for the fall conference season? If you’re leading a breakout session, start by saying THANK YOU to the people who chose to walk into your session room! Acknowledge your audience’s discernment and good taste. They chose YOUR session, … [Read more...] about Say thank you!
Have mercy on your audience
If I am reaching for my phone every three minutes to look up some acronym you just mentioned in a talk, you are making me work to listen to you. Don’t make me work to listen to you. The minute I grab my phone, you’ve lost me for the duration, because … [Read more...] about Have mercy on your audience
Clarity is awesome
Clarity is a discipline. Sure, many of us have the skill to stand on a stage, riff on the slides we have behind us, and walk off the stage without breaking a sweat. But delivering a clear, useful talk requires making choices. It’s about cutting … [Read more...] about Clarity is awesome
Skill + content + intention = magic!
What makes a great spokesperson? Skill for sure. Quality of content, absolutely. But there’s a third component that can be overlooked: attitude and intention. Soundbites and stories stick in peoples’ heads. You can deliver high-quality stories … [Read more...] about Skill + content + intention = magic!
Perception. It’s still reality.
“Perception is reality.” Lee Atwater coined this phrase in political campaigning because he understood that what people think is more powerful than what’s true. Objectivity does not exist. This can be super frustrating, but it’s … [Read more...] about Perception. It’s still reality.
Got ideas? Get help!
I ask every client two questions: What do you uniquely see? What are you uniquely doing about it? I get some amazing answers! And yet, while a fundamental insight is essential, it is not sufficient. If you want your idea to have impact, you … [Read more...] about Got ideas? Get help!
