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?
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!
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!
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
Who’s reading/listening/watching?
In June, we talked about the power of soundbites. They stick in our ears. We can remember them for years. Want to reach into a human’s mind? Use a soundbite! But what if your message is getting intermediated by AI? If the human is not watching … [Read more...] about Who’s reading/listening/watching?
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
