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
Why?
Do you know your Why? Simon Sinek’s ubiquitous work has taught us why our Why matters. When you communicate from your Why, your purpose shines through in everything you say and do. Your audiences feel it. You reach not just their heads, but their … [Read more...] about Why?
May you live in interesting times
Is that famous expression, “May you live in interesting times” a curse? A blessing? Both? If you’re part of the tech industry like I am, we are indeed living through interesting times. It’s exhausting, exhilarating, confounding. But we are … [Read more...] about May you live in interesting times
Why?
Do you know your Why? Simon Sinek’s work is now ubiquitous. We all know how much a Why matters. When you communicate from your Why, your purpose shines through in everything you say and do. Your audiences feel it. You reach not just their heads, … [Read more...] about Why?
Incrementalism
There is no substitute for daily practice. Real change comes from consistent, patient, disciplined, daily focus on new behavior. Want to learn to patiently listen during difficult conversations with employees? A daily practice of meditation will … [Read more...] about Incrementalism
Plans. Good.
If you want to do a terrible media interview, don’t have a plan. Don’t be clear about your business objective, don’t define a communications objective that will help you achieve your business objective, and definitely don’t have messages or proof … [Read more...] about Plans. Good.
Earned, Owned, Paid
We continue to debate and evolve our definitions of paid, earned, and owned media. For a marketing person, these distinctions may be vital, but my advice as a communications coach to clients is the same no matter which channel they’re … [Read more...] about Earned, Owned, Paid
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
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?
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?
