I’ve seen a lot of press releases in my 40 years as a journalist. I’ve also helped both journalists and brands understand how to communicate more effectively as a writing trainer for 30 years. When it comes to press releases I’ve learned that getting the right content, in the right order is the single most Read More
Category: communication
Golden Rules for Email #1: Subject Lines
What is the core purpose of a Subject Line? [please choose one] 1. To inform the recipient of your email’s content 2. To motivate them to read the email Your Subject Line is the ‘headline’ for your email. So in some ways, informing the reader seems to make sense. After all, it’s there to give Read More
How authentic do you want to be?
It’d be very easy to think that ‘image’ is all that matters today. How you present yourself on social media. The bold claims you make on behalf of your organisation. So, image is clearly important, and something you should try and control. Even more important is the perceived ‘gap’ between your image and Read More
What makes us different makes us better.
Online, everyone is now ‘competent’. The conventional approach: ‘We are really good at this’ is no longer enough. Competence is just the starting point. The playing fields are now level, and this is the latest challenge for business. Do you persevere and still struggle to sound ‘better’ ? Or will you grasp the opportunity to Read More
“Can you put that in writing?”
This is something we still hear every day, even in this digital age, and especially in business. We clearly still value the ‘tangible’ message, that record of an important conversation or agreement. It allows your contact or customer the time to evaluate and consider their options and preferences before making that all-important decision. So why Read More
You transmit over 4,000 messages every day.
Every day, you send out 4,000 messages, without once opening your mouth or tapping your keyboard. ‘Micro-messages’ are how humans actually communicate face-to-face, most of the time. Small actions or gestures, eye movements or glances, shifts in posture or body language; they all give a lot away – and much more than we think. We rely on them Read More
The Golden Rules of Communication
1st Rule of Communication – Context Hugely influences your message. Place, time, format, expectations, history, relevance, sentiment…the list goes on. Think about Context, first and last. 2nd Rule of Communication – Clarity There is just too much ‘noise’ and clutter. Your message needs to be absolutely clear, helped by your distinctive tone of voice. The clearer Read More
Fun and frolicks from The Times
Make your communications humorous, visual and to the point, many gurus of communications would rightly say. And here is an excellent example: The Times advertising video on politics. Using animals in their many forms for politicians is witty and yet informative. The whole video has a narrative line to it which links directly to the Read More
Great business writers make every word count
Effective business writing is all about knowing your audience and how your words can positively impact what they do and how they do it. Instantly. Take our Business Writing training courses and start to make every word count. Read More
Use mind maps as a tool in corporate communications
There is a tool in the tool kit of corporate communications which is not used enough: the mind map. Also known as the spider diagram. They are not for everybody, but they help those who see more value and information in pictures than in lists. They enforce a discipline about the subject. One thing has Read More