We are all using Google hangouts, Zoom etc, more and more. Here are some simple guidelines to help you maximise your use of them: Be sure to test microphone, speakers and camera beforehand. Be platform agnostic: if your client has a favourite, use it. Otherwise use the one cheapest and easiest for you. This is Read More
Category: communication
Musk wins US libel case with good arguments about social media
Elon Musk’s US lawyers used some interesting arguments to defend their client from the accusation of libel. Musk used the term “pedo guy” in a Tweet after Vernon Unsworth had turned down an offer by Musk to build a submarine to save the trapped Thai football team. Musk did not name Unsworth but Unsworth claimed Read More
Look to the end to have a lasting impact
So few writers and other communicators spend any time focusing on the end of the story they are telling. Many communicators spend a lot of time on the intro, the opening, how they introduce the piece. And rightly so. That’s where you grab your audience, get their attention and hopefully keep it. Focus on the Read More
Write like a journalist to get through to journalists: 8 things to remember when you write a press release
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
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