To mark Trustees’ Week 2019, which took place from 4 to 8 November, my guest blogger, communications consultant and not-for-profit Board member Helen Deakin, talks top tips for engaging with your Board on communications. Are you looking to contribute to a great cause and advance your own professional development? Has becoming a trustee ever been on your ‘to do’ – …
How to identify your key messages
Key messages can be tricky to get right. This is especially true if you are close to the subject matter and know all the ins and outs by heart. Or if you are producing communications for a project manager who wants to cover all bases. But it is vital for effective communication that you find a way to get the …
3 lessons on audience understanding
This tweet from Natasha Roe at Red Pencil (shown below) about remembering your audience when you are communicating really struck a chord with me: Good cautionary tale not to make assumptions about your audiences from @SarahatSelf #CIMevents Reminds me of @bernardrossmc exercise to tap yourself on the shoulder and repeat *I am not the audience*🙃 — Natasha Roe (@RedPencil_) September …
It’s all in the timing
There are many areas of life where timing is all important. Communication is one of them. This is something that anyone who has ever had to talk to their boss about a difficult project knows very well. Or if you’ve had to persuade a 2-year-old to put their socks on! Cycles of work Working in academic environments has particularly taught …
Carrying out an internal comms audit
Over the summer I am sharing examples of some of the projects I’ve been involved with over the years. I love the variety of clients I am lucky enough to work with and the ways in which I can help them communicate better in order to achieve their objectives. If you are taking the summer to plan your future comms …