The comms blog

What does communication success mean to you?

Following on from last week’s blog, when I shared my thoughts on what makes communication successful, I decided to ask others what successful communication means to them. I posed the question in a couple of Facebook groups I am part of and this blog shares the answers I received. I was struck by the similarities … Read more

How to communicate successfully

Before we get into the detail of how to create communication success, we need to talk about what success actually means in this context. According to the Collins dictionary, the definition is: So you might consider that you have succeeded in communicating when: You have sent something out You have sent something out without factual … Read more

Guest post: Communication – essential for becoming inclusive

I have another great guest piece to share with you this month. Diversity and inclusion consultant, Ellie Highwood, explains how important it is for communications teams to work closely with equality and diversity teams. Together you can support your organisation or institution to be a positive place for all. There is one sure-fire way to … Read more

Diversity and inclusion for communicators

When I saw a Diversity and Inclusion for Communicators course advertised by the Institute of Internal Communication last year, I was really pleased. I knew this was an area I wanted to know more about, so I signed up straight away. I had previously worked with the Diversity and Inclusion Deans at the University of … Read more

20 pointers for communication in a crisis

Many organisations will face challenges from time to time that count as a crisis. When these situations arise, they will need both effective communication and appropriate actions to get through it. Often the comms effort will be focussed outside the organisation. But what part can – and should – internal communication play? That was the … Read more

You’ve written your #comms strategy, now what?

This year for me has been (almost) all about communication strategies. Clients ranging from a national disability charity to a local healthcare organisation and a university procurement team have asked me to draw up a more strategic approach for them. Whatever their size and whatever their mission, their aim has been to reach more audiences … Read more

CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Awards 2019

The CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Awards and Winter Social is one of my favourite evenings of the year. In recent times we have become used to hearing a lot of negativity about our sector (and many other things). So it’s nice to take time to learn about some of the amazing people doing their level best … Read more

Guest post: 3 tips to engage trustees on communications

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 … Read more

Guest post: Top tips for handling difficult people

This month Jacqueline Harris, an executive coach and leadership trainer, shares some fabulous insights into why we might find some people ‘difficult’ and suggests ways to adapt our communication with them. If you are based in the Berkshire area and would like to experience her approach to coaching first-hand, you can book to take part … Read more