As we near the end of 2020 (thank goodness!), we all face continued uncertainty. As well as being unsettling, this also makes the communication we can plan for uncertain. In my last guest blog of the year, trainer Rhian Morallee shares her thoughts on the personal communication skills we will all need next year, no matter what happens. In today’s …
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 …
Identifying communication training needs
At this time of year many of us get that ‘back to school’ feeling and turn our thoughts to what we want from the coming year. This often includes the new skills we will need to develop. When it comes to communication skills, I recommend considering what you hope to achieve and how strategic or tactical you will need to …
An exercise in audience understanding
Effective communication is based on audience understanding. To build connections, communicate messages and listen to others, you need to understand them. What are they interested in? What motivates them? What have their experiences been? With this knowledge you can plan communications that are meaningful and move towards achieving your organisation’s objectives. Put yourself in their shoes When I run my …
Celebrating my birthday with 8 comms tips
Today is Browning York Ltd’s 8th birthday. I love working with charities and universities to solve problems through more effective communication. I’ve been doing it for more than 8 years (twice as long, in fact) but it was in March 2011 that I took things to a more formal level by setting up a company. To celebrate my ‘birthday’, I …