Stories are a great way to demonstrate what you know or understand. Telling a story helps you to connect with other people too, showing what you can bring to the party. A story from my past Years ago when I was working at Cancer Research UK we produced a staff magazine which went out in … Read more
Last week I had the pleasure of chatting to Hayley Wright, Comms and Engagement Lead at Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford Citizens Advice. Inspired by an article she wrote for CharityComms about involving her colleagues in gathering stories, I wanted to learn more about how she uses stories to benefit her charity. We had a … Read more
As 2020 draws to a close, I’m taking the opportunity to wish you all a safe and relaxing festive break. After the year we have all had, we certainly need to take time to pause and reflect on how much we have done in the last 12 months! We still have a long way to … Read more
At this point in a ‘normal’ year I would be asking people to tell me about their favourite piece of communication from the year, to publish as a ‘best of’ blog during December. But this year I just can’t bring myself to do it! I decided instead to publish a more hopeful list. So I … Read more
With #lockdown2 about to start in England tomorrow, it’s hard not to feel that we’re right back where we started earlier this year. Personally and professionally, I’ve heard a lot of heart-sinking, sighing and here-we-go-again-ing. Many communications teams and individuals are gathering themselves and setting to work once again for their colleagues. Finding the best … Read more
This month I am delighted to welcome Adeela Warley, CEO of CharityComms, as my guest blogger. She shares her thoughts on charities that are responding to the global pandemic by communicating and collaborating internally in new ways. This joined up approach helps them work together as one team. From reaction to reflection We’ve all dealt … Read more
To tell your not-for-profit’s story effectively you need to be clear about the audiences you want to reach and what is important to them
If you are making assumptions about your colleagues’ meanings and motivations, either consciously or not, chances are that the communication between you is not working very well. And while this isn’t great in any situation, it can be particularly problematic during a global pandemic (or any other time of pressure and uncertainty). Listen up A … Read more
My original plan for the blog this week was to share a list of my top 10 articles about communications in difficult times. But with client deadlines, a bank holiday weekend and several meetings connected to my trustee role, my time and head space for reading blogs and articles has been reduced recently. So I … Read more
In these times of uncertainty, it can be tricky to know how to play it with your communications. On the one hand, you don’t want to cause worry by seeming like you don’t really know what’s going on. On the other hand, taking a firm position on something that could change again at any minute … Read more