The comms blog

3 things I love about my job

As a freelance communication specialist, I’m lucky enough to work with fascinating teams and for amazing organisations. Although all my work shares a communications theme, there is plenty of variety in the detail of my projects that is enjoyable and rewarding. Recently I’ve been reflecting on some of the most enjoyable, fun and proud moments … Read more

What’s next?

This week my thoughts are turning to graduation and careers. With universities up and down the country erecting marquees, polishing the champagne flutes and preparing to celebrate the achievements of their students, there is an air of excitement and pride that adds a buzz to the whole university community. At the same time, for many … Read more

My journey – Instow to Westward Ho!

Last week I joined my friend, Morwhenna, for a sponsored walk in North Devon. The days I spent with her were just part of a longer 3-week journey she is undertaking from Brecon in Wales to Morwenstow in Cornwall, raising funds and awareness for The Stroke Association. Having had a stroke herself at the age … Read more

5 Tips for communicating dry subjects

How to make a dry subject more interesting? That’s a question I’m pondering at the moment, as I’m working with a procurement team. They are lovely, hard-working experts in their field who are striving to do their best for their organisation every day – but by their own admission, their subject matter isn’t at the … Read more

Do you need a communication or do you need to communicate?

“I need a communication!” If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard that phrase during my career, the Sarah Browning Charitable Foundation would be up and running as a generous benefactor to many great causes. It’s always an interesting place to start a conversation because it gives me the opportunity to ask questions … Read more

#GE2015 – too obvious a topic?

I thought long and hard about whether to jump on the General Election bandwagon for my latest blog piece, but I’m afraid I couldn’t resist. It is such a big topic in the country right now (and is looking to stay that way for a wee while longer) and there are such clear communication lessons … Read more

Raisin shout? The song lyric that never was

My 7-year-old daughter has been a member of her school choir for almost 2 years. Every Thursday lunchtime, she rushes through her lasagne in the lunch hall, has a quick dash round the playground and then trots along to the music classroom. There she giggles with her friends and belts out a few tunes (all … Read more

I have a proposal for you

Today I have been writing a proposal document for a potential new project. I know of many freelancers and people running their own companies who don’t enjoy this part of being independent, but I quite enjoy it. Maybe I would feel different if I had to complete a formal, structured tender process. Or if I … Read more

Communication is the root of all evil, right?

And it’s always someone over there who isn’t communicating with me. You didn’t tell me that, you’re telling me too much, I’m overwhelmed. You can’t win! But, actually, you can…. If your internal communication is based on an understanding of the employee voice, knowing how they think and feel about different topics, and engaging in … Read more