Business Communication Archives
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
A funny thing happened on my way to the podium…
I have just returned from one of the most enjoyable facilitation experiences I’ve had in a long time. I conducted a brief workshop on crisis communication for the Cooperative Communicators Association Institute in San Antonio. The Annual Conference was packed with more than 130 communicators from coops around the country. Every industry from financial to farming, power to produce.
A funny thing happened to me on the way to the podium, so I couldn’t help but change my open:
“You know, when I lead presentation workshops, I always tell clients to ‘lead with sexy.’ Not the Congressman Weiner kind, but definitely something that grabs the audience’s attention so you start with a bang! Of course, I wasn’t planning to start a fire as my open, but how appropriate and convenient is it, when the conference is called Caliente! Hot Ideas for Cooperative Communicators, and the opening workshop is Crisis Communications: Staying out of the Hot Seat?! A little crisis, with a fast clean up is the perfect way for us to get started!”
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Lothery & Associates Gets Radical!
Saturday, while most people were running errands before the basketball games started, Lothery & Associates, LLC was sponsoring the Get Radical! Conference in Washington, DC. More than 500 ambitious and upwardly mobile women attended to get pearls of wisdom from Jillian Michaels, Rhonda Britten, Niecy Nash, Ali Brown, and Doreen Rainey. Speakers covered everything from overcoming challenges, beating procrastination, better financial planning, and of course taking care of your body and health.
As a communication coach, I couldn’t help but watch all of the above for their information, but also their delivery and approach. If you missed this amazing and empowering day, allow me to point out some key communication strengths they all shared.
Monday, February 28th, 2011
The King’s Speech and Other Notable Moments
How could I resist an opportunity to blog about last night’s Oscars, when the big winner was a movie about a stammering monarch who worked on his weakness to become a popular leader. We’ll leave the true history about King George VI’s politics aside, and focus on his triumphant ability to overcome his impediment.
Take a moment to visit the Washington Post online, the Value Added Column by Tom Heath. He adds more about communication in business and Hollywood, while profiling Lothery & Associates, LLC: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/27/AR2011022702932.html You’ll find some additional tips for you there, as well!
Friday, February 4th, 2011
Meteorologists: The Model Crisis Communicators
There’s a lesson to be learned about communicating in a crisis, from the meteorologists who have been working hard all week. They communicate early, and often! Lack of information brings panic and confusion. Consistent flow of information establishes trust, minimizes the effects of rumors, and allows a direct connection between you and your customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
Saturday, January 22nd, 2011
Commentator Jabbed for “Con-text”
Horrified. That is the word used to describe the look on commentator Todd Woodbridge’s face during his on-court interview with tennis great, Kim Clijsters!
While there was no harm done, and Kim will likely continue to dominate the game without breaking too much of a sweat, and keep her smile and sense of humor, this is a great opportunity to remind everyone of some basic technology communication rules:
Friday, October 29th, 2010
People Before Profits=Less Need for Crisis Communication Plans
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
Words vs. Tone: Candidates Must Balance the Two
Thursday, July 15th, 2010