In January 2022, Carrie Fox set out on a blog series called Finding the Words because she had something to say. By the end of the year, you were doing more than listening. You were deeply in this work with her. And because of you, we’re keeping this series going, every week through 2023 and beyond. Our promise: Carrie will keep delivering these essays each Wednesday morning to further support your work as a communicator for change. Your promise: keep telling us how these insights are impacting and influencing your work.
Here are some of the most regularly shared columns. If you like what you see, then subscribe here.
Set Change.
As I’ve learned, there’s always more than one happy ending, regardless of what we’ve been told in fairy tales. So, as you think about the stories you tell, the ones you’ll pass down, and the ones you share in your work, ask yourself if you’re creating the conditions to tell the whole story— not just the story you think people want to hear.
"Calm and Not Chaos"
From her body language to her focus and strategic use of story, Kamala Harris took the stage last night to connect with voters. She conveyed calmness under pressure and experience over ego, and she showed the power of communication when used as a force for good.
Common Ground.
Lederach is a renowned peacebuilding leader who has engaged with peace processes around the world for four decades. In his latest book, available as a free download on his site, he offers practical insights grounded in global experience to help readers navigate and address the conflicts we face in our communities and country. John Paul gives context, structure, and a frame for finding common ground, and for re-investing in the power of "improbable dialogue."
Ditch the DEI Speak.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging matter, and they always will. But labels, lexicon, and technical talk can get in the way of explaining why. So, ditch the DEI speak and get back to the heart of what matters: treating people fairly, caring about each other, and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Are You Prepared?
When it comes to preparation, there will always be forces of distraction. Stay focused on your audience, your objective, and your preparation, and success will follow.
Your Body Language is Talking Even When You Aren't.
93% of what we communicate is nonverbal, so the little things we communicate through our bodies make a big difference to our audience. Use your body, tone, and the instrument that is your voice to help convey confidence, trust, and engagement to your audience. It may never be as good as face-to-face communication, but good digital body language can do wonders to bridge physical divides.
The ABCs of Bridging
You can’t control what the media asks, but you can control what you say. Let your character shine through by listening carefully to the audience, acknowledging questions, and bridging to your message. And by keeping your audience at the center of the story, you’ll be ready for prime time in no time.
Brace Yourself for This.
No organization is immune from a crisis erupting at any moment. It’s how you prepare, plan, coordinate, and communicate in the moments of calm that will determine how you weather the storm when it rolls in.
The Spotlight’s on You.
Effectively communicating, on camera or off, doesn’t mean you need to act like a robot or give the same answer repeatedly. Instead, use public communications opportunities and interviews as opportunities to deliver your core messages consistently, with your head and heart, knowing that the more you focus on what needs to be said and who needs to hear it, the more your audience will remember.
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