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.
"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.
Confidence Boost.
When it comes to communicating confidence, remember this: we are often much better than we let ourselves believe. Start with some appreciation—for yourself, your skills, and how far you’ve come—and see how much more confident you'll feel as a result.
Reconnect With Your Story.
Stories are critical to business success. And stories exist in all of us. Make time to reconnect with your stories and find out what's possible as a result.
Ready for the Pitch.
The best pitches come from the heart. And if you want people to come along with you, you’ll need to find ways to make them feel your passion, understand your creative solution, and remember your idea’s unique value.
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.
Land the Plane.
The takeoff and the landing. It matters in the sky, and it matters in our communications.Whether we like it or not, much of what we say in the middle of our presentations or pitches may be lost on our audience’s ears. Nonetheless, we can avoid confusing our audiences mid-air by orienting our communications around the opening and the closing.
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