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.
The Letter in Question.
Making the choice between “White” and “white” is well beyond a matter of capitalization. And as with life, there is no simple answer to the “W/w” question. But examining and understanding our language choices matter, as we convey different messages based on our choices.
Our Choice of Words.
Just because a phrase is commonly used, does not mean it is inclusive to all members of our community. Let’s think, speak, and write with intention, knowing that the more inclusive our practices, the better we all become.
What’s Hiding in Your Writing?
It often takes an outside perspective to help discover an unconscious bias. Make time at the start of your writing process for community input, and you’ll have a much better, more informed, and accurate article in the end.
Who Are Your Influencers?
If you’re just starting out in your career or celebrating decades in your field, looking forward will always matter. Reflecting back to thank those who influenced you along the way matters just as much.
Better Bots?
At best, AI tools like ChatGPT can spark fresh ideas or inspiration for your writing. At worst, they spread misinformation and reinforce bias, while reducing our human abilities to connect, learn and process information. It’s not a case to avoid the technology, but a reminder to use it wisely.
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.
A Better Roadmap.
Whether we’re planning a road trip or a change of course in our organization’s strategy, the clearer the roadmap, the better the outcome. Developing a clear and simple plan is sometimes easier said than done, but it can do wonders to move big ideas forward.
Cut The Clutter.
It’s hard to know what’s right in front of us when we’re surrounded by clutter. Figure out what you really need AND what you really need to say. Figure out what information you have AND what information you’re missing. And I promise, just like those home organizers do, that the feeling of clutter may soon subside.
To Bravely Begin Again.
Being brave can mean so many things. It can mean taking an unexpected detour in your career, only to follow the greater passion inside of you. Being brave can mean advocating for changes to your corporate policies to better support the mental health of your colleagues. Being brave can mean owning your power as a communicator for positive social change.
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