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.
Can You Reframe That?
The most compelling stories for social change break stereotypes and build new ways for us to understand issues and each other. You can start by looking for stereotypes in your communications and then practice some reframing. I guarantee the story will be even better as a result.
Mind Over Machine.
The memory in our pockets directly affects the memory in our heads—and that impacts how we communicate. So, before you reach for the phone to help you remember something, give yourself time to think. Practice building back up your memory and brain function, and you should start to see that digital amnesia clear up, too.
Do Some Things.
It’s natural to feel the weight of decisions that feel out of our control. It doesn’t need to mean all is lost, though. So, let’s take action and do some things.
Well-Lived.
The next time you’re planning some time away, consider how you'll communicate it with your values at the center of your message: what you stand for, whom you prioritize, and what you live for.
You Can Say Something.
Saying something when we see something is not easy. But the effect could be the start of something groundbreaking, too. You just won’t know if you don't try.
The Hard Truth about Soft Skills
When leaders communicate with care, courage, and clarity, they can also better lead through tumultuous times. It comes down to how we use the power we have.
All Access.
Whether you’re an advertiser, a fundraiser, or a digital strategist, developing inclusive and equitable communications practices requires care, courage, and clarity—none of which can be achieved without some actual and authentic perspective first.
Did You Hear That?
Find ways to get closer to the users of your content, and when you get there, listen carefully. That closer listen will always be worth it.
Can I Trust You?
How we show up is more than the words we use or the snappy descriptions we print in our brand books. What we say and what we do need to match up. Over and over again. That's what it takes to build a trusted brand. So, can I trust you?
With Love.
This book isn’t about me. It’s about the people who inspire me, and it is for you. I hope you appreciate its message.
Be The Change.
The challenges you’re trying to “figure out” may be opportunities to chart a new or different course forward. Stay true to who you are and what you believe in, and the path you’re meant to take will open to you.
Take Good Care.
When it comes to mental health in the workplace, putting people first will always be a winning strategy. Just don’t forget to include yourself among those people.
When You Say Nothing At All.
Rather than saying nothing at all or rushing to say the first thing that feels right, focus your energy on being genuine in your words and approach. Listen carefully. Acknowledge issues. And commit to bravely speaking in service of your community rather than running away from the moments that may ultimately shape you most as a leader.
Fact Check.
It's all too common for meaningful sayings to be altered or removed from their original context, making it hard to know who said what, and when. Focus on getting down to the roots of the words you choose to use, and when in doubt, stay grounded in the facts.
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.
Start Where You Are.
In the fast-paced nature of time, where it’s all too easy to get caught up in what’s coming next (vs. what’s happening now), where we want to be (vs. where we are), and how we get there (vs. what we’ve accomplished to date), it’s good to pause and remember that life is fast, and it’s short. Wherever you are, may you find something wonderful worth holding onto in this present moment.
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.
Not The Response I Expected.
If you’re looking for an actual answer from Twitter about layoffs, declines in ad revenue, mounting lawsuits, or any other issue, you’ll need to keep waiting. As for your own press strategy, if you’re looking to build trust and credibility, set aside the emojis and autoresponders. Instead, focus on what you can say—and say it authentically.
Banking on Trust.
Losing a previously invested donor, partner, or team member is always challenging. But a loss without any related learning is the worst kind of loss. In losing, find ways to uncover essential insights and small wins that make the most of difficult situations.
Learning from Our Losses.
Losing a previously invested donor, partner, or team member is always challenging. But a loss without any related learning is the worst kind of loss. In losing, find ways to uncover essential insights and small wins that make the most of difficult situations.
LOOKING FOR MORE?