New York Times columnist David Brooks reminds us that the proper use of metaphors is critical to human understanding. “[B]eing aware of metaphors reminds you of the central role that poetic skills play in our thought. Read more
CommCore Blog and News
Providing Decent Dissent
Executives must allow and accept criticism from above and below. Only then can they lead effectively, improve themselves and build on success. As a recent article in Chief Executive Magazine points out, many leaders don’t hear, permit or even recognize good constructive criticism.
Read more Media and Presentation Training FAQs
With 25 years of communications consulting under our belt at CommCore, we get a lot of the same questions about the need for executive media or presentation training. Our top questions:
Q: Our CEO has been conducting media interviews and making public appearances for years. Read more
Glitter, Big Hair and Spandex as Powerful Public Presentation and Communications Tools
At CommCore we always remind our clients that interesting, relevant and – above all – memorable analogies are a staple of strong public presentations. Proper use of anecdotes, 3rd party validations, items from the day’s news, true personal stories – all are “visual” data points that can make the difference between an audience’s eyes glazing over, or a message that sticks. Read more
Proper Planning is the Key to Crisis Communications
The current spate of international and domestic crises is a stark reminder to all professional communicators: in Crisis Response there is no substitute for preparedness.
An enterprise paralyzed by a devastating earthquake or tsunami. Read more
Not Every Brain Can Storm
Brainstorming sessions are critical to the success of any business or business unit seeking to grow and attract new audiences and customers. But, if run poorly, these sessions can be “useless,” according to an article in Chief Executive Magazine. Read more
The “Duh” Principles of Communications: Important Lessons Still Unlearned
Three recent avoidable communications no-no’s reinforce the “duh” principle. Think and ask questions before your speak, blog or engage in public conversations. Items:
• National Public Radio SVP of Development Ron Schiller talking with members of a group he has never met before, that it turns out has been organized by a provocateur. Read more
SO, WHAT’S THE STORY?
Good stuff from current CEO of Mandalay Bay Peter Guber. He believes storytelling is at the heart of effective communications and success in business. So much so that he’s written a book about it, “Tell to Win.” Read more
The Tweet By and By
As is often the case for some adopters of new technology, what’s new today can get old very quickly. A recent article in Politico points out that politicians are increasingly tiring of Twitter and its 140-character limit, as well as other social media tools. Read more
‘Contextualizing’ v. Spin – Is There a Difference?
Toyota’s woes continue. On the same day they called a “Day of Reflection” on the two years of seemingly unending recalls totaling in the millions of cars –more than 2 million additional vehicles were added to the heap. Read more