For Impact, Tell a Personal Story

Communicating through personal stories is fascinating. Stories help me revive memories, favorite people, and the special events in my life. It also helps me to learn from my experiences and those of others. Allowing a time for reflection and happiness, I also learn more about my friends and what makes them unique. Be assured that a Story Circle will provide smiles and tears.

The Story Circle Potluck this past weekend was no exception. The theme was “Fall” or “Harvest” as related to just about any setting you can imagine. Now I had several ideas for my story: perhaps I’d share about the time I was rushing a sorority in college and, along with another “pledge,” was blindfolded, driven about 30 miles from campus, and dropped in a farmer’s pumpkin patch with instructions to return to the sorority house within two hours with a large pumpkin. My “sister” and I hitch-hiked back to campus. What were we thinking???

Or, maybe I’d tell about the memories of my Grandpa Dave, who passed away in the Fall. He had a dry sense of humor and always liked to tease my grandma. He always complimented Grandma Millie on her cooking, and said that their pets ate as well or better than he did. That was because Grandma would also make bacon, eggs, and pancake breakfasts for their dog and feed the squirrels and raccoons “circus peanuts” after the ground was mounded with snow.

My third choice was the actual story I told that night. It was about my determination to drive a little, red Datsun with a “stick shift” to work when I was teaching at Maplewood Jr. High. I had been practicing in parking lots and over speed bumps—any terrain where I would need to stop and start or shift gears. It was frustrating, and the harder I tried, the more uncoordinated I felt, until I was in tears.

After several days of the same result, I determined that I would never sit in the Datsun again. Then one morning, as I dressed for teaching, I saw myself (smiling) driving over the Mendota Bridge (a steady incline) without stalling (YES!). It must have been sheer determination! I got in that car and headed for school. I turned off the radio since I had a number of honking horns, many of different pitches, accompanying me, and jerked my way along the incline and over the bridge. Each time I “killed” the engine, a myriad of horns would whoop. I begin to think of them as my very own band, cheering me on. They became my supporters.

The next day I hit the road again, and then I became a “pro.”

Long story, short: Sharing stories communicates the REAL you.

 

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Use Email with Respect and Common Sense

Email and respect. Are they synonymous? Based on some of the emails I’ve read, I’m not sure. First of all, to use email as a communication route begs the question, “How sensitive is your subject?” The more sensitive the topic, the more you should opt for a face-to-face setting. Is it out of ignorance or lack of respect for others that many email users abuse the email system and, in turn, their audience? Maybe they just don’t choose to consider the impact. “Sending an email is like sending a postcard. If you don’t want your email to be displayed on a bulletin board, don’t send it. Moreover, never make any libelous, sexist or racially discriminating comments in emails, even if they are meant to be a joke.” (www.emailreplies.com)

Because email has been part of the work world for over a decade and it is meant as a quick exchange, most of us feel like we know the “rules.” It is always a good idea for organizations to identify, distribute and train an email protocol (which can be, and often is, monitored through email management software). Asking employees to use a protocol helps to protect the company from liability issues. On a smaller scale, however, I believe that respect for your audience and common sense should always be used to screen all email you send.

There are two tips that I’ve found to be highly effective when writing email. First, write a specific subject line. For example: “Energy Task Force Meeting 10/25/07, 7p.” Contrast that with “Meeting.” When recipients are scanning quickly, they’ll know the basis for your email. Second, answer your email messages within 24 hours or even the same day you received them. If an email is particularly complex, simply send a simple sentence email stating that you received the message and will send a detailed answer soon. Acknowledging a message puts its sender at ease.

Long story, short: Think twice!

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Sprezzatura Speaks

Mama Mia! Sprezzatura! Is this a special Italian, pasta-enhancing concoction? I was ready to try it since I love Italian food. Upon closer inspection, I found it’s not something that I’m willing to eat, but it is tantalizing, none the less. Sprezzatura refers to a writing style, and probably characterizes the style of just about anything that takes effort. An oxymoronic expression would read, “Act naturally.” (www.grammar.about.com)

I had a mentor who once said that what you do and how you do it should appear polished and easy. There should be no hint of the real effort that took place behind-the-scenes. Sprezzatura! In that way, we should follow the example of a duck—calm and serene above the water while paddling frenetically underneath the surface.

Although communication should appear effortless, remember to complete your due diligence. Two-thirds of the work is done up front, and nothing can substitute for that time and effort. Some of that time will involve wrestling with Benny and Baxter, those ever-present writing monkeys. Persevere, and you will have everyone marveling. Then, take a breath and flash your “Mona Lisa” smile.

Long story, short: Understated elegance. Someone will notice!

 

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A New Approach to Corporate Writing

As I’m writing, Benny and Baxter are peering over my shoulder, snickering. They always have a presence in my office, and, after a weekend of nothing to do, have decided to be really inquisitive. They heard my exultations about the intellectual and well-developed plot of Michael Clayton. Tony Gilroy, well-known screenwriter and first-time director made an impressive debut, featuring a corporate, behind-the-scenes “fixer” (George Clooney) as the lawyer protagonist.

As if the movie weren’t compelling enough, what I learned through an interview between Tony Gilroy and NPR’s Andrea Seabrook about how the plot originated was even more amazing, and it provided important insight about how to make writing appealing.

Tony interviewed many lawyers, police and corporate personnel during his research for the movie. He found that when these people could converse “off-the-record,” stories flowed. Some of the stories may not have been totally accurate, yet the essence was there. Now I’m not suggesting corporate fabrication in your writing. The part to remember is the research approach: talking to sources and then making them feel comfortable enough to tell their stories. Ideas from these stories will attract readers because they can identify with transformations, the true backbone of memorable writing. Then be sure to check the facts. No more snickering, if you please!

Long story, short: Emotion Does Have a Place in Corporate Writing

 

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Writing for THAT Kind of Attention

When you are trying to decide who should become the writer in your business, always choose the person who is the most passionate and excited about the company and what is happening. You’ve always heard, “It’s not so much what you say, but how you say it!” When you believe in something and want the entire world to feel that way too, then you will write or speak your best.

As a shareholder, I felt that passion and excitement last night at the annual meeting of Just Food Co-op in Northfield (www.JustFood.Coop ). When the annual report described the Co-op’s purpose as “We’re not driven by just one bottom line, but by three: financial, social and environmental,” it made me want to read further. When specific community efforts were recognized as the backbone of profitability, and attendees from a wide range of backgrounds were observed smiling, hugging, and ardently discussing the meeting handouts, something extraordinary definitely happened. I was feeling very “pumped.”

How do you write to get that kind of attention? Ask yourself, what is that your audience wants to know? How are they exceptional? Then tell them, simply. The Co-op purpose could have been described as “We are here for you and your support is important to us and you do a great job.” Amid yawns, this structure would have invited Benny’s and Baxter’s editing commentary. Focus on your passion for a topic and then write just enough to keep the audience interested.

Long story, short: A succinct writing style, stated with gusto, is most impacting.

 

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Communicate Through Seeming Chaos

Recently, I participated in a really engaging meeting that focused on gathering renewable energy ideas from my community. What was most amazing was that everyone spoke for one minute on an idea, uninterrupted; there was no judgment of ideas; and all ideas were captured. At times the meeting seemed chaotic, yet exceptional directions always surfaced. Even Benny and Baxter, those persistent writing monkeys on your back, would not have gotten a word in edgewise.

The technique used to run this meeting was purposely designed to promote creative thinking, to afford time for each participant to be heard, and to document every idea. It is called Open Space Technology ( www.OpenSpaceWorld.org ), named and defined by Harrison Owen in 1993. He stated that he noticed the real interaction of meetings took place most often during a break, more so than in a structured setting. Most of the ideas for this process came from a West African village, Native American traditions, Eastern wisdom, and the work of various group dynamics; according to Owen, this technique is truly “a world product.”

I highly recommend the process for meetings if you want to generate information, feedback, and enthusiasm or simply shake things up a bit. In this case, the whole is definitely more impressive than the sum of its parts.

Long story, short: Be careful what you ask for!

 

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Perception vs. Reality

I just returned from a two-day conference in St. Cloud, MN on Social Norms Marketing with Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, founder of MOST of Us (www.mostofus.org). Although centered on the topic of uncovering the gap between perception and reality in the arena of alcohol and drug abuse, Jeff’s information could easily be applied to a variety of topics at many levels.

The idea is that when a group wants to understand the root causes of a social problem to change the behaviors creating the problem, it is necessary to discover the gap between perception and reality. How do you do that? Start with the research that already exists. Then, using his seven-step process, develop a plan to gather additional facts. The key is to return to those with the behavior, as well as to others involved, and present the facts in creative ways, getting their by-in. Soon new conversations will begin, spawning change and transformation.

Viewing this process made me stop to ponder the phenomenon of perception versus reality. Through formal or informal encounters, each of us is in the business of marketing—24/7. What picture have we created for others? What will they remember? It is worth contemplating.

Long story, short: Is the word on the street what you want it to be?

 

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Communication: Be Ready to Punt

It sounds like common sense. Some may even consider it to be trite, yet the fact is that before you communicate, you should consider who will be reading or listening to your message. This means taking the time to assess your audience. It also means that regardless of how painstaking your assessments, you still may be mistaken because, after all, effective communication is about understanding expectations.

I remember attending a panel interview for a position, along with three other candidates. As I introduced myself as Barbara Cordes, the panel members’ faces visibly changed to wide-eyed glances. The lead interviewer repeated my last name as “Cordez.” Clearly, my blonde hair did not match their expectations of diversity. I was confused!

Another time I was working with adult learners, getting them to experiment with different ways to show time passage and how each of the six verb tenses changes the meaning of a sentence. Through experience, I knew how to show and explain this construction.

Two students of color, who were usually quick learners, were frustrated. They explained that their native language did not use various verb forms to indicate time passage. There was only one form for each verb and then another word was used to indicate time. We go yesterday (past tense) or We go tomorrow (future). Talk about expectations!

Even with the best of assessments and intentions, the complexities of communication are challenging. Fortunately, keeping an attitude of openness and acceptance allows us to learn from each other.

Long story, short: Do your homework, yet remain flexible.

 

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Welcome the Sun

“It’s almost as if my computer has snow-blindness; I can’t seem to get started. I don’t have time! I make too many mistakes!” These are the most common complaints offered by adults who are expected to complete some degree of writing as part of their workload. However, I believe that these writers-in-waiting are not truly motivated to write.

Over the years, I have taught grammar, punctuation and business writing basics to high school and adult learners. Motivators for writing are being passionate about your topic (or at least feeling that the process is worthwhile); having knowledge, experience or interest in the area about which you’re writing (or willing to learn); and wanting to share a slice of what you know with others.

Imagine this setting: Business Writing 101, held each Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for eight weeks. Twenty-five clerical employees of a Twin Cities’ for-profit company attended faithfully each week. I always ended my classes by asking the attendees if they had experienced any changes in their writing since the previous class. One person said: “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m taking this class because I have to improve my writing to get promoted. I’m a single mom, and every dollar counts. Now that’s not exactly a change in my writing, but, hopefully, it will lead to a change in my writing.” Suddenly, there was passion and commitment!

Long story, short: Step out of the shadows of your writing excuses, keep your face to the sun, and never look back.

 

www.MakingWordsWork.biz

 

 

 

 

 

“It’s almost as if my computer has snow-blindness; I can’t seem to get started. I don’t have time! I make too many mistakes!” These are the most common complaints offered by adults who are expected to complete some degree of writing as part of their workload. However, I believe that these writers-in-waiting are not truly motivated to write.

 

Over the years, I have taught grammar, punctuation and business writing basics to high school and adult learners. Motivators for writing are being passionate about your topic (or at least feeling that the process is worthwhile); having knowledge, experience or interest in the area about which you’re writing (or willing to learn); and wanting to share a slice of what you know with others.

 

Imagine this setting: Business Writing 101, held each Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for eight weeks. Twenty-five clerical employees of a Twin Cities’ for-profit company attended faithfully each week. I always ended my classes by asking the attendees if they had experienced any changes in their writing since the previous class. One person said: “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m taking this class because I have to improve my writing to get promoted. I’m a single mom, and every dollar counts. Now that’s not exactly a change in my writing, but, hopefully, it will lead to a change in my writing.” Suddenly, there was passion and commitment!

 

Long story, short: Step out of the shadows of your writing excuses, keep your face to the sun, and never look back.

 

www.MakingWordsWork.biz

 

 

“It’s almost as if my computer has snow-blindness; I can’t seem to get started. I don’t have time! I make too many mistakes!” These are the most common complaints offered by adults who are expected to complete some degree of writing as part of their workload. However, I believe that these writers-in-waiting are not truly motivated to write.

 

Over the years, I have taught grammar, punctuation and business writing basics to high school and adult learners. Motivators for writing are being passionate about your topic (or at least feeling that the process is worthwhile); having knowledge, experience or interest in the area about which you’re writing (or willing to learn); and wanting to share a slice of what you know with others.

 

Imagine this setting: Business Writing 101, held each Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for eight weeks. Twenty-five clerical employees of a Twin Cities’ for-profit company attended faithfully each week. I always ended my classes by asking the attendees if they had experienced any changes in their writing since the previous class. One person said: “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m taking this class because I have to improve my writing to get promoted. I’m a single mom, and every dollar counts. Now that’s not exactly a change in my writing, but, hopefully, it will lead to a change in my writing.” Suddenly, there was passion and commitment!

 

Long story, short: Step out of the shadows of your writing excuses, keep your face to the sun, and never look back.

 

www.MakingWordsWork.biz

 

 

“It’s almost as if my computer has snow-blindness; I can’t seem to get started. I don’t have time! I make too many mistakes!” These are the most common complaints offered by adults who are expected to complete some degree of writing as part of their workload. However, I believe that these writers-in-waiting are not truly motivated to write.

 

Over the years, I have taught grammar, punctuation and business writing basics to high school and adult learners. Motivators for writing are being passionate about your topic (or at least feeling that the process is worthwhile); having knowledge, experience or interest in the area about which you’re writing (or willing to learn); and wanting to share a slice of what you know with others.

 

Imagine this setting: Business Writing 101, held each Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for eight weeks. Twenty-five clerical employees of a Twin Cities’ for-profit company attended faithfully each week. I always ended my classes by asking the attendees if they had experienced any changes in their writing since the previous class. One person said: “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m taking this class because I have to improve my writing to get promoted. I’m a single mom, and every dollar counts. Now that’s not exactly a change in my writing, but, hopefully, it will lead to a change in my writing.” Suddenly, there was passion and commitment!

 

Long story, short: Step out of the shadows of your writing excuses, keep your face to the sun, and never look back.

 

www.MakingWordsWork.biz

 

 

“It’s almost as if my computer has snow-blindness; I can’t seem to get started. I don’t have time! I make too many mistakes!” These are the most common complaints offered by adults who are expected to complete some degree of writing as part of their workload. However, I believe that these writers-in-waiting are not truly motivated to write.

 

Over the years, I have taught grammar, punctuation and business writing basics to high school and adult learners. Motivators for writing are being passionate about your topic (or at least feeling that the process is worthwhile); having knowledge, experience or interest in the area about which you’re writing (or willing to learn); and wanting to share a slice of what you know with others.

 

Imagine this setting: Business Writing 101, held each Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for eight weeks. Twenty-five clerical employees of a Twin Cities’ for-profit company attended faithfully each week. I always ended my classes by asking the attendees if they had experienced any changes in their writing since the previous class. One person said: “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m taking this class because I have to improve my writing to get promoted. I’m a single mom, and every dollar counts. Now that’s not exactly a change in my writing, but, hopefully, it will lead to a change in my writing.” Suddenly, there was passion and commitment!

 

Long story, short: Step out of the shadows of your writing excuses, keep your face to the sun, and never look back.

 

www.MakingWordsWork.biz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Branding!

On September 21, 2007, I attended a “behind-the-scenes” live production of tpt’s Almanac (www.tpt.org), with Cathy Wurzer and Eric Eskola. Veteran hosts with nearly 20 years of combined experience, their energy, knowledge and authenticity continued to impress me throughout the show. Cathy showed true awe of Harriet, an “ambassador” bald eagle who was visiting from the newly-completed, 4.5 million dollar National Eagle Center (www.NationalEagleCenter.org) in Wabasha, MN. Just moments before the spot went “live,” Harriet flapped her tremendous wings (Benny and Baxter hid behind me) to indicate her slight agitation while her escort, Mary Beth Gerrigan, talked calmly to her. And then the spot aired without a hitch!

Although the script for the hosts was pre-written by Almanac’s producers, there was room for the hosts’ personalities to shine through. This is a component of “relaxed” or personable writing, as well. Anytime you are writing in an informal style that can accommodate opinions, like a newsletter column or a blog, it is important to show your personality. Your audience will recognize your style immediately and begin to trust what you say. Besides, not only can you say what is on your mind, but you also re-enforce your brand. Not a bad “two-fer.”

OK, guys, you can come out now!

Long story, short: Authentic writing counts!

 

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