Keep it Simple

Less is generally more. This is my guiding principle when it comes to communication. Express your thoughts in the most simple, straight forward way. Yet, communicating simply is one of the most universally difficult tasks. No doubt, you have encountered something like this:

“Rudolph made a major contribution to Santa’s success by leading multi-unit marketing initiatives developed through detailed interpretation and tracking of innovative, little people interfaces.”

”Why not say, “Rudolph delivered.”

Granted, both statements are generalities. Write with substance, even if it takes a little more effort. Readers will thank you.

“Rudolph contributed to Santa’s success by delivering just the right present to each child.”

Long story, short: Less IS more.

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Go Ahead, Reminisce

For the holidays this year, I was determined to remain unruffled. Thanksgiving came about as early as was possible, and I was responsible for only mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. That was pretty easy!

 

Using the last week in November to marshal my ingenuity and perseverance to decide on the season’s gifts, I still felt that time was on my side. One quick e-trip through the events calendar of the Twin Cities, and I found the perfect experience: Black Nativity. Of course, Benny and Baxter wanted to attend. I could imagine them swinging to the gospel music and dance, definitely ruffling a few feathers. No monkey business this time, so they settled for hearing about Holidays Past.

When my now adult children were in their teens, I always found a cultural performance for us to participate in as a family. Usually, it was one-way reception: a play at the Guthrie, Lorie Line, a ballet, an orchestra concert or choral production. We always had a fabulous time. So in that tradition, the Black Nativity was no exception.

Continuing with Holidays Past, I began to remember some of my holiday strategies, like engaging the family in more “giving” experiences. One year we sang Christmas carols in a nursing home. Another year we put on a Christmas play, using Santa Bears. Many years, we cut our Christmas tree, decorating it with popcorn and cranberry chains. The Christmas of 1999 found family and friends visiting stations throughout our home to cut out paper snowflakes, decorate cookies, put a puzzle together, and create messages and special packages for our 2000, turn-of-the-century cylinder. I think I will resurrect that cylinder and lovingly recount its contents with everyone during December, 2009.

But, I digress. Yet, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Taking some time to reminisce, tell favorite stories, and relax in the peace of family and friends. Yes, I have enough time to do what is needed, and I remain unfuffled, er, unruffled.

Long story, short: Focus on what is really important this season, and keep it in your heart year ‘round.

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A Life-Changing Formula

I volunteered to present a short message on “Peace” for an upcoming Sunday Service. To some people, this topic is not a “showstopper”; certainly we will hear about it throughout the holiday season. That’s my challenge: How can I present “Peace” in a new way, as a compelling, memorable message?

I always like to “google” topics to see what information, perspectives and practical demonstrations are available. Of course, Wikipedia leads the search with definitions. Continuing to peruse the Google list, I found a site offering an International Creed for Peace (www.internationalcreedforpeace.co.uk ). The Creed has two parts. The first part asserts independence: I am independent. I am free. I am just. The second part asks for an action in response to that independence: I have a duty to choose my beliefs. I have a duty to be alive. I have a duty to respect others.

These parts of the Creed begin as individual thoughts that become actions. What we think and believe, we then become. Part of our duty in respecting others is to do what we can to create peace for them. This may take the conventional form of sharing food and clothing or contributing to a cause. We could get more creative: holding their hands, smiling, listening, telling stories or spending time in conversation. In doing so, we open ourselves, inviting laughter, joy, warm and fuzzy feelings and genuine goodwill. By creating peace each day for someone else, our own peace will grow exponentially.

Long story, short: How will you help someone to experience peace today?

 

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Appeal to Both Head and Heart

Over the weekend, my family and I attended Black Nativity (www.penumbratheatre.org), a performance of the interpretation through song and dance of the events leading to and surrounding Jesus’ birth. The energy, brilliant voices, passion and choreography unleashed were mesmerizing. I could hardly keep from joining the cast in movement and melody. This experience I felt deep in my bones.

That all of my senses were touched impacted me. I couldn’t wait to hear the next professional voice, see the facial expressions, and witness how the events of the Christ Child’s birth interfaced with the family’s celebration.

The setting and mood were created with the traditional holiday backdrop and symbols, yet the series of interpretive and seemingly spontaneous actions and reactions made the production memorable.

Long story, short: Memorable communication is a product of talent and passion, appealing to both the head and the heart.

 

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I Just Can’t Write!

People ask me what to do when they are having difficulty producing basic communication. Often writers can’t get past perfectionism, the need to be right, or the feeling that they should write a book on the topic. My advice: Stop worrying and get started. Turn your attention to the topic, rather than focusing on yourself. Remember that someone had confidence in your communication skills or you wouldn’t have been asked to handle the project. Keep the writing monkeys, Benny and Baxter, off your back. They’re adorable, yet if given a chance, they will try to confuse you. So, focus on simplicity. Stop worrying about politically correct wording, fearing others might not agree, or trying to sound knowledgeable, based on limited knowledge.

First, knowing the goal of the communication (stating it up-front) and for whom it is intended is essential. Then it is best to plan an approach to your topic—how you can relay only the information needed, succinctly. If this approach requires additional research, just do it; certainly, check your dates and facts for accuracy. Next, think in “three’s” for the major points. Depending on the style of the communication, you might be able to throw in a personal story. Make sure to end with a “call-to-action,” so that the audience knows what is expected. That’s it.

Now it’s your turn to write.

Long story, short: Give your readers/listeners exactly what they need to act.

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Spread the Word

Personal notes for all occasions are always tasteful and elegant. When saved, these notes evoke memories year after year. During my growing up years, I, as well as many of you, learned to write a thank-you note after receiving a present. That was a good start. Now I’ve expanded my repertoire of note writing to occasions beyond birthday or holiday times. I let others know that I appreciate their efforts, recognize their talents or care about them in specific ways. A simple, yet authentic, note in your handwriting creates more good will, interest, smiles and memories than you know.

Personal notes are as unique as the people who send them. Some elementary children sent thank-you letters to a western Minnesota ecology center for the wonderful bus field adventure they experienced (www.ecologybus.org). Some of these notes went on to be used as part of a clever fundraising venture.

I often smile at the notes written by young children who can barely print their names: they’re learning the fine art of expression that will forever serve them. My eighty-something mother, who lives in Florida, still writes notes of enjoyment: most recently, about two boxes of Honey Crisp apples. It is the simple things that make a difference.

I also hear from businesses, adult students who have attended my seminars, and friends. I have created a “Feel Good” folder where I keep those notes. It’s never too late to start a collection. Then, should you have a “down day,” refer to the folder and you will experience instant waves of joy and happiness.

Long story, short: Set a goal to write one personal note each week.

 

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I’m Back

When establishing a business presence, it is so important to remember the word “consistency.” (I should be so bold as to imagine that some of you actually might have missed seeing my blog for the past two weeks?!) I offer no other reason for my absence than being over-extended in too many areas. So, rest assured. I’m back!

Some things in life are dynamic, and I expect change in these situations: physical growth, challenges, and adventures. In other areas of my life, I appreciate the static things—things that are consistent: high business standards, work ethic, friendships, curiosity. My life is most enriched by experiencing both.

Communication is much the same. Static rules (and even those change; for example, the comma omitted or included in a series before the final “and”) and the dynamic creativity of sentence syntax dance together. And when this happens, people notice. As long as words have meaning (dynamic) and complement (static) one another, there will be a degree of consistency.

Long story, short: Strive to balance the dynamic and static elements of writing.

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How Memorable is Your Business?

How do you add value to what you do? With many qualifications being similar, what makes you or your business “stand out”? Most marketers would refer to this factor as your USP—unique selling principle. I think of it as a “bonus.” This is something you wouldn’t have to do or have to offer, but you do because this bonus, although a small item or service, is quite memorable.

Recently, I’ve witnessed the bonus in my travels. As a final step, some boutiques will place an otherwise ordinary item in a delightful bag with colorful tissue and ribbons, making me feel festive. Another time when I’ve asked about the spiciness of a deli food item, my question has been received with a smile and a substantial taste. I feel as if the vendor is working with me, helping me to make a decision. Can’t forget about my CPA. He sends a template to help me organize my tax information–a great way for people like me who really would prefer that others take care of the “numbers.”

My bonus? I offer a free, monthly Writing Roundtable to help business people understand more about timely communications topics and to provide a natural setting for meeting people and networking.

First offer integrity in your business and then do something memorable. It will make you feel good.

Long story, short: Everyone wins!

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As the Holidays Approach, Try Not to Eat Words!

Ah, yes, proofreading. This is a critical part of communications. I wrote the birthday announcement, reread it, ran Spell Check and proceeded to email my family and friends. All the while, I felt thuds as Benny and Baxter jumped from the writing table, to the filing cabinet, to the comfy chair, and back again. Those silly writing monkeys!

An hour later, I found the announcement among the other unopened email, since I usually include myself as a recipient. I opened the email, imagining that I knew nothing about its content.

This is perfect, I thought. The information line indicated a fun story! I lovingly read over the wording, and felt pride of ownership. Suddenly my eyes narrowed at the email address: Oh, no, an errant “w.” Where did that come from? I sighed heavily, feeling a pit in my stomach.

Now I could hope that family and friends would overlook the error and, because many of them already knew the correct email address, just use it. Or, wait to be notified and then feign disbelief that such an error could have happened. Or, I could pull myself together and simply send the dreaded “Oops!” message, correcting the problem.

Understanding ego, which invariably raises its head at just these moments, I felt as if I should have been flogged with a “wet” noodle. I could have read the announcement backwards, most likely catching the error. I didn’t. Focusing on my humanness, I decided to find a different perspective, and write a blog entry. Maybe someone else would not feel alone with this same problem.

Between the “Oops” message and the blog entry, I’m feeling slightly redeemed. Certainly, the heart of the announcement will find its way to fulfillment, and the birthday will be memorable. Yet, I continue to eat that little “w.”

Long story, short: Writers are always at risk.

 

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Choose Carefully!

Positive language, an upbeat tone and personal energy should always be part of a communicator’s toolbox. Often it seems easy to write or speak the negativity that surrounds us—certainly people are used to hearing about, reading or participating in the “downers” of society. News stories, radio programs, day-to-day conversations or gossip are proof. However, choosing to focus on positive words enhances reputation.

Even in a “bad news” letter, one can move the recipient to neutral by ending the letter with what the company can do for the individual. A sales associate may want to tell a customer, “That’s not my job”; however, a simple “I’ll find someone else who can assist you” would be so much more effective.During contract negotiations, when a client has a limited budget, it is always advantageous to say what can be done within that dollar amount, and work from there. There are words and then there are words. Either way, word choice makes a person memorable.

Long story, short: Create a positive encounter.

 

 

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