The comms blog

Raisin shout? The song lyric that never was

My 7-year-old daughter has been a member of her school choir for almost 2 years. Every Thursday lunchtime, she rushes through her lasagne in the lunch hall, has a quick dash round the playground and then trots along to the music classroom. There she giggles with her friends and belts out a few tunes (all … Read more

I have a proposal for you

Today I have been writing a proposal document for a potential new project. I know of many freelancers and people running their own companies who don’t enjoy this part of being independent, but I quite enjoy it. Maybe I would feel different if I had to complete a formal, structured tender process. Or if I … Read more

Communication is the root of all evil, right?

And it’s always someone over there who isn’t communicating with me. You didn’t tell me that, you’re telling me too much, I’m overwhelmed. You can’t win! But, actually, you can…. If your internal communication is based on an understanding of the employee voice, knowing how they think and feel about different topics, and engaging in … Read more

How can I help you with your communications?

To start the new year, I am launching a clearer articulation of my work. The things that I do for my clients and the difference I make to their organisations. The things that I could do for you if you’d like me to. My clients are busy people, with lots to do and lots to … Read more

On bagels and feedback…

Whilst preparing my breakfast bagel this morning (served lightly toasted with honey, if you’re interested) I noticed this message on the wrapper. This brilliant example of demonstrating how the company have listened to – and acted upon – customer feedback, immediately struck me as being worthy of writing about here. Gathering feedback is an important … Read more

4 communication lessons for 4 decades

Yesterday was a big day for me – my 40th birthday! To celebrate the occasion, I have decided to write today about 4 communication lessons I have learnt during my 4 decades. (Don’t worry, I’ve also eaten cake, drunk champagne and spent lots of time with my lovely family and friends to celebrate – it’s … Read more

Browning York Ltd is open for business

[getty src=”185233364?et=oUbK_02DSexPH687ST2izw&sig=llYApuUbbXiR2pKy8H9rQnhIDl0c0omrGkqJ5FX6KCA=” width=”463″ height=”370″]After a fabulous summer recharging my batteries, I’m now back in the office and raring to go. Lots of new thoughts, ideas and plans are flying around my head, ready to be honed, perfected and released. These are exciting times! The first thing on the list is to continue my work helping … Read more

4 communication lessons from the Football World Cup

World Cup fever has well and truly set in at my house. The sticker book is almost complete, the wall chart is up and the relevant match times have been written on the calendar. There is much excitement and anticipation as we await kick-off of the first game. As usual, my thoughts are turning to … Read more

Nuts and bolts of effective communication

A few months ago I was asked by the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) to write a piece for a new series they were developing of practical guides for communicators. As regular readers of this blog will know, I have a passionate belief in the power of effective planning when it comes to communicating well … Read more

Communicating in a crisis

“I wish they’d communicate directly with us and tell us what they’re doing,” said the volunteer in her high-vis jacket, desperately trying to co-ordinate the efforts to help the wretched residents of her village as they were flooded out of their homes. The ‘they’ in question were the Government and she was talking to the … Read more