The following is a recap from WWPR’s Executive Communicators Brown Bag held Thursday, June 16.
What’s your communication style? Perhaps you like the bottom line, or love to get lost in facts and figures. Maybe you’re a storyteller, or you believe compassion is the way to go. Whatever your preferred style, you can use it to your advantage, in both your professional and personal relationships.
Carol Vernon, Certified Executive Coach and Managing Principal of Communication Matters, described how to define and leverage communication styles to approximately 50 professional communicators who gathered at the historic Whittemore House on June 16.
According to Vernon, nonverbal cues account for 55 percent of your first impression. Your actual words only account for 7 pe
Pictured above: Kim Ash, 2011 WWPR Executive Communicators Chair; Carol Vernon, Certified Executive Coach and Managing Principal of Communication Matters; and Kendra Kojcsich, 2011 WWPR President
rcent, with 38 percent relying on your voice.
Vernon designates four different styles of communicating, but stresses that no single category denotes higher effectiveness or success.
1 ) Direct – decisive, pragmatic and quick. Tends to speak formally, with direct eye contact and a firm handshake. Focus is on WHAT needs to be done. 2 ) Systematic – analytical and logical. Prefers details like charts and graphs, and looks at processes. Focus is on HOW to get the job done. 3 ) Spirited – big picture storyteller. Excited about ideas and innovation. Very expressive and persuasive. Focus is on WHY the project is necessary. 4 ) Considerate – supportive listener. Values relationships and is more comfortable with workplace closeness. Focus is on WHO is involved.
Almost half of those in attendance self-identified as Direct Communicators. Famous people who appear to have these characteristics include Hilary Clinton and Suze Orman. The best way to communicate with the direct group? Get to the point and answer the question asked.
Only 2 attendees put themselves in the Systematic category. Alan Greenspan personifies this category. To communicate with these people, provide a lot of facts and figures.
Spirited Communicators made up about 25 percent of those gathered. Often misunderstood because of their exuberance and storytelling abilities, the best way to relate to this group is to respect and recognize their accomplishments.
About 25 percent self-identified as Considerate Communicators. Charlie Rose and Diane Sawyer personify this category. To communicate with the considerate group, focus, listen and validate their ideas.
Vernon underscores that these styles are preferences and can be changed. Often, to get along in the workplace, people blend their style with another, or even flex their style completely, perhaps to get along with a boss of a different type. Understanding your own communication style as well as other people’s can help in many situations, particularly those high-stakes conversations and interactions.
Theresa Henige Oland, WWPR Member and Tech-Savvy Public Affairs Consultant, is on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Recently Entrepreneur Magazine hosted Guy Kawasaki‘s talk “Enchant and Engage More Customers with Social Media” just outside of DC. The session was based on Guy’s current book, Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions. The event wasn’t your typical social media conference, and it highlighted one core truth – no matter the tools or message, the act of PR is enchantment.
This idea was solidified when post-event I started reading Guy’s book and saw that the first few chapters reinforced that enchantment is present whenever people are trying to make the world a better place. Making the world a better place is why we work with mission-driven clients at CFox Communications. We tell our client stories as our small part in making the world a better place, and we can tell more stories the more enchanting we are.
Below are a few enchanting tips from Guy’s presentation. You can buy his book here, and check out the TwitterChat from the session using the hashtag #smallbizworkshop. Agree or disagree with these tips? Leave a comment below or tweet me (@TMStrategy) or Guy (@guykawasaki).
1) Be Perfect – be deep, intellectual, complete, empowering, and elegant. 2) Messaging – always make your messaging short, sweet, and swallowable. 3) Mission – think mantra not traditional mission statement for your business and your personal brand. 4) Prepare – don’t wait for an issue to arise, conduct a pre-mortem. Pretend you fail and figure out what you can fix before you actually fail. 5) Audience – enchant all influencers. Don’t assume who is the decision maker, interest and engage all members of your audience. 6) Proof – provide social proof of your messaging. Example is the white earbuds of Apple products – they grew in popularity because seeing more white earbuds made you think more people thought Apple was best. 7) Case Studies – Guy said best enchantment case study is the movie Never Say Never and companies to study using premiere PR and social media campaigns are Virgin America, Ford, and Comcast. The event sponsor, Hiscox, also unveiled their new video campaign called Leap Year (leapyear.tv) which is an online TV show which never mentions their brand – something to keep an eye on for sure. 8) Grateful Dead – not my cup of tea musically but loved hearing how they enchanted and evangelized their concert goers. They would set up taping stations at all concerts so that fans could take their favorite songs home and share with others. 9) Social Media – sure, Guy gave some tips like using Holy Kaw and Posterous as far as social media tools, but his most important tip was to think like a “baker not an eater” when it comes to social media. Bakers look at what they can create for others and eaters look at what is immediately available to them. 10) Main Takeaway – have the likeability of Richard Branson, the trustworthiness of Zappos, and the quality of Apple.
I’ll leave you with a quote from Guy that can apply personally, in planning social media tactics, and for overall brand strategy:
“I don’t do anything by accident – I am always thinking….”
This past week, WWPR hosted a networking event, the Summer Social, at Local 16.The balcony was full with many opportunities to meet and reconnect with other local communications professionals. I left with a ton of business cards, and this got me thinking, cards are great, but if you don’t take that connection a step further, does it really mean anything? How can you use these types of events to truly grow your network and build relationships that go beyond a brief introduction?
Stephanie Block, Kendra Kojcsich, Allison Vennerberg and Rachel Krasnow
Jot down notes on the card about the person you just met
Maintain contact
I am usually very good about carrying my business cards, and I’m amazed when I meet new people who are attending a networking event without their cards. At the Summer Social, I overheard WWPR board member Margie Newman suggesting to an attendee to create personal cards for the sole purpose of networking. Tip: include your social media connections on your cards.
I made a concerted effort to follow-up with my new contacts. I am primarily using LinkedIn, because it allows me to stay connected even if my new contact or I change positions. When I send the invite to connect, I always let my contact know how we met. I like that I will see my new connection’s updates on LinkedIn, so we will have more to talk about when we meet again.
PRSA-NCC’s PRONet Committee recently sponsored a Face to Face Meets Digital networking event. Stephanie Bostaph’s recap of the event includes tips from WWPR members Debra Silimeo, Margie Newman and Heather Huhman on breaking the ice with a good elevator speech and leaving the gadgets in your pocket or bag.
Hager Sharp posted another recap of the PRSA-NCC event on their blog.
How do you make the most of people you meet at networking events? Do you have any advice for the WWPR Blog readers?
Calling all young PR and Communications rock stars! WWPR is accepting nominations for the Emerging Leaders Awards!
This award honors three outstanding young women (ages 21- 35) in the Washington, D.C. area who have excelled in public relations and related fields. Nominate a young leader (or yourself) by downloading the 2011 ELA application and email the completed form to ela@wwpr.org. Honorees will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, July 26 at the Darlington House (1610 20th St., NW).
We look forward to seeing everyone on July 26 as we celebrate the best and brightest young communication professionals!
Have you checked-out the WWPR Blog recently? You will find recaps of the monthly professional development seminars, news of upcoming events, and communications insights.
Make sure to read social media swarmi, Shashi Bellamkonda’s recent guest post!
First row: Doug Broujos, CEO, Blue Sky Factory; Jason Nelson, Group Publisher, FierceMarkets, Inc.; Kenan Pollack, Lead Consultant, Strategic Services, Convio; Tommi Marsans, Senior Director, Email Marketing and Customer Communications, Sallie Mae. Second row: Moderator: Andrew Barrett, Senior Director, ISP Relations & Deliverability, Real Magnet Photo Credit: Lisa Newman
Here are a number of great ways to get involved with the premier organization for women in communications in Washington D.C.
Join a WWPR committee today and make the most out of your membership. For more information visit our committees page.
Love media relations and want to do some pitching for an upcoming Thrive DC event? For more information, please email probono@wwpr.org.
We love our partners and sponsors! If you’re interested in learning more about the great benefits from partnering with WWPR, please visit our Partners page.
Interested in writing for the WWPR Blog? Members can send submissions to debbie@wwpr.org.
Attend the next Woman of the Year Committee meeting. For more information, please email woy@wwpr.org.
Communications was always a field Elisse LaMay knew she wanted to pursue. “My family will tell you I’ve had a big mouth all of my life and always wanted to get an opinion or idea out into the world,” said Elisse.
Elisse LaMay, WWPR Professional Development Co-Chair
One of her first work experiences was at the Hay-Adams Hotel, which allowed her to try her hand at PR and event planning. Elisse took part in turning the property back to its original 1920s ambiance and helped the hotel celebrate its 75th anniversary. “One of my favorite parts was getting to do research on the font style, colors and important events of the time. I found the power of both written and nonverbal communication elements fascinating,”said Elisse.
Currently, Elisse serves as the Manager of Colleges, Seminars and Teleseminars for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Her department is responsible for the development and promotion of more than 30 legal education programs annually. These education programs focus on groundbreaking litigation techniques and are developed in collaboration with leading plaintiff attorneys from around the country, with the goal of educating thousands of trial lawyers and promoting the civil justice system. Her favorite part about her job is working with members and having the opportunity to see the real world impact of the organization.
In her free time, Elisse enjoys reading a good book and decorating her brand new condo which she shares with her husband and 1-year old tabby cat.
The Art of Storytelling Recap By Stacey Price, Professional Development Co-Chair
Donna Savarese moderated the March Professional Development Brown Bag, “The Art of Storytelling: Selling your Company, Your Product, and Yourself through Stories,” and set the tone for the luncheon with the question “What is a story, and how can it be used everyday?” Before letting the panel answer the question, she introduced the three building blocks of storytelling: challenge, struggle and resolution. “If the lion doesn’t tell his story, the hunter will,” explained Savarese. The panel used this to segue into the importance of using storytelling to support organizational messaging. Read the full post on the WWPR blog.
Having Women in the Boardroom Means More Revenue: Women in the Boardroom Recap By Kim Ash, Executive Communicators Chair
On April 4, 2011, Women in the Boardroom held their second annual Washington, D.C. meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda. For a second year, WWPR was one of the proud co-sponsors of the event, and was represented by several of its members.
After a welcoming speech from Sheila Ronning, CEO and President of Sharp UpSwing, Kelly Nakamoto, Partner at PwC, introduced the panel and acted as facilitator. The panelists were Ginna Gemmell, President and Founder of GlidePath, Inc., Dr. Ellen H. Yankellow, PharMD, President and CEO of Correct RX Pharmacy Services, Inc., Edie Fraser, Senior Consultant of Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson, and Bonnie Phipps, President and CEO of St. Agnes Hospital.
The 160 attendees heard how it is now statistically proven that organizations that have female board members earn more revenue than those organizations that do not, and while some positive change has occurred, work still needs to be done to increase the percentage of women and minorities in the board room. Serving on a board may be the most rewarding part of their careers, attendees were told, and they were also advised of the rewards and risks of serving, as well as the importance of pursuing seats only with those organizations they strongly care about.
The panelists emphasized that having operational experience, strong financial skills, and a complete understanding of the time commitment, are essential to becoming a member of any board, be it publicly-traded, private, advisory, or non-profit. Mentoring and sponsoring women really make a difference, panelists said, in assuring that search committees are looking beyond male CFOs for their board slate. For more information about Women in the Boardroom and their events, visit www.womenintheboardroom.com.
************************************************** To read more event recaps, visit the WWPR blog and also make sure to check out past event photos on our Flickr page.
April New Members – Katie Lipton – Beth Casteel – Tracey Young – Julia Halloran – Sue Zoldak – Alicia Norton – Nathan Mishler – Judith Harley – Kerry Lynn Bohen – Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow – Sharon Kozeka
May New Members – Natalia Martinez – Catherine Sexton – Sara Fortner – Ivy Pendleton – Patti Yu – Sarah Howell – Preeti Wali
Renewals – Sherri Core – Laura Cilmi – Tina McCormack Beaty – Racine Tucker-Hamilton – Kendra Kojcsich – Deborah Brody
Membership has its benefits! Members do not pay for most WWPR monthly professional development brown bag lunches. To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org.
Job Board: DC Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
A reminder that you can now upload your organization’s job announcements to our Jobs section which offers WWPR members and website visitors a central location to see who’s hiring in PR, communications and related disciplines in the D.C. metro area.
If you have an open position that you’d like to post on the WWPR Job Board, please visit www.wwpr.org/jobs today and click on the “Post a Job” button. It’s easy to use this free service, which will connect you with many outstanding communications professionals in our area!
Please contact web@wwpr.org with questions or feedback on this new feature.
“A crisis is an opportunity for contact with people. And social media is the ideal space for that contact,” explained Greg Kilhorn of Carousel30 at the WWPR event “Social Media and Crisis Communications.”
In an era where negative headlines hit the press at a faster rate than ever, the lunchtime panel discussed best practices for using social media during communications crises. Meeting on May 26 at Hager Sharp, the panel included:
Moderator: Rachel Henderson, Account Director, Public Affairs Group, Ogilvy PR
Social Media & Crisis Response
The panel agreed that social media can be a particularly useful tool during crisis scenarios, since it naturally allows for direct engagement with the customer. Hellerman emphasized that communications professionals should embrace tense discussions on social media during crisis situations. Ironically, playing host to such discussion allows the brand or company to retain a measure of control. Instead of conversations happening far away from the company’s watch, social media allows the brand to respond to criticisms directly, and set the record straight right there on the same page.
Lance Armstrong & Steroids
Henderson asked the panel how they would advice celebrity biker Lance Armstrong to use social media to address the allegations of steroid use. McAlpin applauded Armstrong for coming out and addressing the issue head on in a recent Tweet. She summed this advice up as: “Peel off the Band-Aid, deal with the pain, and then rebuild.”
Lemieux warned the room to pay close attention to the “voice” of their clients. She noted that while Armstrong generally Tweets in a very personal tone, his messages regarding the steroid accusations have had a far more “corporate” feel. An abrupt change in tone can raise suspicions about how authentic such messages are. She also encouraged the audience to consider the “good” side that can sometimes result from communications crises—since they can provide an opportunity or a company or brand to correct a wrong, or set the record straight.
Crises & Bloggers
The panel ended by discussing best practices for dealing with bloggers. The benefit of dealing with this community is that each individual speaks with their own distinct voice. This can be a double edged sword, since being attacked by a blogger can erode trust amongst the community that follows them. Yet this also offers a unique opportunity for communications professionals. By demonstrating to a blogger how your company has done the right thing in response to a crisis, you have the chance to shine a positive light on the situation, and turn the story around.
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