The Articulate CEO

Show 19: Podcast - Why It's Important to Get Your Story Straight!

Word of mouth – the most cost effective and powerful form of marketing but is it achieving its potential?

In this episode we discuss the value of storytelling to get your message out via word of mouth. But don't rely on others' interpretations of what they think your business' story is.

To get the best results from storytelling it is vital to firstly figure out what your story is and what you want people to be saying about your business. And then you need to tell it in a way that people can easily remember and share.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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Show 18: Podcast - All The Great Communicators Are Dead

In this episode we discuss why there is no such thing as great communicators, only great moments of communication. Labelling someone as a great communicator only sets them up to fail...perhaps this is why, when you do think of great communicators, they're all people who have passed. They're no longer around to make mistakes and we're actually remembering them for their moments of great communication.

We also examine the elements that make up effective communication: keep it simple, be concrete in your examples (you need to be able to visualise it), be relevant, demonstrate authority and credibility, be emotional and unexpected, and tell a good story.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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2) Subscribe via iTunes

Show 17: Podcast - Busting Myths About Corporate Training

In this episode we continue to discuss myths about corporate learning and training, and why many of the theories and methodologies used widely today are rubbish.

Many communication training tools and methods are based on theories with no scientific proof or empirical testing. This includes Nureo Linguisitc Programming (NLP), which we've looked at in the past, 'brain gym', and Maslow's Hierarchy, to name a few offenders.

I'm not saying these are bad; if it works for you then great and good luck. But bear in mind the lack of proof for these theories that are just that: theories.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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2) Subscribe via iTunes

Show 16 - Podcast: Corporate Learning and Training Programs - What Actually Works?

In this episode we question the value proposition of corporate learning and training programs; heavy investment in search of quantifiable benefits.

Most training that companies undertake doesn't work because it ignores everything we know about learning. More effective training would be in an environment similar to where skills will be applied. This is why on-the-job training works.

There is a lot to be said for apprenticeships as effective models for training: in-situ with a coach and/or mentor, backed by some theoretical work.

Nothing works better than true learning in the workplace - nothing works better than drilling down to the core message of what's important and get rid of the stuff that doesn't really matter.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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2) Subscribe via iTunes

Show 14: Podcast - Speaking Doesn’t Mean You’re Communicating Effectively

Awareness of words - what they can/can't mean, context, and the baggage some words bring with them - will influence whether or not you communicate effectively.

In this episode we re-visit the three channels of communication - factual, emotional, symbolic - and what they mean for getting your message across so that people listen, care and care enough to take action. We also discuss language of specific workplaces where jargon and gobbledygook is used so often that staff don't even realise it's being used.

The solution: stop talking crap!

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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Show 12 - Podcast: Effective Verbal Sales Communication

Sales skills are a specialised subset of communication. In this episode we discuss different sales techniques employed, such as using curiosity and creating an information gap, and why presenting 'best, better, good' is a preferable pitch to 'good, better, best'. 

 

 

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

1) Click here to listen now

2) Subscribe via iTunes

Show 11 - Podcast: The Individual Voice

In this episode we discuss the value of your individual voice in communication, whether it be written or spoken.

So much corporate communication from CEOs and business leaders has become homogenised; it could have been written by anyone (it probably has) and when you are constantly getting the same spiel over and over you start discounting what's being said.

We also look at what being 'on message' is really about and how to be an effective communicator. There is nothing worse than business leaders sounding alike, saying the same things and using the same nuances and turns of phrase.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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2) Subscribe via iTunes

Show 10 - Podcast: How to Bring Your Slogan to Life

In this episode we discuss the role of slogans in the way a business communicates - why we need them, what makes an effective slogan and how to bring them to life.

Slogans are effective as rallying points, something to remind your staff what your company or organisation is about. A good slogan reflects the culture and values of your company and guide choices and decisions made within the organisation.

If a slogan is based on calls to action or short-term goals it will likely fail long-term because it focuses on direct outcomes.

Slogans are given life by living up to them – and your staff need to support it and be given the tools to also live up to the guiding message.

In this podcast we will look at three things to bring life to a slogan and why they’re about culture and what you and your company stands for. The aim is for all people in your organisation to have the mindset “I can live the slogan because I can control my actions to achieve”.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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The Nike is a good an example of an effective slogan

Special Episode: Podcast - Federal Election Review (Gillard Vs Abbott: who is the better communicator and why?)

Special Episode

In the wash-up of last Saturday’s Federal election and the resulting hung Parliament, we dissect the performance of both leaders pre and post election - Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Liberal Party's Tony Abbott.

How could Julia Gillard do better in a communications sense? (She needs to lighten up and "remove the polish").

Tony Abbott – what should he now do to improve his performance? (He needs to "tighten up"and be more considered).

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

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2) Subscribe via iTunes

Show 9: Podcast - 'Why PowerPoint Kills Your Presentation'

Series 1. Episode 9.

Many people use PowerPoint or Keynote in presentations because they think it makes it easier for the audience to retain information. But it does the opposite. Visuals incorrectly or inappropriately used results in a phenomenon known as cognitive overload and the message is lost.

In this episode we discuss the use of visual aids and why they can make you an ineffective verbal communicator. And we'll also explore the few ways where they may compliment your verbal presentation.

Remember, you are the focal point. Your audience is there to listen to you, not to read the PowerPoint.

If you have any feedback, questions or topics you would like me to cover please email me at [email protected].

To listen to The Articulate CEO podcast:

1) Click here to listen now

2) Subscribe via iTunes