Language is flooded with words that reflect lifestyles, cultural groups dialects, professional practices or occupations, and those that we just plain make up. Jargon is great, if you’re talking with individuals familiar with the business, topic or area. If you’re communicating to a broader diverse audience, using jargon can lead to confusion. Merriam-Webster defines jargonContinue reading “Let’s talk jargon”
Author Archives: Haynes on Communication
Why blog?
I haven’t always been a blogger. In fact, I’ve only really been blogging for a couple years now. I started my blogging as a project for my Toastmasters Club. The project asked me to research blog sites, plan what I would blog about, how frequently and then write eight posts. Writing eight blogs may seemContinue reading “Why blog?”
Is writing a dying art?
In the 80s, Apple introduced the Macintosh computer and from then on laptops and tablets flourished. It seems one advancement in technology sparks another and then another and then another… Today, we have so many writing options that my hands cramp when I try to handwrite even the shortest note! Artificial intelligence — a hotContinue reading “Is writing a dying art?”
For the love of words
Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use when you’re explaining a concept or providing direction? We tend to throw in [a lot of] extra words. That might make your communication more conversational, or maybe not. In reality, when we add extra words, we create more work for the reader. There’s moreContinue reading “For the love of words”
Be creative, write a brief!
Once you’ve defined your brand, it’s time to talk about it. A marketing expert can help you uncover the opportunities to reach more customers and grow your business. After carefully planning out your brand, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to write a sound creative brief. What’s a creative brief, you ask?Continue reading “Be creative, write a brief!”
Build it and they’ll come
You want to build a brand that will be memorable and at the same time, reflect your values and personality. After all, this is the brand that’s going to stand out in the minds of consumers and help you achieve your business goals. Right? These brand-building foundational questions will hopefully get you thinking and startedContinue reading “Build it and they’ll come”
Your brand inside and out
You’ve put a lot of thought and planning into your brand. You’ve decided on the brand’s characteristics and the tone and feel you want to project. You’ve got a brand promise you feel good about and, in the process, you’ve nailed your key messages. Everything is coming together nicely. A well-thought-out visual identity, complete withContinue reading “Your brand inside and out”
How forgiving are you?
Creating a positive brand experience is key to building a successful brand. Bad brand experiences are not. I would normally focus my blogs on the positive, but since I’ve run into a streak of less than positive experiences, I’ve decided on a little healthy vent. Here I go! Incorrect phone numbersNot long ago, I wasContinue reading “How forgiving are you?”
Brand is not a one and done
A brand is a perception in the minds of consumers. You’ve heard me say that before. It’s what consumers think and feel about your brand, whether you like it or not. Every experience someone has with your brand is an opportunity for you to create positive perceptions. This could come from how they judge theContinue reading “Brand is not a one and done”
Reflecting on contest day
Delivering an effective speech means grabbing your audience’s attention, engaging them in what you have to say and delivering a message that’s relatable. Last weekend I had the pleasure of participating in a speech contest. Contestants delivered a five to seven minute speech on an original topic of their choice. But, the real pleasure wasContinue reading “Reflecting on contest day”
Writing for you. 