I’ve been focused a lot lately on writing in plain language. Writing with clear and simple words makes your message easier to digest and understand. Think of how much easier instructions would be if they were written without technical jargon, big words and acronyms (words made up using the first letter of each word). SimpleContinue reading “Finding the right words”
Author Archives: Haynes on Communication
This is how we do it
A lot of work goes into starting a business. There’s planning and projecting. Managing and marketing. You’ve identified your brand personality and decided how you want your customers to feel when they interact with you. Now that you’ve defined the business you’re in, how will you make sure you’re delivering a consistent experience? Whatever yourContinue reading “This is how we do it”
Hello, how are you?
With the snow melted and warmer weather on its way, I find my mind thinking about travel and reconnecting with family. Winter tends to find people staying in their homes. Icy roads and snow make travel difficult and the cold can make venturing out undesirable. But if I look back, there were lots of opportunitiesContinue reading “Hello, how are you?”
Feeling contracted?
All I can say about contractions is… If your communication is less formal, consider using contractions to ease the flow of your copy. Unless you really want to emphasize a point — do not touch that — a contraction is the way to go. A contraction is two words pulled together to make one. MostContinue reading “Feeling contracted?”
A great branding story
Driving home from shopping today, I heard this great branding story on CBC Radio. I wanted to share with you. Best Buy was originally called The Sound of Music. It was the actions they took in 1981 after a tornado struck their Minnesota store that lead them to a name change. What a great exampleContinue reading “A great branding story”
Um…
Filler words are those nasty little words that replace your pauses; pauses that give your mind some time to think about what you’re going to say next. Um, ah, so, like are a few examples. We all use them (some more than others). Even though they may help to buy you some time, they canContinue reading “Um…”
A mentor or two
Have you ever thought of the people who have helped you navigate life stages or helped you reach success? Formally or informally, these are your mentors. When I look up “mentor” in the dictionary, I see words like wise and loyal. Toastmasters describes a mentor as someone with experience and expertise who is willing toContinue reading “A mentor or two”
It’s time to check in
Building a strong brand doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and a consistent focus. Know what it is you’re offering and stay the course. Don’t lose sight of what your customers want. Test your brand from time to time to make sure it remains relevant. The strongest brands have been around for years because theyContinue reading “It’s time to check in”
Lessons learned
You’ve just delivered a big project. It took weeks to pull it together with the help of your team and others involved. Feedback from recipients has been positive and you’re proud of your accomplishment. Congratulations! When you’re in a leadership role, you have a responsibility for the outcome of the project. Good leaders are thereContinue reading “Lessons learned”
My takeaways as contest chair
In January, I chaired a Toastmasters International Area Speech Contest. It was both nerve wracking and exciting. Since I recently posted about the value of lessons learned meetings after my own club contest, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this latest experience. I was asked. I was reluctant but said yes. I wasContinue reading “My takeaways as contest chair”
Writing for you. 