Blog
Tips, observations and reflections on better writing, editing and communications planning…
Advantages of tight writing
Beginning my career as a radio journalist taught me a lot about tight writing.When you have to tell a story in 30 seconds or less, you learn to keep it lean by cutting out all non-essential words.This is a useful skill for any written communication. Concise writing is...
Writing effective media releases
Are media releases passé? I don’t think so. Despite the rise and rise of DIY publishing via content marketing, gaining news coverage is still a goal for many organisations and individuals when making public announcements—and media releases are still a key tool for...
Building good working relationships (and why it’s like hosting an 8-year-old’s party)
On the weekend we held a spy-themed birthday party for our 8-year-old: a day of organised chaos with pin the sunglasses on the spy, water pistol target practice, a backyard laser beam challenge, and secret clues leading to the hidden piñata. Tidying away the ‘Top...
What journalists think: media training tips
Recently I was in Sydney helping a colleague deliver media training. We worked with a group of senior government officers who need to be savvy in front of the microphone in their upcoming roles. We honed key messages, practiced writing media releases and talked about...
Spin vs professional communications
Squeezing out the truth For my Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing, I majored in journalism, dabbled in scriptwriting and delved into media production. I must have been looking the other way when they offered electives in spin doctoring, political one-liners,...
How to brief a graphic designer for better results
Do you speak design? Are you ready to hand over your carefully crafted words to a graphic designer to add some creative zing? Want to make sure you get the best results and both enjoy the process? In this guest article, friend and graphic designer Alex Godfrey from...
How to write opening sentences that demand attention
Write leads that pack a superhero punch First sentences are like first impressions: they count. Make a good first impression by starting strong to grab attention and compel your audience to read on. Get the lead right and the rest flows much more easily. Whatever...
Is listening the forgotten communications skill?
How listening can improve your communications All effective communication starts with listening. This is something I learnt early in my career as a journalist. It’s easy to miss important nuggets of information if you’re not paying attention and really listening to...
Effective interviews: how to ensure talented talent
In broadcasting, interviewees or spokespeople are often referred to as ‘talent’. Good talent provides quotable quotes and adds colour and personality to your video. So how can you ensure good talent?