Marshmallows, glitter + more apt analogies related to COVID-19 (Wordnerdery)
For the past few years, my December newsletter has shared some “life is short” moments. I have more – and during these pandemic times, so do many of us – but I’m shutting the door on this dumpster fire of a year with another look at creative ways people have tried to...
More of everything you want to know about certification, exam edition
If you’re interested in pursuing certification as a communication professional, get ready. In January, IABC members in Toronto and around the world have a chance to write the exam certifying you as a Communication Management Professional (CMP) or Strategic...
More on what’s working in comms during COVID-19 (Wordnerdery)
As the pandemic wears on, is the pace of communication easing for you? Comparing conditions in May 2020 and September 2020, a Simpplr survey found that at first, employees received company-wide updates daily, even several times a day. By September, the updates were...
Fun gifts for writers and readers, 2020 edition
Festive decorations filled store flyers and shelves even before Halloween was over. A local radio station started playing Christmas music ALL THE TIME on November 1. A spell of summery weather shortly afterwards had some of my neighbours putting up Christmas lights....
In a confusing situation, aim to be clear
I was among the many Canadians glued to the TV, watching the election results with America. I made it to midnight, and went to bed when it was clear there would be no speedy result. One word kept popping out at me during discussions on CBC’s The National: Several...
Comms during COVID-19: What’s working? (Wordnerdery)
Who imagined back in March that we’d be dealing with the fallout of the pandemic through nearly four seasons? The number of people affected changes daily, and sometimes the advice, too. People are hungry for news, and they want to hear from their employers – at least...
‘Like an eight-lane highway’ and more expressive writing
Do you want to explain something, make a point or spark that “aha” moment? Reach for what I call expressive writing, which shows rather than tells, often through similes and metaphors. Similes show how two things are alike, using “like” or...
Before & after: Promote your program with plain language
Plain language can save lives or make them harder, as the Center for Plain Language noted on Twitter this week. The occasion: International Plain Language Day (Oct. 13). We were disappointed with many of the results of the Federal Plain Language Report Card this year....