Black boxes are easy. Taking action is hard
This week, black boxes like the one here flooded social media. It began when music-industry veterans Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang asked the industry to “pause” work on June 2 in solidarity with the Black community, and to protest the killing of George Floyd,...
Wordnerdery: 9+ tips to fight imposter syndrome
If a pandemic isn’t the time for internal communication professionals to stand up and shine, when will it be? So asked participants – five respected communication professionals – in a recent Staffbase-sponsored webinar about imposter syndrome. Is imposter syndrome...
What’s a business to do during a pandemic? A good deed
Businesses are struggling with advertising during the pandemic. It’s a tough balance, to show that they’re still around, still looking for business; yet they are sensitive to the situation. The result has been a lot of vague “We’re here for you” statements and...
Reach for analogies when you need to inspire action
Simple, powerful, vivid words and analogies. They’re critical if you want people to understand you; even more important if you want to inspire action. Notice what’s happening with the COVID-19 pandemic. Health experts are using simple words to encourage understanding...
Side effect of the pandemic: Trademark erosion
Here’s my small wordnerdy nitpick in the interests of accuracy: All those workplaces installing barriers to protect employees and customers during the pandemic are not necessarily using “Plexiglas.” That’s a brand name, like Kleenex. The generic term is “acrylic” or...
2 metres? 6 feet? How to make those numbers make sense (Wordnerdery)
We’re still seeing one particular number everywhere these days – two metres (six feet). That’s how far we have to stay away from others to slow down the spread of COVID-19. But how far is that, really? Everyone citing this number quickly realized people need a better...
Play ‘lockdown bingo’ with corporate clichés
“We’re here for you.” You’ve probably received that message from multiple sources, like your bank or your insurance company. Or maybe they said, “We’ve got your back.” Or, “We’re looking for every possible way to help you save...
Songs in the key of COVID-19
Music is keeping a lot of us going during these days of social isolation and physical distancing. Without live music performances possible, I’m grateful to #CanadaPerforms, an online program and relief fund by Canada’s National Arts Centre. Through the NAC and...