Communicators Conference Cindy Orlandi APR IABCDetroit PresidentElect Presentation

Communicators Conference Cindy Orlandi, APR IABC/Detroit President-Elect Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 1

Introduction IABC encourages quality and innovation in organizational communication. l Today communicators will review what works best in providing plant and company news. l We hope you’ll share what you’ve discovered from the people reading these publications at your locations. l Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 2

Agenda and timeline The 7 Cs of Good Communications – 20 l Focus group exercise - 10 l Writing exercise and breakout – 30 l Recap – 20 l Q and A -10 l Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 3

7 C’s to good Communications Write with your audience in mind. Ask yourself and a prospective reader if your writing meets these seven criteria: 1. Complete 2. Correct 3. Clear 4. Concise 5. Consistent 6. Coherent 7. Creative Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 4

Complete Communications Answer questions the reader is likely to have: l Who l What l Where l When l Why l How Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 5

Correct Communications Quote sources accurately Check spelling and grammar Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 6

Clear Communications • • Use simple words short sentences and paragraphs Use strong verbs and active voice Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 Contrast: I was the recipient of one million dollars. I won $1 million! 7

Concise Communications Save words and time Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 8

Consistent Communications Follow the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and company style Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 9

Coherent Communications Think structure and organization Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 10

Creative Communications Add interest to make your writing more memorable Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 11

Focus group exercise l l l Keep your audience in mind when writing. Do a mini-focus group by occasionally asking feedback from a typical reader prior to publication. For example, if you show a story to someone they may help you uncover questions other readers also may have. Take a few minutes to pair up with someone here who doesn’t work at your location and review one of the stories you’ve written recently. Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 12

Writing exercise l l l Take a few minutes to draft a new story for your publication. For example, you might write a short story about a new product, program or process. Then break into groups of 3 -4 to take turns reading lead paragraphs aloud and getting feedback from group. Assign a spokesperson to report back to the full group and read one of your stories and give an example of how you worked together to improve it. Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 13

Summary Communication always should begin with the audience in mind. l Remember the 7 Cs. l Consider IABC another resource. l Choose two or three of these ideas to bring back with you use in your publications. l I welcome your questions and feedback. l Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 14

Where to Get More Information l AP Stylebook or www. missouri. edu/~jschool/missourian/style. htm, for a Band-Aid AP Stylebook from the Columbia Missourian Copy Desk Reference l www. bartleby. com for a free library of reference materials, including Columbia Encyclopedia and American Heritage Dictionary, thesauri and usage guides, etc. l www. dailygrammar. com if you want to refresh the grammar you learned in school. l www/aci-plus. com/tips/index. htm for seven more tips for more effective writing from Academic Consulting International. l www. iabc. com and www. iabcdetroit. com for resources and professional development programs Presentation by IABC/Detroit on July 17, 2002 15