Having have worked in public relations for over two decades, I know some of the common challenges facing businesses and professionals. Staying on message (or getting clear on the message), connecting with (and identifying) the target audience(s) and being heard over the noise are some of the obstacles that are common to communicators and non-communicators alike.
Taking the time to learn new communications skills will save your organization time and money as your staff will have the tools, and confidence, to sell products, leverage the media to share stories as well as identify and take control of issues at the early stages.
Communications training and speaking
I offer customized training and speaking to empower and educate people so they leave feeling inspired to try out their new skills. A series of e-books are also available on these topics.
- The power of storytelling – How to make a personal connection
- How to rock social media – Going beyond likes and shares
- How to make your website work for you – Tips for content creation and getting it to your audience
- Presenting like a pro – Taking the fear out of presentations
- Media relations 101 – Understanding the media landscape and how to pitch your story
- How to write a press release the media will actually read
- Media interview skills – How to tell your story and connect with your audience
- How to handle tough questions – Advanced media training for professionals in the spotlight
- Taking the pulse of your organization’s communications – How to conduct a meaningful communications audit
- Issues management – Moving from reactive to proactive
- Crisis communications – Planning for the unexpected
- …and more
These training sessions are all customized to meet the needs, and experience, of the participants. Online training is also available 24/7 at www.howtocommunications.com.
Patient engagement and advocacy
I have also combined my communications experience with my passion for patient advocacy, by writing two books – Your Child’s Voice – Advocating for kids with special needs and Bed Rest Mom as well as a series of e-books.
I offer training and conference speaking on the following topics:
- Your Child’s Voice – tools, techniques and life lessons to help parents learn how to proactively advocate for kids with special needs.
- Going beyond the label – helping health care professionals and caregivers understand their roles and how to work together to support children who have special needs.
- How to tell your patient story – helping patient and patient partners be clear on how to get clear on the essence of your story to resonate with your audience.
- How to communicate with families – supporting staff in having conversations with families that allow both parties to be heard and understood.
- Patient engagement – tools and tips to include patient voices in a more meaningful way by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Bed Rest Mom – supporting the mental and emotional health of pregnant women on home and hospital based bed rest. This is an area of patient care that is often overlooked, and can leave the mom feeling isolated, fearful and depressed.
