5 Tips to Provide Clear, Effective Executive Communications in the Business World
The corporate world relies much of the time on the clear exchange of ideas to move goals forward, and ensure that no misunderstandings occur between departments. It goes without saying therefore that the Corporate Communications branch of any large business plays a crucial role, and is a function on which many executives depend for writing and editing assistance. This assistance can take the form of smoothing out the prose in presentations, clarifying document formats, or even drafting press releases from start to finish.
There are five key lessons I’ve learned throughout my career supporting executives with their communications and marketing needs. I’ve been fortunate to work with many different types of leaders, from transformational ones to rock-solid, pragmatic strategists, and have learned a great deal from them.
And whether I’m ghostwriting on their behalf, or delivering content and programs that underpin their business goals, there are some core principles I’ve applied to my work over the years:
Listen, Listen and Listen Again
We’ve all heard about the importance of listening. Executives are busy, so most often, they’re in back-to-back meetings throughout their day, juggling matters that are important to their business, their employees and their clients. Listening intently to what’s being said, or not being said, is valuable information.
Have you ever had a project you completed for a client that rocked — or maybe one that didn’t go so well? Looking back, did you find that you just didn’t understand the person’s point of view, or connect the dots in some way? Fully understanding a challenge they’re facing or an outcome they’d like to achieve is the foundation. It all begins with listening intently, and keeping the end result in mind.
Be “Thought-Full”
Of course, it’s nice to be thoughtful — however, being “thought- full” means putting the person who is receiving the content in the center of your focus. It also means getting immersed in the topic at hand, and to think about and complete any research that needs to be done to round out the story.
Go Beyond the Status Quo
Yes, you can save time delivering exactly what was asked for, but did you go beyond the status-quo to deliver value? Value can be delivered in multiple ways: perhaps you’ve shared a unique insight or a different approach to tackle a sticky challenge. Or maybe you’ve made the work itself a bit easier.
It all adds up to showcasing your unique value, and bringing those qualities to benefit the project, by crafting meaningful content that’s relevant and goes beyond the immediate request.
Get Your Head and Your Heart in the Game
We’ve all read stories that were fact-based, but didn’t move us in some way; maybe they lacked a spark of passion, or a heartfelt message to which one could relate. In the end, the most authentic, meaningful messages engage us on an emotional and an intellectual level.
Be Consistent and Reliable
We know that it’s not enough to crank out the work if it doesn’t meet the deadline or deliver results. By being consistent and providing an ongoing proven performance, you build trust and a knowingness that you can be relied on, without any second-guessing.
And remember this when your deadlines are piling up: rushed projects and volumes of work can keep us spinning, but all your professional experience led you to this place. Trust and know that your skills are strengths you’ve built over time. Continue to explore, and learn to become better every day, while at the same time using your talents to be of service to others.