The recent outbreak of the corona virus underlines the importance of communication during public health emergencies. Communication challenges are heightened when fear of the pandemic spreads faster than the disease itself. It is vital that people feel that officials are communicating openly and honestly. The most important asset in any large-scale public health emergency is the public; because ultimately, they must take care of themselves. Through effective media communication, public health officials can engage the public and help them to make informed and better decisions.

Effective media communication is a critical element and should play a central role from the start. It establishes public confidence in the ability of an organization or government to deal with an emergency; it builds and maintains trust; it improves knowledge and understanding; guides attitudes, decisions and actions; and encourages collaboration and cooperation. Here is a six-step guide to effective media communication during public health emergencies:

• Step #1: Develop strategies, goals and plans. Develop specific media communication goals and objectives; develop a written media communication plan; and develop a partner and stakeholder strategy.
• Step #2: Train Spokespeople. Train the media communication team and other designated spokespeople; train a public information officer; identify and train a designated lead spokesperson.
• Step #3: Prepare messages. Prepare lists of stakeholders and their concerns; prepare clear and concise messages; and prepare targeted messages.
• Step #4: Identify media outlets and media activities. Identify available media outlets and social media influencers; identify the most effective media outlets who will get your message delivered; identify media (social and traditional) media activities for the first 24-72 hours.
• Step #5: Deliver messages. Deliver clear and timely messages; deliver messages to maintain visibility; and deliver targeted messages.
• Step #6: Evaluate messages and performance. Evaluate message delivery and media coverage; evaluate and improve performance based on feedback; and evaluate public responses to messages.

If implemented effectively, these guidelines for media communication will result in greater understanding of your message and will also result in greater public participation to support the containment of an outbreak. The overriding goal is to bring the outbreak under control as quickly as possible, and effective communication is one tool to achieve that goal.

For more detail and points for preparing and delivering messages contact DynaComm using the link at the top of the homepage, or email mgooch@dynacommllc.com for more information.

DynaComm helps business leaders enhance their leadership skills through business communications strategies, public speaking coaching and speechwriting, and by securing speaking engagements.

When Your Speech Matters, Writing It Well Matters.

Writing a speech is a perfect example of rhetorical influence that guides your audience to buy into your brand, method, or idea. It is language used to convey a point or convince an audience. More than a speech, it’s a platform to advance your agenda, drive change, or elevate your reputation.

Speeches are special for both you and your audience. A speechwriter helps you plan, prepare, and deliver an effective speech that will inspire and engage your audience. Whether you are a communication pro or a business leader who needs to convey a message, the time will come when you need to write a speech for yourself or for someone else.

Here’s how a speechwriter can help:

Establish Goals Upfront. Is your speech meant to inform, persuade, or educate? What do you want your audience to think, feel and do after hearing your speech? A speechwriter will analyze the audience. You will then know who is attending the event, why they’re there, and what they want to take away from the event. Learning about the audience demographics, such as their attitude and knowledge toward a subject matter will enable the speechwriter to include language that is relevant, timely, and focused on the key points that are important to your audience.

Choose Your Core Message. Your core message is the central idea of your presentation. A speechwriter will develop speech elements that support your core message. More important, the speechwriter will aim for clarity and try to express your core message in a single sentence. If your core message is short and straight to the point, the audience can easily remember and repeat it, which is especially important if your goal is to persuade them.

Research. Research for your speech can be a time consuming and daunting task. Your speechwriter will research information, gather notes, conduct interviews and then connect the ideas in a way that will provide the perfect flow and structure to your speech. You can gain credibility with your audience by citing research in your speech that supports your core message and your main points. Research early, before you develop your main ideas. Doing this will ensure that you have adequate source material and information. You want to be sure that the main ideas in your speech will allow you to easily incorporate what you find into your speech.

Deliver Your Message. A speechwriter will give your speech rhythm. Why is this important? A good speech has the right pace, and a speechwriter varies the sentence structure using long sentences mixed with shorter sentences for greater emphasis. Your speechwriter will repeat key words and phrases for greater emphasis, and will also include appropriate quotes that emphasize your key points. A speechwriter will intersperse rhetorical devices that keep the attention of your audience. At the end, you’ll have them wanting more!

Take full advantage of your moment in the spotlight. Your speeches and your public speaking skills will help you stand out and showcase your ideas and leadership. You can do it!

DynaComm helps business leaders enhance their leadership skills through business communications strategies, public speaking coaching and speechwriting, and by securing speaking engagements.
You can call using the link at the top of the homepage, or email mgooch@dynacommllc.com for more information.

In 2019, women around the globe claimed leadership positions in government, business, sports and media.  Women may not always realize how poised for success we are in leadership roles, but our potential and abilities are undeniable.  Here is a list of my top “Stand Out Women for 2019,” all of whom possess exceptional leadership competencies. Who’s on your list?

• Simone Biles – In October, she became the most decorated gymnast in World Championship History. Did you know that she is a five-time all around World Champion, a three-time World balance beam champion, a two-time World vault champion, a six-time U.S. National all-around champion, and a member of the gold-medal-winning American teams at the 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019 World Artistic Gymnastic Championships.  Let that all sink in for a moment, and then join me and say:  WOW!
• Greta Thunberg is an environmental activist on climate change, and at the age of 15 – that’s right, the young, tender age of 15 – addressed the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Because of her activism, she is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, and is the youngest individual Time Person of the Year!  Her influence is still to be recognized.
• Jane Fonda is 82 years young, and she is an award-winning actor and longtime political activist. She recently moved to Washington, D.C. to launch “Fire Drill Fridays,” a campaign of civil disobedience with weekly demonstrations to focus attention on the urgency of climate change issues. Her beauty philosophy is built on self-confidence, “For me, ageing beautifully is a state of mind: having more self-confidence, forgiving yourself and others more easily, and staying interested in things and taking care of yourself.” What’s not to love about that?
• Nancy Pelosi is a powerful woman who shows others how to lead with grace, relevance and ferocity. At age 79, a mother of five and grandmother of nine, the first female House Speaker takes a back seat to no one – not even the President.  Speaker Pelosi led Congress in passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to restore the ability of women and all workers to access our judicial system to fight pay discrimination.  We’re with you, Speaker Pelosi!
• Christine Lagarde is currently the president of the European Central Bank. Previously, she was the president of the International Monetary Fund, and upon her new appointment she announced that she has her own communication style, and “it will be different.”  Good call, Ms. Lagarde.  In 2018, Forbes ranked her number three on its World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List.
• Heidi Hartmann, Founder and President of the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Women’s Policy Research. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the University of Houston recently where I learned of her exploration into the issue of wage gaps between men and woman and her goal of complete integration in the labor force.  According to Dr. Hartmann, we women are making progress, but we’ve still a long way to go.  Agree!
• Mary Barra is the Chair and CEO of General Motors Company. She has held the CEO position since 2014, and she is the first female CEO of a major automaker.  I’ve been following her since her appointment.  I especially like her prudent risk-taking steps as she has transitioned General Motors from an auto player into the tech space by moving forward with automated driverless cars, beating rival Tesla in developing the first electric car.  Hats off to you, Mary Barra!
• Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM recently joined other business leaders by seeking a new purpose for their corporations to deliver value to customers, invest in their employees, deal ethically with suppliers, support communities where they live and work, and generate long-term value for their shareholders. Key words here:  Long-term value!  The world needs more and more leaders like you, Ms. Rometty.
• Women Wonder– these are the women in my life – family, friends and business professionals. Every day, I learn something new from you.  There is an entire month dedicated to our history; yet, today I celebrate our achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love.  I am inspired by one of our leaders, Michelle Obama: “As women, we must stand up for ourselves.  We must stand up for each other.  We must stand up for justice for all.”
• My Granddaughter is not yet two years old, and I love watching her grow and hearing her talk. I am excited about the path she will pursue.  She is fierce and strong and full of fire and life.  It will be a while before she can read these words and understand them, but I hope she will find a life filled with meaning and significance – and equal opportunity!