Effective Communication
May 24th, 2019
These are just a few of the exchanges provoked by the Toronto Star’s recent publication of a commentary I wrote about the downside of filler phrases. Many of those who responded on Twitter took issue with my apparent ageism. (Although I referenced recent interaction with young people, I also mentioned that the habit isn’t confined to […]
read more...Clear speech advocate writes; Twitter sh*t storm erupts.
Master Media Engagement
January 9th, 2019
Are you a media whore? Or do you worry you might be labeled one by your colleagues – if not to your face, then behind your back? In the process of delivering hundreds of media engagement workshops, I’ve heard dozens and dozens of you express this fear, using precisely this language. You’ve made it clear […]
read more...In praise of academic media sluts – a New Year’s resolution
Master Media Engagement
November 13th, 2018
Prolific author, volunteer advocate on mental health issues, mother of four — notwithstanding the demands on Ann Douglas’ time implied by all of those roles, she also regularly makes time to engage with media. In the course of promoting her best-selling parenting books, she’s done many hundreds of print, broadcast and online interviews. And she’s […]
read more...Interview tips from best-selling author and media interview veteran Ann Douglas
Our Advocacy Work
January 17th, 2017
Has your family doctor ever consulted a reference book while you were present? The first time my GP did so, I was stunned. Even though I’d sought treatment for a wide range of issues from a slew of doctors over the course of more than 40 years, this had never happened before. And it seemed to […]
read more...Why I’m happy my doctor doesn’t think she knows it all
Effective Communication, Increase Your Impact as a Speaker and Presenter and Master Media Engagement
August 18th, 2016
As professional communicators who advise others on how to improve their ability to connect with audiences, colleague Sarah Neville and I have watched the astonishing ascension of political neophyte and insult-machine Donald Trump with dropped jaws. Here’s our conversation about the lessons to be learned from his fearless communication style, originally published on Huffington Post. SARAH: […]
read more...Trump’s Terrifying Communication Effectiveness
Master Media Engagement and Our Advocacy Work
June 28th, 2016
Most parents agree on at least one thing: they’d do almost anything for their children. For Steve Paikin, that means promoting a more gender-equitable media landscape. Many know Paikin as the host of The Agenda, TVO’s flagship current affairs program which airs in Ontario on weeknight evenings. Others may be familiar with his work moderating federal and […]
read more...“Where, oh where, are all the female guests?”
Master Media Engagement
May 31st, 2016
It’s Tuesday morning and you’re busily catching up on work at your desk when the phone rings.. It’s a journalist wanting to ask you a few questions about some breaking news – a topic you happen to know quite a bit about. Whether it’s a request for a TV or radio interview or someone looking […]
read more...Media Calling? Here’s What to Ask
Master Media Engagement
May 9th, 2016
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re in no danger of being characterized as a “rent-a-gob”. That’s the term CBC radio host, Robyn Bresnahan laughingly used last week to describe the expert source who’s willing to talk about anything, regardless of how distant the topic is from his professional background. The women Informed Opinions typically […]
read more...How prepared are you for a live radio or TV interview?
Master Media Engagement
February 4th, 2016
I’m sitting in a restaurant with my friend Frances. (Note that this blog post was originally published pre-pandemic.) A longtime print journalist and frequent guest on radio public affairs shows, she is knowledgeable, articulate and funny – in both of Canada’s official languages. At the moment, however, she’s on the verge of turning down an interview […]
read more...Are you uncomfortable calling yourself an expert?