Archive: 2022

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What the Heck Is a “Word Visual?”

I’ve explored how non-designers in the communications business can get the visual storytelling religion. While the vast majority of PR folks struggle to bring a visual dimension to communications, there’s a design technique that plays to our strength. What I call “word visuals” come in three flavors: Clever words that stand on their own: The …more

Q&A on Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Storytelling

I respect people who can keep the scent of the trail. Fellow storytelling evangelist Brad Marley approached me back in April 2019 to answer a handful of questions on my second-favorite topic. The plot took some twists and turns (naturally), but I answered Brad’s questions a couple of months ago. For those who don’t subscribe …more

I Am Astonished By …

Kevin Kelly, one of the founders of WIRED, turned 70 earlier this year, prompting the post “103 Bits of Advice I Wish I Had Known.” I’m glad I read to the end because advice #103 was the one that landed. “The chief prevention against getting old is to remain astonished.” Between the recent Supreme Court …more

TikTok Turns to Owned Media to Control the Narrative

Going back to the Trump administration, TikTok has been in the government’s cross hairs for data privacy issues. The government views user data saved outside the U.S. as a security risk. Rather than distribute a news release or talk to journalists on recent actions to address the issue, TikTok has controlled the narrative by issuing …more

Two Examples of B2B Copywritng That Land

We are in the throes of bulldozing our website and creating a new site that brings us into the 21st century. I suppose it’s a little like what happens when you buy a car, and all of a sudden you notice that the make and model seem to be everywhere. I’m now noticing copywriting that …more

Is Creativity Really a Team Sport?

Companies consider brainstorming a magical alchemy, especially if the business puts a premium on creativity. That’s certainly the case in a communications consultancy; not so much if you’re an accounting firm that depends on the rigor of process. The words “let’s brainstorm” bring multiple people together with the singular quest to find a better way. …more

The NRA and PR and Gun Control

What is wrong with this country? What sensible human being thinks it’s OK to put what’s essentially a machine gun in the hands of private citizens? The tragedies keep coming with the latest mass shootings Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, N.Y. Here’s the problem. These events serve as a form of smelling salts, helping politicians come …more