The grab bag returns with a trio of takes. Dénouement in Business Storytelling Our workshop on storytelling techniques discusses dénouement, the French word that means to undo or untie the knot. For business storytelling, it’s the time to bring clarity and resolution to the communications at hand. Even though a business story doesn’t always technically …more
Really? Here’s the lead from the story. “Got innovation? Just about every company says it does. Businesses throw around the term to show they’re on the cutting edge of everything from technology and medicine to snacks and cosmetics. Companies are touting chief innovation officers, innovation teams, innovation strategies and even innovation days. But that doesn’t …more
I’ve known Pete Lewis for some time, going back to his days laying the groundwork for how The New York Times covers technology. After Pete moved to Fortune to practice long-form journalism – or at least a longer form than The NYT – and later took up teaching at Stanford’s J school, I lost touch. …more
I took the “story” on the road during the month of May. As a closet introvert, I make a conscious effort to push myself beyond cubicleland. Here’s a snapshot of how May played out. UnGeeked Elite in Chicago (May 12) Cd Vann has created the “uncola” of gathering. The speakers are charged with leading a discussion, not pontificating via a slide …more
I met with Peter Lewis over a cup of joe yesterday morning to discuss a storytelling workshop that we’ll be tag-teaming on soon. We went through the exercise of comparing notes on the storytelling front. Peter, who now teaches at Stanford’s J school, offered a journalist’s perspective reflecting stints at The New York Times and Fortune. My input shaped from toiling in …more
There. I’ve said it. Taking liberties with the Hans Christian Andersen emperor story, why do professional communicators continue to worship the message? Every PR agency offers a messaging workshop. Every corporate communications type has spent the requisite two agonizing days in a hotel conference room eating bridge mix while debating the merits of “innovate” over …more
