The One That Started It All

Welcome to my blog

So who am I?

As my profile section tells you, I’m a passionate communicator. I love watching, participating, analyzing, commenting about, and most importantly, helping to improve, communication. Especially when it comes to crisis or emergency risk communication, where one wrong word or raised eyebrow at the wrong time can sink the whole communication fleet.

I’ve learned about it in school, at workshops and the world-reknown “School of Hard Knocks.” I’ve watched messages I crafted ease tensions, reduce anxiety, keep me out of the doghouse, and provide for the overall common good.

But, let’s be honest, I’ve also seen messages I’ve crafted go down screaming in flames just like Snoopy’s doghouse after a close encounter with the Red Baron (although I’m glad to say that doesn’t happen too often).

And that’s what makes the science and art of communication so fascinating to me…..why did the road map I used last time to deliver a message work and this time send me for a Thelma and Louise-style run over the canyon? Communication, the skill of deciding what message needs to be sent,  getting it through the noise to the receiver, and reading the feedback from them (yes, successful communication is two-way) that they got the message I wanted is a constantly evolving world. 

This isn’t some new development that needs to be on front pages and lead stories. Even before cavemen developed their system of grunts and groans (and occasional thumps with a big club), non-verbal communication ruled the day. And it still does today.

So, what is the “Mission Statement” of this blog? It’s early, and I haven’t formed my internal teams to develop one, test it with focus groups, revise it, and post it.

I hope this space allows me to share my passion for communication with you…show you examples of it working, failing, and advice to keep you from stepping in that mud puddle when you try to communicate internally, externally, and personally.  

Don’t worry…I also have a real life outside of the communication world. I have a great family, a wonderful wife, a daughter getting ready to enter a new phase of her life next year with a soulmate, and a son whose life revolves around Lego’s, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Dr. Who. I love Midwest weather and traveling to spots local and faraway (well, so far just North America). I’ve survived several broken hearts delivered by the Chicago White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks and seen the remarkable recovery that occurs when you add the word Champion to Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanley Cup.

So my musings, I hope, won’t be dry words on screen about communication, but a variety of topics that I hope will make you think.

BTW, I did mention a few paragraphs back that communication is two-way. Post back to me…respond to what I write, ask me questions, start a debate. For now at least, this forum in cyberspace is free…and I’ll keep posting whether you want me to or not. It will just be a lot more interesting if you come along for the ride…and even take a turn at the wheel a couple of times.

KT