Start intranet articles with storytelling When Karen Hand saw the “Dilbert” cartoon that pictured employees hanging from the walls by Velcro, she laughed. Then she thought: “Hmmm ... wonder if that would work?” Hand and the rest of the Facilities team have tried just about everything else to find space for the growing number of associates at Sprint Spectrum. We’ve … [Read more...] about Draw readers in
Archives for January 2014
Use ‘narrative shorthand’
Squeeze a big life into a small space How do you pack a large life into a tight space? Try a "pocket profile." That's the technique Anjelica Huston used to describe her great-great-great grandfather in her new memoir, A Story Lately Told: "… a prospector, John Gore, who started up several newspapers from Kansas to New York. A cowboy, a settler, a saloon owner, a judge, … [Read more...] about Use ‘narrative shorthand’
From phonurious to spouch
Readers create new portmanteaus Portmanteaus — think Travelocity — combine two or more words into one new word. For our December writing contest, readers submitted these portmanteaus: Capitalistas A disease of misplaced importance. Ex: The Engineer will run the Project, and the Accountant will send Invoices at the end of each Quarter. — Sally Jacques, editor, … [Read more...] about From phonurious to spouch
‘15 is the new 30’
Catchy headlines No. 1 reason people read stories While presenting a headline-writing workshop at Farm Credit Bank recently, I was charmed by one participant's rewrite. The story was about the fact that, in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, banks feel more comfortable giving 15-year mortgages rather than the traditional 30. The original headline certainly … [Read more...] about ‘15 is the new 30’
Build better communications
Get expert advice with Ann’s consulting services Do you need to create a communication vehicle that brings in new clients? Communicates corporate messages? Helps your organization achieve its goals and objectives? If so, Wylie Communications can help — from critiquing your website to launching a newsletter from scratch. Let us work with you to: Help your organization … [Read more...] about Build better communications