Using Body Language and Non Verbal Communications Effectively

WWPR Brown Bag Lunch Presents Five Tips to Boost Your Communication Power
by Janine Driver, Lyin' Tamer


Yes, "Lyin' Tamer" -- as in she knows when people are lying -- sounds a bit hokey, but I think it also could be fun and potentially useful, especially to job seekers in this tough market. 93% of what we communicate to others is non-verbal. Don't you want to know how to make sure you're communicating the image, the confidence, the trust worthiness that will help you be the one to win the job?


Tuesday, February 24 at Noon
Porter Novelli, 1909 K St. NW, Suite 400, DC
Register by Monday, February 23
Free for members; $15 for non-members

Improving Employee Communications

What do employees mean when the cite "better communications" as the way to improve the work environment?

For the February meeting IABC Washington has invited Mary Sailly, CEO of HumanR to explain what messages matter most to employees and from whom they prefer to hear them.

When: Thursday, February 12 (the 200th birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin!)
Time: 5:30 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Hilton Arlington (near Ballston Metro)

Full details and registration link at www.iabcwashington.org ~ and as always, if this is your first time to an IABC Washington meeting, check the One Time Guest box when registering and use my name, Kate Perrin, to get the discounted guest price.

Bad Weather Moves Program Date

January AWC-DC Speaker's Lunch Rescheduled

Due to the weather, AWC-DC has rescheduled today's Speaker's Luncheon with Rebecca Shambaugh for Wednesday, February 4. The event will be held at the same time and location. A few spaces are still available for this event. If you would like to attend, please register online at http://www.awcdc.net/program_jan_2009.shtml by 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 3.

When:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. registration and networking
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. program and book signing

Where:
Cafe Deluxe 3228 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20016 T: (202) 686-2233

Cost: - Reservations Required by noon Tuesday, February 3 for caterer's count.
$35 AWC members (scroll down page to form below)
$40 Non-members (scroll down page to form below)
$25 Students (student I.D. required) and Retired AWC Members

WWPR Program to Focus on Body Language in the Workplace

Now this looks like fun!

Not all details are in yet, but on Tuesday, February 24 Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is featuring Janine Driver ~ "body language and deception detection expert, author, certified business coach, and former FOX News radio personality."

Driver was trained by "deception detection psychologist" Dr. Mark Frank and the Institute of Analytic Interviewing and has trained federal, state, and local law enforcement officers in ways to decipher fact from fiction. Now Driver teaches rapport-building, interviewing, and people-reading skills to the business community.

In a tough job market this sounds like an opportunity to pick up some tips. As someone who interviews candidates for PR temp jobs each week for PRofessional Solutions, LLC I can honestly say there have been people we have skipped using because of their body language during interviews. If you're looking to move up or to nail an interview, check this out and see if you can score some improved presentation techniques.

Press Kits: Paper, Electronic or Both?

Not only should PR people learn about effective digital press rooms (see next item), they need to consider the best method for delivering the information in press packets to targeted reporters, including electronic materials.

In today's Ragan Daily Headlines the item whose title I used here links to a vodcast in which Mark Polisky of GolinHarris Chicago talks about what to include in a press kit, when to send it and why a combination of a paper and electronic kit is a good idea. Short, fun and good points. Check it out.

IPRA Lunch: Online PR-Creating a Digital Newsroom

ONLINE PR: CREATING A DIGITAL NEWSROOM
Atilla Kocsis, Founder & President of Digital Phenom
Thursday, February 5, 2009, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel, Tyson’s Corner, 8517 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182

Determining the components of a successful digital newsroom is the topic of the February 5 IPRA luncheon. Our speaker, Atilla Kocsis, founder and president of Digital Phenom (the new website developer for IPRA) will share a case study on the creation of an online newsroom for a complicated legal case, Robertson vs. Princeton University. Working with a PR Firm, Digital Phenom featured a marquee on the front page of the website, where they flashed the latest headlines. They designed a complete newsroom, where they kept all the news releases as well as quotes and articles from newspapers and TV around the country. Finally they cultivated an email list of people who wanted to get news on the case. Stay tuned to find out how the case turned out….

Founded by Kocsis in 1995, Digital Phenom works with associations and companies such as the Aspirin Foundation, The Robertson Family, DuPont, and the Regional Airline Association. DP stresses the importance of creating press releases and news that can be used on a website to keep it fresh and interesting.

For rates and to register, visit http://www.prsa-ncc.org/option,com_events/task,view_detail/Itemid%20,63/agid,276/year,2009/month,02/day,05/

Ragan Shares Five Ways to Tighten Your Writing

Before starting PRofessional Solutions, LLC part of my responsibility as a director of public relations for various organizations was managing writers. When reviewing copy I told them I would charge a nickel for each word I could delete without changing the meaning of the sentence.

I never collected (though I’d have made enough to offset recent investment declines!) but I remembered that challenge when I read today’s Ragan’s Daily Headlines. If you’re the editor or if you’re the writer, check it out. All of us can benefit from reminders about how to tune-up our copy.

My favorite part is the “Tightening Tips” at the end:

• Eliminate passive voice. When you focus on active sentence construction, words drop away. "A new plan is being implemented by the executive office" becomes "We've adopted a new strategy."
• Stay away from "There is" and "There are." In many cases, eliminating this construction saves words. "There are many associates who will need the training" becomes "Many associates need the training."
• Curb your enthusiasm. Eliminate hyperactive words, such as "very" and "extremely" and "extraordinarily."
• Monitor your adjectives and adverbs. A few well-placed modifiers add style; too many make your copy read like an 8th grade essay.
• Choose the right word. When you use the language precisely, you'll need fewer words to make your point.

Web Registration Problems Cause AWC to Extend Event Registration

AWC-DC has extended the registration deadline for the January Speaker's Lunch with Rebecca Shambaugh until Friday, January 23. The organization had several days of web problems that prevented people from registering last week before the extended holiday weekend.

The lunch program is Noon - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27th at Cafe Deluxe at 3228 Wisconsin Ave. NW in DC. Register at http://www.awcdc.net/program_jan_2009.shtml
Shambaugh will speak about "Behaviors That Sabotage Your Career Success" and explain the seven behavioral obstacles women put in their own way and how to avoid them.

Free BurrellesLuce Webinar ~ Social Media Literacy: How to Listen, Monitor and Measure

Another free webinar from BurrellesLuce that you might find useful as economic pressures demand more verification that media relations programs are having an effective outcome.

Date: January 29, 2009
Presenter: Debbie Friez, Vice President, Major Accounts, BurrellesLuce
Moderator: Johna Burke, Vice President, BurrellesLuce

Debbie Friez oversees BurrelleLuce's relationships with major PR agencies. Many Capital Buzz readers know Debbie through her active involvement in many local professional societies. She handles Matrix awards publicity for the Washington chapter of The Association for Women in Communications, is vice president Washington Women in Public Relations, and is active in PRSA's National Capital Chapter.

Johna Burke is chair of the Southern Region chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Prior to BurrellesLuce, she was head of public and investor relations at U-Haul International.

Can We Talk Off the Record?

Our colleague Ed Barks will be featured in the upcoming Washington Network Group (WNG) program titled, “Can We Talk Off the Record?” on Wednesday, January 28, 4:30 p.m., at the Merrill Lynch Conference Center, 1152 15th Street, NW, 6th Floor in Washington.

The program's goal is to increase understanding in the public relations community about how and when to conduct media interviews off the record. There can be disagreement about how and when media sources should conduct off the record interviews with reporters. Some public relations practitioners see the value in this technique; others say it should never be used. Ed Barks reviews the recommendations contained in his report, "Can We Talk Off the Record? Resolving Disagreements, Increasing Understanding Between Reporters and Public Relations Practitioners."

Registration Fees:

WNG Members: $20 advance registration (paid online)

Non-Members: $40 advance registration (paid online)

Media: Free of charge for credentialed journalists and reporters

PRSA-NCC President’s Perspective on Impact of Current Employment Scene

At the beginning of the month, along with the monthly update of The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ , I featured a conversation with IABC Washington president Tomeka Rawlings, about the 2009 employment scene.

Heathere Evans Keenan, 2008 president of the Public Relations Society of America Nation’s Capital Chapter also kindly took time share her insights on what impact the changing economy is having on that organization’s members.

Kate Perrin: What impact of the changing economy on PRSA-NCC’s members was observable by the end of 2008?

Heathere Evans-Keenan: So far, the changing economy is having a different impact across our diverse membership. Large agencies are paying close attention to economical ways to add value to clients and being somewhat conservative in their hiring practices. Many of our association members have expressed interest in additional resources and programs that emphasize how to justify budgets and continue to demonstrate the value of PR to upper management. Members in the corporate sector are experiencing a freeze on much if not all business-related travel to cut down on overhead.

What’s interesting is that we’re also seeing savvy members from across commercial, association and government organizations leveraging the downturn to launch re-branding campaigns , boost publicity and marketing activities to enhance visibility and create new forums for two-way communications with stakeholders.

Kate Perrin: What suggestions do you offer members about how to keep a job or freelance clients, or finding a new job?

Heathere Evans-Keenan: Using existing networking organizations like PRSA, IABC, AMA and others to market yourself, and getting involved in volunteer work with those organizations to showcase your talents are great ways to ensure your career opportunity “pipeline” is always full. The fact remains that most jobs and clients come by referral from someone we know, trust and respect.

Kate Perrin: What your predictions are for the DC area job market for the coming year?

Heathere Evans-Keenan: Having lived in San Diego and Denver and witnessed those markets in boom and bust years, there is no place I’d rather be than the greater Washington D.C. area! Even in times of tight job markets or a weakened economy, this is one of the most recession-proof areas in the country.

But I believe that the most successful public relations practitioners, whether currently employed or looking for a job, must clearly articulate to clients and prospective employers how public relations can help them--maybe now more than ever—to keep customers and establish trust.

Next PRSA Program Looks at “The PR Employment Environment as we Enter 2009”

Wednesday, January 28
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. (networking begins at 8:00 a.m./pastries and coffee included)
Navy Memorial & Heritage Center ~ 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, DC

Cost: $20 for PRSA members; $35 non-members; $15 students Register here. If you have any questions, call the chapter office at 703.691.8733

2009 looks like a very challenging year for area public relations professionals. Will budgets be cut as the recession continues? Will organizations downsize to reflect diminished revenues? These are subjects debated daily within the PR community. But, much of what’s discussed is anecdotal: It’s based on who you talk to and who that individual has contacted.

PRSA-NCC is holding a special session ~ at reduced cost ~ to try to separate fact from fiction. Join this session and get the most up-do-date assessment of what’s happening on the street.

Panelists:
Kate Perrin, CEO, PRofessional Solutions, LLC and contributer to The Capital Buzz
Kelley Leach, SVP, Human Resources, Ketchum PR
Ken Persel, CEO, Persel Gardner
Jakub Konysz, manager, public relations, ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership
Moderator: Phil Rabin, VP, West Glen Communications and editor, Capitol Communicator

January CCG Meeting: Is the Grass Really Greener?

At the beginning of each year many communicators examine their careers and try to decide if they should look for a new job in a different sector of the communications industry. The Capital Communicators Group will try to help you learn more about making such changes this month with a panel of pros who have made such leaps.

Is the Grass Really Greener?: Government vs. Non-Profit vs. Corporate vs. Agency

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Speakers:
Mark Oswell... from government (NOAA) to agency (Booz Allen Hamilton)
Marianne Curren... from for-profit technology company to agency (BRTRC)
Scott Carman... from for-profit to agency (Fleishman-Hillard)

Cost will be $20 or $25 -- to be announced shortly. As always, after you make a reservation at CapitalCommunicator@gmail.com you pay in cash at the event.

AWC Offers Savings for New Members

Since 1909, the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) has relied on its members to build a network of colleagues. Currently, they are asking members to let other women know about the benefits of the organization and a savings on new memberships.

If you're interested in learning about the benefits of AWC membership check them out now at http://www.womcom.org/membership/get-connected.asp because if you apply by April 15 and use the code AWC09mem-1 you can save $50 on your NEW membership application.

CEO presentations = economic rebound?

Jeffrey Porro, Ph.D., principal of Porro Associates, LLC, will lead a teleseminar January 14 on "Tough Times, Good Communicators: How effective CEO presentations can help companies rebound during an economic downturn." Speakers include Robert J. Laikin, CEO and Director of Brightpoint, and Kelly Lang, Director of Strategic Communications at Cisco Systems Inc.

Jeff offers us this preview:

With the economy battered by the credit crisis, high fuel prices, and other maladies, growing numbers of corporate leaders face the challenge of finding ways to inspire key audiences who are both very worried and extremely important—employees, analysts, stockholders, regulators, and the press. This teleseminar offers some very specific, hands-on advice how CEOs should communicate during tough times. The advice is based on the experience of key CEOs who have been there and done that -- Former CEOs Lee Iacocca of Chrysler and Champ Mitchell of Network Solutions, Jack Welch of GE, as well as current CEOs John Chambers of Cisco Systems and Brightpoint’s Robert Laikin. All used first-person communications effectively to turn companies around or dramatically boost their performance. Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy once said, "Communication needs to be a core competency of any business. It starts with the CEO."

Click on the link above for more information, including registration details.

WWPR 2009 Annual Meeting & Luncheon Topic & Speakers Announced

You don’t have to be a member to attend WWPR’s Annual Meeting; in addition to electing its new Board (only WWPR members may vote), the organization also will have a panel of speakers on the topic “Having it All and Inspiring Others, the Art of Balance and Mentorship”.

Where: The Arts Club of Washington 2017 I St NW (closest Metro: Farragut West)
When: January 13, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Speakers:

• Patti Giglio, Founder, PSG Communications,
• Lorelei Harloe, Principal, Ascend Communication, LLC
• Christy Moran, Managing Director, Weber Merritt Pubic Affairs, and
• Christine Nyirjesy Bragale ABC, Managing Director, Weber Merritt Public Affairs

Cost: Members-$50, Nonmembers-$60 Register by January 12.

IABC and Towers Perrin Host Free Web Seminar ~ How to Develop Award-Winning Gold Quill Entries

Need to stand apart from the competition in challenging times?

As noted in a previous post, a communications organization's award for your work just may be what you need. While demonstrating a return on investment is important at any time, the pressure increases when times get tough and expectations become more intense.

The IABC Gold Quill Award guidelines provide a framework for effectively building measurement into each communication approach. And on January 14 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) 2009 Gold Quill sponsor Towers Perrin will host a free web seminar on developing your award-winning Gold Quill entry.

The seminar will be facilitated by Martha Terry, Communication Practice Leader at Towers Perrin who will be joined by Gold Quill Chairs to discuss how to strengthen the impact and results in communication-based on award-winning entries from recent Gold Quill Award winners.

Register at http://www.blogger.com/www.iabc.com/awards/gq/ Both IABC members and non-members may take advantage of this free web seminar so forward this e-mail to anyone you know that has produced outstanding communication work.

ASAE's Lessons from Award-Winning Communicators event

Lessons from Award-Winning Communicators
Date(s): Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Location: ASAE & The Center Building Conference Center (Central & West Conference Rooms)
Member Fee & non-Member Fee: FREE!
Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon.Fee: Complimentary for ASAE & The Center Members

Are you looking for suggestions and pointers to take your association's communications to the next level? Then join us for this free program brought to you by ASAE & The Center's Communication Section Council.
Round Table Discussion Topics will include:
*Print Communications
*Media Relations
*Blogs/Podcasts
*Innovative Communications
*Web sites General Communications Vehicles.

Clarion Awards Call for Entries Lacks Clarity

Winning communication awards can be a great way to build your reputation with your employer or clients. But does the award have real meaning if the communications professional society conducting the awards is sloppy in its own communications about that award?

The Association for Women in Communications emailed their Call for Entries today and although they refer to the awards as prestigious, apparently they aren't so prestigious that someone would take time (or use Spell Check) to proofread the announcement.

Want more information about eligibility, deadlines or the application process? They suggest that you "contat" AWC's communications manager. And later they include the line The Clarion "Awads" are sponsored by the Association for Women in Communications (AWC). This is very disappointing from what is supposed to be a premier organization promoting and celebrating the highest level of skill and accomplishment among professionals.

But, if you're interested in entering your work in one of the more than 100 categories, visit their web site at http://www.womcom.org/awards/2009/Clarion.asp because the early-bird deadline is February 27 and the final deadline is March 31.

The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ for January 2009~ Exclusive to The Capital Buzz

A brief update on the current Washington area PR employment scene based on the view from PRofessional Solutions, LLC, the Washington market’s only PR temporary staffing agency.

December ‘08: Bust
November ‘08: Slow (very)
December ‘07: Slow to Fair

Ratings:
Bust - virtually no hiring for jobs, freelancers or temps
Slow - a few, mostly low-level, positions being filled; fewer jobs for freelancers or temps
Fair - existing jobs are being filled and moderate work for freelancers and temps
Strong - organizations are hiring at all levels and good work for freelancers and temps
Boom! - virtually everyone who wants work is finding it

Kate’s Overview: Last month applications for temporary PR assignments were coming from freelancers and independents as organizations began to put an end to outside contracts. I’m sorry to say that in December things got gloomier as applications began coming in from people losing permanent jobs as organizations began downsizing, something that the Washington market had mostly been spared until now.

As we enter the new year I’ve asked the leaders of the local communications professional societies for their take on what communicators are facing and what they can do in response the economic downturn. Read on for my first interview featuring Tomeka Rawlings, current president of IABC Washington.



IABC Washington President’s Observations and Suggestions for 2009 Employment Scene

What in the world is going on in the employment scene these days? As promised when I re-launched The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ as part of The Capital Buzz, in addition to simply offering a snapshot of the market at the moment I’m including conversations with leaders of our area professional societies about what they see happening among their group’s members.

Tomeka S. Rawlings, IABC/Washington President, was good enough to provide me with a quick and insightful look at what that organization is already noticing, and how she suggests professionals position themselves in response.

Kate Perrin: What impact has the changing economy has had on IABC Washington and its members so far?

Tomeka Rawlings: There has been a drop in chapter event attendance and membership renewals because the economy has the nation by their wallets. We see that members are more selective about where they spend their money, resulting in the chapter having to seek out more quality, top-notch programming and events to not only remain competitive with other area communications groups, but more importantly to continue to interest members to maintain membership and/or attend chapter events over our competitors.

Kate Perrin: What are the tips you offer communicators on how to keep a job or freelance clients, or to find a new job?

Tomeka Rawlings: First and foremost, continue networking and meeting new and interesting people. Those folks could be valuable assets to you in the future by either referring business or referring you to a potential employer.

Next, stay connected to professional development training to maintain your current skills or to obtain new ones to keep you marketable in your current job or in finding another.

And finally, Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer! Organizations that are now downsizing because of the economy are in need of communications volunteers to help them continue "business as usual." For the communicator, this presents a great opportunity to network with colleagues and at the same time build your skills and develop new ones. Who knows, you may even land a great job or client out of the experience!

Kate Perrin: What are your predictions for the DC area job market for the coming year?

Tomeka Rawlings: I don’t see the job market improving too much in 2009. However, I believe we can look forward to a very slow but consistent improvement toward the end of the year and throughout 2010.

But in the meantime, we should use every opportunity to improve and enhance our mind, body and spirit so that we are 100 percent prepared for our next job opportunity when it arises.

Boasts and Toasts: Colleague Robert Deigh's Book to be Used by AU School of Communications

Colleague Robert Deigh of RDC Communication has contributed to The Capital Buzz in the past, so we're happy to offer congratulations on the use of his very handy PR guide, "How Come No One Knows About Us?" by The American University School of Communications as a text in public relations courses this semester.

And as always, Robert has been generous with some tips for fellow practitioners, passing along some of his favorite (no cost) online PR tools.

“Web-based companies have been falling over themselves to provide excellent communication tools at no cost to the user (but supported by ads)”, reports Robert. He offers the following Web tools to try in 2009. “They are useful, very simple to learn and either free or ridiculously cheap. I have no affiliation with any of these companies; I just like their services."

• Want to share a PowerPoint or other presentation with your colleagues or the world? Try SlideShare. You can post your work on their site and get access to thousands of presentations posted by others.
• FreeConferenceCall.com does just what it's name implies. Sign up; you'll get a permanent call-in number and access code. Email the info to colleagues (or even friends or family) and you can make conference calls at no cost (up to six hours each! Egad).
• Posting short bylined articles online is a great way to get your name out. Try EzineArticles. Just cut and paste your short articles on its site. Other business-related Web sites take a lot of content from Ezine so, soon, your articles will be all over the Internet. The site also includes thousands of copyright-free articles that you can paste (with proper byline credit) at no cost into your Web site.

Want to get more tips and ideas from Robert Deigh, or let him and others know of your own great finds? Email him at rdeigh1@aol.com to get his newsletter or suggest an item for him to include.

It's a New Year ~ Get Out There, Learn Something New, Make New Contacts!

AWC-DC Lunch Features Author Rebecca Shambaugh on Behaviors That Sabotage Your Career Success

WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 2009

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. registration and networking
12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. program and book signing
WHERE: Café Deluxe, 3228 Wisconsin Ave, NW D.C.

We’ve all heard about the glass ceiling and the external barriers to women’s professional success, but leadership coach Rebecca Shambaugh will explain the sticky floor – seven behavioral obstacles women put in their own way and how to avoid them.

President and CEO of SHAMBAUGH Leadership, Rebecca founded the Women In Leadership and Learning (WILL) program 15 years ago to advance and retain women leaders. She has advised AOL Time Warner, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ernst & Young and her work has been featured on NPR and PBS and in The Washington Post, The New York Times and Fortune Magazine.

Reservations Required by Thursday, January 21

$35.00 -- AWC-DC Members$40.00 -- Non-Members$25.00 -- Students with School ID Space is limited. Register online. For more info contact Dana Rucker, VP Programs, at ruckerdana@gmail.com or (301) 526-6224.

IABC-DC Program Tackles Barriers to Social Media & Word-of-Mouth Marketing Success

IABC Washington has a new meeting location and a fresh look at making the most of social media this month.

John Bell, managing director and executive creative director for the global 360° Digital Influence practice at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide presents the seven common barriers to doing more with social media and how to overcome them. He has designed and implemented digital strategies for Intel, Unilever, Snap-on, and Lenovo, and you can check out his blog, The Digital Influence Mapping Project, at http://johnbell.typepad.com/.

WHEN: Thursday, January 8, 2009 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: NEW LOCATION ~ Hilton Arlington, 950 North Stafford Street, Arlington
Metro-Ballston (Orange line) Parking $8 in the underground garage.

REGISTER: IABC Member $40; Non-Member $55; 1x Guest of Member $45 (if you haven't been to an IABC Washington meeting before, use my name - Kate Perrin - to register as a one-time guest and save $10!); Students $40