Blog

Not everyone is naturally a great communicator. In fact, almost all successful communication — persuasive, engaging, inspiring — is made, not born. It requires preparation, skill and practice. And of course, it takes time… and we all know how little we have of that. If we are going to build a successful communication foundation, let’s […]

My colleagues and I write and talk all the time about having a message plan. And furthermore, we write and talk all the time about how strong listening skills can make your message planning stronger and easier. But what do we listen for? Listening is great and important, and most people don’t do it very well. But is it enough […]

One of the most common, and most tactical, comments we get from workshop participants is this: I understand why you want me to simplify my materials/slides. But I need to be ready for questions that may come up, and I need to be ready to support the person who wasn’t there. And I don’t want […]

I was speaking with a good friend recently. He’s a business owner, and the definition of a straight shooter. He doesn’t tolerate people who waste his time or who don’t deliver as promised. We were speaking about a few things on the phone, and he shared a story of a contractor he was working with who never, […]

In our communication skills workshops, there is a theme that always comes up that seems to surprise first-time participants. We talk about many of the most important aspects of great business communication: clarity, brevity, being memorable, setting context, communicating value, staying “on message”… all of the things that are required in the 21st century business environment. […]

Here is a conversation we regularly have with new clients… New Client: “I have a big presentation coming. Will you take a look at my slides?” Me: “Well, before we get to the slides, what is the point of the presentation?” New Client: “Here, it is on the slides.” Me: “I don’t care about the […]

That little voice inside your head, the one that tells you aren’t good enough… do you know that voice? Do you ever hear that voice telling you to question your own value or qualifications? Do you ever hear that voice whispering sour questions to you? I hear that voice, and I am sure most of you do […]

One of The Latimer Group ’s core beliefs is that great communication skills can change the world. That’s why we are passionate about what we do, and everything we do starts with communication as our true north. Unfortunately, DEI has been relegated to compliance and risk management for too long, which is why it has […]

We spend a ton of time helping our participants make the most persuasive argument possible, and are constantly hearing presentations seeking approvals, alignment, resources or a sale of some kind. And in many cases, we are helping our youngest clients advocate for themselves in a job interview. All of us need to be good advocates […]

A friend of mine texted me last Saturday morning. “Hey buddy. My wife and I have decided we want to plant a flower garden in our yard, and she told me to text you. I am at a garden center. What plants should I buy?” Me: “I can’t answer your question yet. I need more […]