We all have a story to tell, but too often the emotions, fear or frustration gets in the way of sharing our story and advocating for change. Cynthia draws upon her 25+ year career working in public relations as well as her personal experience advocating for a child and sibling with disabilities. She’s living this journey and knows the importance of advocacy.

In this presentation, Cynthia shares the power of speaking your truth and sharing your story – helping people understand that small actions can make big changes. While there tends to be much focus on large advocacy activities, she’s found the biggest impact can come by simply sharing your story. You never know who is listening and where it will go – the power of the ripple effect.

This presentation will help participants feel more confident, prepared and focused when sharing their stories.

Topics covered:

• The power of storytelling – how our brain processes information through stories
• When to tell your story – are you ready to share? Is it safe?
• Audience – understanding your audience, how they receive information, what information they need and their ability to act upon what you’re sharing or make a change
• Key messaging – being clear on the essential information you want to convey
• Emotions – role of emotions and valued based communications
• Facts – getting clear on the relevant facts, finding common ground
• Call to action – what do you want the listener to do with what you are telling them
• How to advocate at a personal, local or regional level

Takeaways:

• Practical tips and techniques to advocate for change that aren’t overwhelming
• A worksheet and e-book to implement the learnings
• The confidence to tell their story and advocate for change

A crisis can happen at any time, throwing an organization into a tailspin. How you communicate to your internal and external audiences is key to limiting the severity, impact and duration of the crisis. It can also make the difference of protecting your reputation or having your reputation destroyed.

In this presentation, Cynthia will breakdown the elements of a crisis – pre (planning), during (managing the crisis) and post (lessons learned), walking through the role of communications at each step. Learn how to prepare, take control and ensure lessons learned are implemented to help your organization plan for the next event. Don’t let a crisis be the first time you think about your response, resulting in confusion and mixed messages.

Participants will learn how to:

• Effectively plan – having approved and consistent messaging.
• Understand common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Get out early and be seen as the reliable source of information.
• Appreciate the role staff play in communications.
• Work in collaboration with key partners.
• Maintain information flow during a crisis.
• Update leadership in a manageable way.

Takeaways:

• A clear understanding of crisis communications planning
• Common pitfalls to avoid at all stages of a crisis
• An e-book summarizing the content covered
• Ability to respond with a cool head and proactive strategy when a crisis hits

With over 75% of people having a fear of public speaking, it’s no wonder many struggle to create engaging presentations. Reading from slides filled with lots of information is more comfortable for many people. The problem – it results in boring presentations with a tuned-out audience.

This presentation will help participants feel more confident, prepared and focused when presenting. We’ll discuss how to create presentations that connect with your audience, how much information is too much and the role of storytelling. Other areas covered include an understanding of body language, best use of Power Point, as well as active listening skills.

Cynthia draws upon her 25+ years of experience presenting to governments, non-profits, corporations, post-secondary students and peers. As a communications manager and consultant, she’s watched countless people struggle through presentations. Her goal is to help increase people’s confidence and decrease the number of dreadful presentations.

Takeaways:

• Deeper understanding of how to develop impactful presentations
• Awareness of participant’s personal presentation style and challenges
• E-book and worksheet to help in presentation development
• Feel more confident, prepared and focused when presenting

Schools, hospitals, non-profits and healthcare providers all want what is best for the individuals and families they support. However, there are a number of barriers that can block clear communications – including personalities, emotions and understanding of the information being conveyed.

This presentation will unpack how to be clear in your communications to avoid confusion and make a personal connection. Participants will feel more confident, prepared and focused when communicating with families.

Topics covered include:

• The power of storytelling – how our brain processes information through stories (why storytelling is a powerful way to communicate with families)
• Key messaging – being clear on the essential information you want to convey.
• Audience – understanding your audience, how they receive information, what information they need and their ability to act upon what you’re saying.
• Emotions – role of emotions, valued based communications, and how to respond to heightened emotions.
• Facts – getting clear on the relevant facts, finding common ground.
• Call to action – what do you want the listener to do.
• Importance of body language – gaining confidence

Takeaways:

• Deeper understanding of the importance of tailoring the conversation to connect with families
• Practical tips, a worksheet and e-book to help prepare for challenging conversations
• Feel more confident and focused when communicating with families

While many organizations seek media coverage, few have a clear plan or understanding of how to work with the media. As a former journalist and newspaper editor, Cynthia shares insights on how to share stories that will actually get picked up and give interviews that make people tune-in.

This presentation helps people gain the skills and confidence to work with the media, pitch stories and conduct impactful media interviews. Content covered includes an overview of media relations (who are the media, what interests them), understanding key messaging, how to pitch to the media, interview techniques as well as responding to difficult questions. We will also look at what makes an interesting story, making the human connection.

Prepare your organization and media spokespeople will the tools they need to cut through the noise and be heard.

Takeaways:

• Clear understanding of the role of the media as well as participant’s role representing their organization
• The skills and techniques needed to give impactful interviews
• E-book to help in media relations
• Ability to share stories with the media that cut through the noise and will be heard