E 212 Clarity When Everything is Complex with Chris Fenning
Today is special as for the very first time, we brought back a former podcast guest. That happens even less frequently than a Perseid meteor shower or a Triple Jovian Eclipse. Chris is back to share some of the highly effective communication tools he’s developed since we last spoke on Episode 127 when The First Minute was released back in May, 2021. Since then his two books have won quite a number of impressive awards!!! Chris’ technical background gives him particularly useful insight in that important communication flow between the IT side and the business side of any company. Chris and Laura are both astounded at the level of complexity we all manage on a daily basis, and the cognitive load and the pace of change are only going to get heavier, which makes communication even more challenging. Stop what you’re doing, grab your pencil ✏️ and note down these these Swiss-Army knife quality takeaways and more! 🧩How the “working memory” of your audience sabotages you if you don’t engage in the first 20 seconds 🛟3 key elements of framing a message that set it up to be understood and accepted 💰Why communication is not a skill and where to focus on getting better 🎤 How a message without a headline never lands 🏆Use the concept of the “magic box” to share ultra complex technical topics What the question, “How does X work?” really means 3️⃣The 3 things your winning email subject line must have ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST: Chris Fenning is the author of two award-winning business books The First Minute and Effective Emails, and numerous business articles. He’s also a trainer in clear and concise business communication. Chris helps professionals communicate more clearly with one another, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) technical professionals working with their business colleagues. Conversations, emails and meetings can be concise, effective and elicit the desired responses, by using the right approach and a little practice. A former Senior Director, Chris teaches the communication methods that deliver better project management, help avoid serious commercial setbacks and reduce the frustration when communicating between teams and with leadership. FOR YOU: This episode is brought to you by the Swiss Army knife of compelling communication, aka The Practical Guide to Effective Communication by Laura Camacho. Makes a helpful gift for anyone who wants to experience success in life as communication is at least 90% of the value we bring to the table. See more about her work at www.speakupwithlaura.com Enjoy this episode? Please leave us a 5-star ⭐️podcast review to help others find this life-altering insight. We thank you for this collaboration.