The Winter Olympics in Italy delivered a stream of unforgettable sporting moments: skiers and snowboarders racing down the slopes, the intensity of the bobsled thundering through narrow ice channels, and the precision of curling teams guiding stones with millimeter accuracy. These images will stay with us for a long time.

Yet one of the most memorable moments had nothing to do with the competition for the winner’s podium. It came during the final daily press conference, when the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) publicly criticized—and even threatened to dismiss—her own communications team for failing to brief her on questions she could not answer. The exchange unfolded under full media scrutiny and spread rapidly across news outlets and social platforms, becoming a defining moment of the Games for all the wrong reasons.

For many, it was a stark reminder of leadership under pressure and the risks of facing tough questions without full preparation. It also highlighted the shift from media relations management to media engagement.

Media Relations in Transition

Organizations have long relied on a predictable media relations model: tightly controlled information, scripted spokespeople, formal briefings, and disciplined message management. Reporters’ questions were expected to stay within a defined scope.

Today’s media landscape is fast-moving, transparent, and instantly shared worldwide. This shift is pushing communications toward media engagement—a two-way, real-time exchange where openness and responsiveness shape the interview. Questions now often go far beyond the main topic, and any mistake is quickly amplified.

Why This Matters When You’re Being Interviewed

Reporters cannot be managed. They are independent and will resist any attempt to be controlled. But preparation still matters. Knowing your story, your key messages, and the broader operating environment is essential. When tough questions catch you off guard, your goal is to remain composed without signaling hesitation or discomfort. This means being ready for predictable lines of inquiry—and the unexpected ones that inevitably surface.

Media engagement requires more than polished talking points. It requires an understanding of the broader issues surrounding your topic, supported by clear explanations, examples, and analogies that help reporters understand context. It also requires plain language, empathy, and honesty. Even without all the answers, openness builds far more credibility. In the IOC press conference, the President’s visible frustration at not being able to answer questions led to a loss of composure—a clear sign of media management under stress, not media engagement.

Bottom Line

Media relations remains an important communications channel to influence opinion, but media engagement is now the expectation. Effective spokespeople remain calm, transparent, and audience-focused—even under pressure. They combine disciplined messaging with genuine empathy to strengthen both organizational credibility and personal reputation.

If you need support building stronger engagement with reporters—and avoiding becoming the story for the wrong reasons—contact Dave at dave@spokenwordgroup.com.

The post The Olympic Spectacle They Didn’t Need first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

I’ve seen it again and again over a decade plus of covering countless school-related stories as a reporter. Communities pay close attention to what happens in their schools. And when something goes wrong, people want answers.

That’s why Spoken Word has partnered with the Texas School Safety Center to conduct media crisis training for school district and law enforcement leaders across the state. So far, we’ve trained 137 superintendents, public information officers, and school police chiefs.

We drill participants in ambush interviews and on-camera crisis scenarios, guiding them on how to answer the questions they might face from reporters and the public during a crisis.

The focus is simple: help school leaders communicate clearly and effectively when the pressure is highest.

We emphasize a few key principles:
● Adapt the message to the audience
● Lead with empathy
● Use bridging techniques to stay on message

We also encourage schools to focus on two goals during a crisis:

1. Be the most reliable source of information. If schools don’t communicate quickly, rumors and misinformation will fill the gap.
2. Show the community you care. Facts matter. But so does demonstrating concern for students, families, and staff.

The Texas School Safety Center, based at Texas State University, supports schools across Texas with research, training, and resources focused on campus safety. We’re honored to support their mission by helping school leaders strengthen one of their most important tools during a crisis: clear, effective communication.

The post When Crisis Hits, Your Response Becomes the Story first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

In many years of communication training, I’ve seen the same reaction countless times: a visible physical tension or a look of concern from a senior executive when asked to speak to a live audience—or worse, take part in a television interview.

These leaders have extensive operational, political, and regulatory experience. They can handle crises, negotiate under pressure, and make high-stakes decisions. Yet many still feel deeply uncomfortable with live speeches, town halls, media interviews, and unscripted Q&As.

Training Concerns

In fact, their expertise often increases the anxiety. The more they know, the more they understand what can go wrong. And because they’re used to being in control, anything that exposes them to real-time scrutiny feels risky.

This discomfort often shows up in familiar ways:

• Declining training from the outset or postponing scheduled sessions
• Insisting they’re “fine” or “experienced enough”
• Relying on past performance instead of sharpening skills

This isn’t arrogance. It’s self-protection.

Training requires vulnerability—admitting gaps, being critiqued, and practicing under pressure. For leaders who have spent years projecting confidence and authority, this can feel like a step backward. Add in unpredictable questions, the risk of losing control, not covering key points, being misquoted, and the pressure of being “on the record,” and it’s easy to see why many avoid putting themselves in this position.

Power of the Spoken Word

When leaders choose not to participate in live presentations or media interviews, they miss a valuable opportunity. Many underestimate the impact of being seen in person with employees, customers, and stakeholders—or on camera for a much wider audience.

Public speaking and media interviews may be the channels leaders fear most, but they are also the ones that most strongly influence trust, credibility, and organizational reputation. They are essential to every leader’s skill set.

The good news is these concerns can be addressed with the right framework and training.

If you want to turn presentation anxiety into opportunity, rather than an obstacle, contact Dave at dave@spokenwordgroup.com

The post Why Leaders Avoid the Moments That Matter Most first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

You wouldn’t know the moment you touch down at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, but it doesn’t take long to feel the momentum of one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. You see it in the construction delays along the bumpy road into Georgetown. You see it in the crowd gathered for the opening of the country’s first Wendy’s—an event big enough to attract President Irfaan Ali.

But the most transformative change in Guyana sits 120 miles off its coast.

ExxonMobil’s growing fleet of floating oil-production vessels, or FPSOs, has reshaped the South American country’s future almost overnight. They’re attracting new companies, new workers, and new investment every single day. And when a country and an industry are growing this quickly, how you communicate with the public, the media, and your stakeholders becomes as important as what you produce.

That’s what brought me and Dave Scallan to Guyana in October for a seven-day visit—Spoken Word’s fourth trip to the country. Our next visit is already scheduled. We worked with Guyanese professionals and expats in the oil and gas sector to help them present more powerfully, deliver clearer messages, and build trust.

Guyana’s position today is a sharp contrast to when it was among the poorest countries in the hemisphere. Its economic outlook shifted dramatically after the discovery of offshore oil in 2015. Exxon’s commercial production began in late 2019 and the transformation since then has been historic. It’s projected to have the fastest growing economy in the world in 2026.

The oil sector in South America’s only English-speaking nation is booming. Exxon and its partners report daily production in the Stabroek Block has reached 900,000 barrels per day, with capacity expected to surpass 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030.

And here’s what makes those numbers even more remarkable: Guyana’s population is only about 800,000 people—roughly the size of Charlotte or San Francisco. A country smaller than many U.S. cities is now producing oil at a scale that rivals much larger nations.

When you operate in a market that’s moving this fast—one where government, community, and media relationships shape every project—you can’t afford to let your message fall behind your momentum. Communication must be as intentional and strategic as your business plan.

And that’s where Spoken Word Communications comes in.

In a place where every decision matters and every voice carries weight, we help leaders refine their message, strengthen their presence, and build trust. Whether you’re in Houston or across continents in Georgetown, we make sure you’re not just speaking—you’re being heard, understood, and remembered.

The post On the Ground in Guyana: Communication in a Country on the Rise first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

But as I read through the list, I couldn’t help but think about the albums that were missing—those seminal releases that defined entire generations. Titles such as: Bat Out of Hell by Meatloaf, Blondie’s Parallel Lines, and Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms; all game-changers when they hit the airwaves in the late 1970s and 80’s (I was in my teens at the time – so yes, this dates me!)

These albums weren’t just collections of memorable tracks. Their cover art became instantly recognizable, etched into pop culture. Brothers in Arms even earned a place in tech history, as it was often used to showcase the sound quality of early CD players in the 1980s.

‘Best of’ lists are a staple content for media – especially as the festive season approaches. Case in point being Bing Crosby’s Merry Christmas album, featuring the enduring White Christmas, which has sold over 15 million copies since its 1949 release. Many would argue this album deserves top-billing as well. It shows how music can invoke huge personal emotion and transport us back to key moments in our lives, as well as showing how it has played a prominent role in society.

What made this particular ‘best of’ list stand out was its storytelling. It didn’t just rank albums by sales, it explored how each one was conceived and shaped the music industry, and why it resonated with listeners. It also invited readers to reflect, respond and share their own favorites – which I did!

That same philosophy drives our work at Spoken Word Communications. Our executive presentation training is rooted in the power of storytelling – capturing attention from the first word, sustaining audience interest, and inspiring action through an emotional connection. Above all, we help equip leaders to deliver presentations that are not just heard, but are memorable.

If you’re ready to elevate your presentation skills and become one of the standout performers in your field, we’d love to support you. And while we’re at it—what albums would make your Top 50?

For more information, contact Dave@spokenwordgroup.com.

The post Elevate Your Presentations: Lessons from Iconic Albums and Artists first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

Hosting an industry networking event is no small feat. It demands significant commitment – both in time and resources. From choosing the right venue and crafting a compelling topic, to designing the format, managing hospitality, and curating the guest list, the workload is substantial to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Yet, one critical element is often overlooked: clarity on what the host organization actually wants to achieve and what success looks like? Without a clear objective, even the most well-attended event can miss its strategic mark.

I recently attended a number of industry events, with strong turnouts and positive energy in the room. But what struck me was how little the hosts revealed about their own role. Despite sending event invitations and reminders beforehand, their presence on the day was understated. Their formal welcome was brief, focused solely on encouraging everyone to enjoy the hospitality and encourage networking, with no insight into the organization’s purpose for hosting – despite acknowledging many new faces in the room. There were no display panels to spark conversation or set the tone, and no handouts to reinforce key messages.

Some may argue that hosts shouldn’t dominate the spotlight or spend too long talking about themselves. I get  that. But let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as a free lunch! Most guests expect at least a short, purposeful introduction that explains who the host is, why the event matters, and what they hope guests will take away. Done well, it doesn’t detract, but adds value.

In these moments, a golden communications opportunity with a captive audience is either seized – or missed.

At Spoken Word, we help organizations make the most from industry occasions. We work with you to define your event goals, shape the narrative, and guide your guests toward meaningful action. Our storytelling approach creates instant connection, sustains interest, and leaves lasting impressions – while strengthening your brand reputation.

If you’re preparing for an event and want to strike the right balance between being a gracious host and achieving your goals, contact Dave@spokenwordgroup.com to find out how we can help.

• Set Clear Objectives for Your Industry Event: Define what your organization hopes to achieve and how success will be measured to ensure the event aligns with strategic goals.
• Communicate Your Purpose Effectively: Provide a short, purposeful introduction to explain who you are, why the event matters, and what guests should take away, adding value to the experience.
• Use the Event as a Communication Opportunity: Seize moments during the event to share your story and message, creating engagement and leaving a lasting impression.
• Enhance Your Brand Through Storytelling: Leverage storytelling techniques to connect with guests, sustain interest, and strengthen your organization’s reputation.
• Partner with Experts to Maximize Impact: Work with professionals like Spoken Word to craft a compelling narrative, shape your event’s messaging, and achieve meaningful results.

The post Maximizing Networking Events: Clear Goals Drive Greater Success first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

It wasn’t the last time I stumbled on air. But it was a turning point in my journey to becoming an effective communicator and a trusted on-air presence in TV markets across the country. I learned that the camera is the best teacher. And clear, confident communication is essential to building trust—whether you’re in front of a camera, a boardroom, or a crisis.

My broadcast career started over the airwaves in Rexburg, Idaho. I transitioned to TV in Utah, reporting for a national cable show on BYUtv while also contributing to the ABC and PBS affiliates in Salt Lake City. That’s where I learned to shoot, write, produce, and edit my own work—skills that became invaluable throughout my career.

I later joined the NBC-owned station in San Diego, covering everything from wildfires to crime to corruption. In 2017, my family and I moved to Boston, where I frequently reported on national politics. I still remember my first day on the desk, anchoring hours of live coverage of the Women’s March, one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history.

Later, we returned to Salt Lake City, where I launched, produced, and hosted the market’s first digital-only news show and podcast. Most recently, I anchored weekdays for the NBC affiliate in Cleveland, a role that opened the door to one of my career highlights: covering the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris for NBC News.

My experience abroad began even before I entered the news business. I lived in Guatemala and Paraguay, learning Spanish and volunteering with Amigos de las Américas. I later served a two-year mission in South Africa and Botswana for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after getting married, my wife Marisa and I lived and taught English in China for six months.

Through every chapter, effective communication has been critical. I’m excited to bring that experience and perspective to my work with Spoken Word Communications, where we help you communicate clearly, confidently, and with purpose.

The post Overwhelmed and panicked: even the most experienced speakers feel that. I did. first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

Back-up your Data
Keep your back-up files them on a separate system that hackers can’t reach, so you can bounce back quickly if something goes wrong.

Practice before it’s Real
Run simulated attacks to see how well your systems and teams respond. It’s better to find weak spots now, than in the middle of a crisis.

Watch for trouble in Real Time
Use tools that alert you the moment something suspicious happens – the faster you spot it, the less damage it causes.

Get the Right People in the Room
Cyber threats affect more than just IT. Bring in your legal, PR, and customer service teams, so you’re ready to act fast, and able to deal with multiple stakeholders, using credible spokespeople that can deliver key messages effectively and protect your brand reputation.

Keep Customers in the Loop
If your website or systems go down, have a back-up page ready to share updates and answer questions. It helps build trust when things go wrong.

Protect your Reputation
Tell customers and stakeholders what happened, what you have fixed, and what you’re doing to prevent a re-occurrence. Transparency earns respect.

The post Simple steps to stay ahead of cyber-attacks: first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

For thousands of Marks & Spencer (M&S) customers, a recent cyber-attack did exactly this; disrupting supply chains, reducing store footfall, slowing sales growth and reputing to cost the company upwards of $409m (£300 million). It affected customers’ everyday routines, raised serious data concerns, and called into question one of the UK’s major multinational brands.

And M&S was not alone; other well-known companies such as Harrods and Co-op also experienced similar attacks, which disrupted their retail operations.

A Growing Threat

Cyber-attacks are no longer isolated incidents—they’re becoming business as usual. Despite investing in sophisticated firewalls, data protection systems and employing skilled cyber-security teams, recent events have shown that even the best defenses can be breached. What’s particularly striking in the M&S case is how quickly this crisis also affected their high street stores and led to supply chains stalling, and shelves emptying. The ripple effect highlighted how inseparable online and in-store operations have become.

To their credit, M&S responded with a proactive communications campaign to acknowledge the situation and put customers’ needs front and centre. In times like these, transparency and empathy aren’t optional—they’re essential.

Planning for the Inevitable

Facing a cyber-attack is no longer a question of if, but when. Many organizations are already witnessing more frequent attacks, and their preparation needs to be strategic and technical. Critical steps to consider include:

1. Planning Ahead: cyber-attacks must be built into your risk management strategy. Preparing for the expected and unexpected before a crisis hits is a fundamental part of running an organization, and is the only way to stay one-step ahead.
2. Communicating Early: clarity and decisiveness matters. Understand what you need to do internally, let customers and key stakeholders know what’s happening and what you’re doing about it—quickly, honestly and openly.
3. Training Your Spokespeople: Whenever speaking to the media, customers, employees, or supply chain contacts, your spokespeople must be confident, clear, and credible. Poor communication can often do more damage than the attack itself.

What the Experts Say:

The recent cyber incidents have underscored the growing urgency for robust digital defenses. Dr Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), described the attacks as “a wake-up call to all organizations,” and urging leaders to strengthen their resilience against increasingly sophisticated threats. Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Teacher, CEO of T-Tech, noted: “No cyber-attack is entirely preventable. Businesses should have controls strong enough to minimize the impact.” These statements reflect a broader consensus that whilst absolute prevention may be unrealistic, proactive investment in cyber security protection measures are a business imperative.

How Spoken Word Can Help:

At Spoken Word, we specialize in all manner of crisis communications. Our global team works with clients to craft clear, tailored messaging and prepare spokespeople to deliver them with confidence—even under pressure. We know what it takes to navigate the tough questions and protect your brand when it matters most.

For more information on how we can help your organization with its cyber-attack preparation and on-the-ground support, contact dave@spokenwordgroup.com

The post When Trust Is Tested: The Cost of Cyber Disruption first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.

Finding Peace

Let’s face it. We are all drowning in responsibilities that pull and stretch us way too many directions. And it seems they come on the eve of an important presentation scheduled for the following day. Admit it. It’s happened to you. You get lost in a world of constant noise and distraction that inevitably blinds us from a critical work project—that darn presentation, public speaking engagement, a one-on-on gathering with a stakeholder, or that ever important meeting with a superior.

We Need An Escape

What’s my escape? A run, a swim or a bike ride. I’m currently training for an IRONMAN event scheduled for April. It’s a grueling 140.6 mile course that starts with a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike race, then straight to a 26.2 mile marathon. It’s considered the most physically challenging one-day endurance test in the sporting world. But as difficult as the training is for this event, I have learned some incredible lessons about mental hurdles.

1 % Better

We all need our time to ponder, reflect, meditate and rehearse in our in our minds just how “good” we can be tomorrow—1% Better! The mind is a powerful thing and imagining ourselves performing at the top of our game is a critical element to improving our skills. As I travel the world consulting companies everywhere, my “break-away”, my “peace”, my “escape” from the busyness of life is my training. Whether I’m swimming, biking or running, my mind is rehearsing countless responsibilities with visions of what I can do better, even if it’s just 1%.

Think It & Do It

One of the teaching elements of Spoken Word Communication is to meditate or imagine yourself being a more powerful communicator. Think it and you will do it! I like to call it my, ‘moments of inspiration’. And I have felt it and lived it from running the streets of Rome, on a cruise ship in seas and oceans everywhere, biking through Europe, or running the streets of dozens of cities throughout the world. The technique is simple—rehearse it in your mind during your, “escape”, and you will “live” it later.

Find your escape, and you’ll come to learn the power of pondering and meditation. A visionary mind takes people to the next level in their communication skills. And we—Spoken Word Communication—will teach you how to do it.

The post Triathlon Training: More Than Just Exercise first appeared on Spoken Word Communications.