Are people angrier these days? It is difficult to measure, but one thing is certain - people are more likely to show their anger and frustration openly. Or are they?

It depends. One place where some people are likely to suppress their feelings is the workplace. As a matter of fact, when there is uncertainty or upheaval, when belts are tightened or the company reorganizes, many people respond by trying to become invisible. Like garlic to a vampire, they believe that being largely unnoticed will ward off a pink slip.

Add to that the fact that there is plenty of bad news to go around these days and you have a formula for fear and loathing. What is the best way to prepare and deliver sensitive and difficult information? How do you ensure that you become more aware of what the audience is thinking? What sort of follow-up should you do? How will you know where things stand if you aren’t getting honest responses?

Now for the bullet points:

	Nothing outside of family defines and consumes people like their jobs. For many, a job is their income, health insurance, retirement, social life and sense of self-worth all rolled into one; thus the personal investment is often huge.
	The managers and HR staff tasked with delivering such vital and sometimes devastating news are often ill prepared to do so because they have never received communications training.
	Citizens are equal; employees are not. There is a clear pecking order that changes the communications dynamic. Many people believe they risk censure if they point out problems, suggest alternatives, ask blunt questions or even are honest with their superiors. And sometimes they are correct about that.
	The internal audience will have the chance to feed each other’s unrest on a daily basis. They may pine for the good old days or point out what they think is unfair. Expect such grousing to take place behind the backs of those who believe everything is copacetic.
	Every external audience is also an internal audience because employees read the paper, watch TV and own stock.
	Some news should be delivered face to face.
	Regardless of what the news may be, damage to morale and the work environment is a variable that can be controlled. Yes, it can.

It continues to dismay us that information for shareholders or the media is often handled with great preparation and care, while the internal audience is shrugged off. This may be due to the misconception that, as employees, they somehow understand things better. All we can confirm is that they understand things differently.

As we all know intuitively and research has shown, the words themselves are but a small fraction of what is communicated; it is the rest of a message that will make it or break it. Creating the right environment with knowledge, planning and foresight and knowing how to handle whatever is thrown at you offers the best chance for success. And while none of us wants to be the bringer of bad news, when it is done well, the messenger will have performed a true service.

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You have the skills, but you strive for more. Do you want to move to the next level? Would you like to challenge yourself in an environment that is both safe and tough?

Advanced Media Skills is a special Ammerman workshop that takes place only twice a year. It is an intense two days of skills building and think-on-your-feet challenges designed for professionals who must perform in critical communications arenas. This workshop tests skills and builds confidence. There is extensive simulation and role-playing supported by guided critique. Participants also have the opportunity to network with their cohorts - communications professionals quite likely in different businesses. You will be able to compare and share experiences and have in-depth discussions on the fast-changing world of impact messaging.

November 9 & 10, 2006
At our office in suburban Houston

Day One Focus: Media Relations
Strategic Message Development and Delivery
Mastering the Remote Interview
The News Media Today
Communicating Trust and Credibility

Hosted dinner that evening as a group.

Day Two Focus: Crisis Management
Twenty-first Century Crisis Management
Crisis Simulation
The Importance of Human Services Response

This workshop also provides valuable and timely reports
The News Media Today
What You Should Know about Today’s Crises
The Language of Trust
Creating and Cultivating Media-Friendly Management

This workshop is limited to ten participants, so please inquire promptly as to availability.

For details on curriculum and pricing, write or call 800.866.2026.

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