Articles

The Terri Ammerman Group pairs decades of communications and media experience with relevant, current perspective. We understand the ever-changing needs and scenarios faced by companies, executives, and media professionals. Part of our training involves examining communications scenarios in real-time, so participants can clearly see what to avoid when speaking and what to say when delivering a clear, convincing message. Our team regularly offers perspective and insights on current situations through the articles posted here.

3 Skills Every CEO Should Learn from a Communication Coach

3 Skills Every CEO Should Learn from a Communication Coach

The ability to communicate effectively is frequently ranked the number one key to success by business leaders. In one survey, American executives earning more than $250,000 a year were asked to cite the primary factors in achieving success. First on their list? Communication skills. Training with a communication coach can help.

5 Tips for CEOs Who Don’t Like Presenting

5 Tips for CEOs Who Don’t Like Presenting

Without thinking too hard, you can probably name a handful of CEOs who enjoy making presentations, talking about their company and the products it makes, and even spending time talking with the media. CEOs such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg all enjoy presentations – sometimes flashy ones, sometimes modest ones, but always...

10 Essential Crisis Communication Tips

10 Essential Crisis Communication Tips

You hope your company never has to deal with a crisis, but as the old adage reminds us, hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If you keep your head buried in the sand, your company will not be prepared in the event of a crisis. That’s why crisis communication training is such a valuable exercise. By going through crisis communication...

Should You Show Up to a Sales Meeting Empty-Handed?

Should You Show Up to a Sales Meeting Empty-Handed?

Anyone who’s been in business leadership for a certain length of time has had the misfortune of listening to an abundance of sales pitches. We call this a misfortune because most sales pitches are entirely forgettable, and that means that they are a waste of time. Of course, some are memorable for the wrong reasons. That’s unfortunate, as well....

How to Use Social Media During a Crisis

How to Use Social Media During a Crisis

These days, the world moves at the breakneck speed of 140 characters a second. We expect our news to be the newest, our understanding of the world to be refreshed with the next page view, and our colleagues to update us on every move they make. The world moves quickly - and it moves even more quickly during a crisis. That’s why using social media...

To Craft a Strong Message, Think Like a Reporter

To Craft a Strong Message, Think Like a Reporter

Interacting with the news media can take many forms: A broadcast interview – TV or radio, live or recorded. An interview with a print reporter – in person or by phone. (Yes, newspaper and magazine reporters still exist!) A press briefing or news conference. An off-the-record interview where you and the reporter agree that what you say can be used...

Storytelling: The Secret Weapon in Your Next Quarterly Earnings Conference Call

Storytelling: The Secret Weapon in Your Next Quarterly Earnings Conference Call

For most publicly traded companies, the quarterly earnings conference call is an investor relations staple – an important communications tool to reach analysts and investors. Estimates are that 98 or 99 percent of companies today hold earnings calls. For good reason. For one thing, these calls help analysts develop more accurate earnings...

Why Media Training for Executives is a Good Call

Why Media Training for Executives is a Good Call

“That’s not what I meant!” “That’s not what I said!” “That’s not what I meant to say!” In the media, it never matters what you meant to say. All that matters is what you say, especially if you’re being recorded saying it. As an executive, the things you say could hurt your company and cost it thousands – if not millions – of dollars. That’s why...

Why You Shouldn’t Talk About the Competition

Why You Shouldn’t Talk About the Competition

They say that comparison is the thief of joy. There’s certainly truth to that. When it comes to communication with the media, forcing a comparison is also an easy way for reporters to grab a juicy headline. You’ve probably seen it before; an executive is discussing their company and position when a reporter urges them to make a comparison. It can...

Is it OK to Use Emojis in a Business Presentation?

Is it OK to Use Emojis in a Business Presentation?

A few years ago, putting emojis – smiley faces, frowny faces, etc. – in a business presentation would have probably led to a stern talking to by your CEO. Today, depending on your audience, using emojis in business presentations isn’t frowny-faced upon quite as much. This is not to say that it’s something you should do in a presentation often. In...