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.

Who’s on First?

Who’s on First?

Remember the classic Abbott & Costello “Who’s on First” routine? Referring to a baseball team, Lou Costello keeps asking Bud Abbott who’s playing first base. Abbott responds “Who” because “Who” is the actual name of the first baseman. The answer leaves Costello totally bamboozled. If you are not familiar with this routine, we recommend you...

Was the Long Trudeau Pause Worth the Wait?

Was the Long Trudeau Pause Worth the Wait?

When asked an unexpected difficult question, The Terri Ammerman Group believes a short pause of five to seven seconds can make you appear thoughtful before you give an answer. This week Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took that concept to a new level when he waited 21 seconds before answering a question about President Trump’s handling of...

Say Virtual Visual Three Times Fast

Say Virtual Visual Three Times Fast

You are participating in a zoom meeting or being interviewed remotely at home. Your tendency may be to slump in your chair, dress sloppily and look away from the camera. All are mistakes you should not repeat. Virtual Visual. It is not just a tongue twister. It should be a strong reminder that the way you look in virtual communications is just as...

Virtual Presentations Training – A New Offering

Virtual Presentations Training – A New Offering

As we all adjust to the new normal brought on by this historic pandemic, we wish good health to you and your family. We all share the same priority of keeping our employees and ourselves safe. We know that Covid-19 has created challenges in the way you communicate with the media, your clients, co-workers, and many others. And The Terri Ammerman...

New Zealand PM Describes How Her Social Distancing Orders Have Impacted Her Own Life

New Zealand PM Describes How Her Social Distancing Orders Have Impacted Her Own Life

As New Zealand begins to open part of its economy, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is not relaxing her social distancing orders for the public or herself. In describing her own experience during a remote interview, Ardern displays her good nature, sending a message that is relatable and comforting. It also gives her credibility when she emphasizes...

Isolated Astronaut in Space Has Advice on Social Distancing

Isolated Astronaut in Space Has Advice on Social Distancing

There is nothing like a great analogy, example, or personal story to help communicators launch their messages during a presentation or interview. During an interview from the International Space Station with Stephen Colbert, astronaut Jessica Meir offered guidance to everyone coping with pandemic social distancing by comparing it to her own...

New York Governor Hits the Mark with Clear Coronavirus Messaging

New York Governor Hits the Mark with Clear Coronavirus Messaging

Seldom has a crisis affected so many Americans as the Coronavirus pandemic. The crisis has left countless government officials at all levels scrambling to confront Covid 19 and to develop accurate, concise messages they can deliver to the public. With New York suffering the most cases and deaths of any state by far, Governor Andrew Cuomo has been...

Do your homework and double-check it!

Do your homework and double-check it!

So, you’re in the middle of an interview and you decide to mention a clever little anecdote that you saw on social media. But what if that anecdote or any other tidbit of information you might rely on is demonstrably false? Well, it will be obvious to the world you didn’t do your homework and your credibility will take a big hit. Take Mara Gay, a...