CommaKazi Speek Podcast

On June 29, 2011, I joined a group of professional communicators from across North America in downtown Chicago for the "<a href="http://wrwlivechgo.eventbrite.com/">Writing Across All Media</a>" Workshop presented by Steve Crescenzo and Jim Ylisela.

Listen to this 5-minute post-event interview of Steve, attendees and even Scout, the young daughter of writer David Murray. Scout didn't attend the workshop, but she did attend the Chicago Cubs game afterward, along with her parents.

This was a very practical, and very engaging, seminar in which Write (Steve) and Jim (Rewrite) explained how to:

   1. Transform your communications department from a funnel pumping out every content request to a filter making good decisions about what to write, how to write it – and what doesn’t make the grade.
   2. Create a “news desk” to decide which channel a piece of content belongs in – print, online, social media, audio or video, e-mail or face to face.
   3. Change your web (or intranet) writing style to adapt to dramatic changes in the last two years.
   4. Compose an effective blog that will draw readers and inspire comments.
   5. Master the art of Print 2.0 – and give your publication new life.
   6. Make the best use of Twitter’s 140-character limit – it still demands good writing.
   7. Write for podcasts and other audio channels, which are fast becoming the most popular corporate communication tools.
   8. Write for video, to create stand-alone video stories that go beyond “talking heads.”
   9. Draw a crowd around typically boring corporate topics and initiatives by telling those stories across various media.

Barbara Fagan-Smith is the founder and CEO of ROI Communication, an award-winning communications consulting firm focused on helping large organizations adapt and succeed in times of change.

Tom interviewed Barbara during a recent visit to Chicago. Barbara attended the Jan. 19, 2011 professional development luncheon organized by IABC/Chicago.

The 10-minute conversation included an update on the primary strategic focus in 2011 for the IABC Executive Board, of which Barbara is a member at-large through June 2012. Tom and Barbara also discussed current trends in internal communications that are on the minds of ROI Communication's clients.

00:30 IABC 'front-burner' topics for 2011

01:45 #1 Item is IABC Accreditation

02:40 How to make accreditation more 'scalable'

04:40 What ROI Communication clients are asking

06:10 Measurement

08:00 Join the IABC Executive Board!

09:15 Final thoughts

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe

"Outpost Ministries exists to help the sexually and relationally broken find healing and restoration through relationship with Jesus Christ."—from the Outpost Ministries website: http://www.outpostministries.org

A conversation with Nate Oyloe, Director of Youth & Young Adults Ministries, Outpost Ministries.

Last summer, I traveled with a group of middle-school children and my church’s youth minister to Bemidji, MN, for a week-long camp experience. Part of that experience included a two-part talk by Nate Oyloe, Director of Youth and Young Adults Ministries for Outpost Ministries, Robbinsdale, MN.

Nate’s topic was his journey from living a homosexual lifestyle that centered around same-sex attraction, to a change that has led him in a different direction in his physical and spiritual life.

If that last sentence raises your hackles, you aren't alone. Homosexuality is a topic that does that these days in the United States and elsewhere. People have become polarized about the matter for religious, political, social and personal reasons.

My views have been shaped by my background, which may be different than yours. Regardless, I ask you to keep an open mind as you listen to my recent interview of Nate. One of the reasons that compelled me to interview him was his personal story of moving from same-sex attraction to a heterosexual relationship with his wife. I’ve heard people get angry when someone suggested that this is possible, or desirable.

Personally, I don’t see my attraction to the opposite sex being something that I could (or would want to) change. Why would that be different for someone with a same-sex attraction?

Nate answered that during his talk in Minnesota, and he shared something just as important for people to hear. The “goal” of Outpost Ministries isn’t to convert every homosexual to heterosexuality.

They have a goal that every Christian in the world should rank as #1: Sharing the good news about Jesus Christ with other people. That good news is for the sick, the broken, the poor in possessions and spirit, and everyone else who is trapped by some sin in their lives.

Sin in OUR lives, because that’s all of us, folks!

I have family members, coworkers and friends who are living in the gay lifestyle. My biggest concern is that they might not receive the healing from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because they link Jesus with gay-bashers and hate-mongers.

Nate is different. His message is different, and it is one that I’m hearing more and more in my religious circles.

Don’t prejudge. Listen to this short interview and then either leave me a comment, or contact Outpost Ministries. Their website is www.outpostministries.org

----------------------

00:00 to 03:19 – Intro/Why this topic

03:20 to 04:30 – Nate's background

04:31 to 05:30 – What is Outpost Ministries

05:31 to 07:25 – Research regarding same-sex attraction

07:26 to 08:30 – Can same-sex attraction be changed?

08:31 to 11:44 – Is homosexuality a sin, and if so, is that sin worse than other sins?

11:45 to 12:15 – Redeemed people go to Heaven

12:16 to 13:30 – The opposite of homosexuality isn't heterosexuality

13:31 to 16:05 – Serve gays, don't bash them

16:06 to 18:22 – The cross is enough

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 2010, IABC/Chicago will host a lunchtime professional development session on social media, led by early social media adopter and consultant Barbara Talisman.The session is titled, "Social Media: Making the Most Effective and Efficient Use of Your Time."

Barbara is President of Talisman Associates, Inc., a full-service consulting firm working with public benefit corporations. In advance of the Feb. 16 presentation, Barbara was interviewed by IABC/Chicago volunteer Wanda Whitson. In this 10-minute event preview, they discuss some of the topics that will be covered during the presentation. This event will be informative to communicators and organizations looking to include social media in their communication strategies.

On the web, go to chicago.iabc.com to find out more about the Feb. 16 event, including how to register.

In this podcast, Barbara and Wanda discuss:

1. With so many social media tools and techniques available, where does a communicator start?
2. How similar, and how different, are the reasons for companies to use social media tools for their external audiences, compared to their internal audiences (e.g., employees and management)
3. Can a “smart” social media policy be used to convince control-oriented managers and executives to “let go” and feel that they can risk “making mistakes” with social media?
4. Other "can't afford to miss" points that Barbara will cover in her Feb. 16 presentation.

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Come hear the full presentation in person on Feb. 16!
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Maggiano’s Little Italy
516 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654

---------------------------------------------------------

As a communicator, you understand that different channels reach different audiences. But what are the best ways to integrate Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn into the rest of your communication strategy? Using a combination of case studies and discussion, this presentation will illustrate best practices surrounding the use of social media for internal and external audiences.

Throughout the session you will glean tips and tricks for easily incorporating social media, including how to plan, schedule, and measure social media messages. Join us and learn about:

• Cultivating relationships with virtual leaders
• Understanding the social media audience
• Starting personal dialogue
• Learning to let go
• Creating a smart social media policy
• Learning from mistakes
• Converting traditional event leadership into virtual event leadership

Barbara Talisman is President of Talisman Associates, Inc., a full-service consulting firm working with public benefit corporations. The firm provides hands-on fund development assistance, leadership training and executive coaching to non-profit organizations.

Barbara is an early adopter of social media and integrates it into all her work with clients. Barbara has been in the development field since 1983; teaches a variety of fundraising topics; and has been a guest speaker at conferences in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia. Barbara has published articles in Fund Raising Management, Fundraising Success, Association Forum, Fund Raising Institute, Advancing Philanthropy and Clout. She has been profiled in Crain’s Chicago Business, Entrepreneur Magazine, Today’s Chicago Woman, and Chicago Tribune.

You can find out more about Barbara at www.3talisman.com or listen to Barbara on BlogTalkRadio.

Angela Sinickas, ABC, Fellow of IABC, President, Sinickas Communications, Inc.

On Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, measurement expert Angela Sinickas will present practical and easy-to-grasp ideas for launching or enhancing existing measurement within a communications function. The presentation is offered by IABC/Chicago as part of its Professional Development Series.

In this 8-minute preview, Angela answers the following four questions, and provides some additional thoughts:

1. How can you assure someone who believes that they “aren’t a numbers person” that they can measure their communication efforts—and might even enjoy it?
2. Some overworked communicators may worry about adding measurement to their responsibilities. But can measurement actually reduce their stress levels?
   
3. Will your session provide practical tips without being too overwhelming for small communication staffs to implement?
   
4. The debate continues on who owns social media, Marketing or Public Relations, who should measure it, and how it should be measured? What are your thoughts on this discussion?
   

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Come hear the full presentation in person on Jan. 13!
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
1901 East Woodfield Road Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-240-1600 Register: http://ow.ly/U46H ---------------------------------------------------------

You've researched your audience, you understand your organization's direction, and you've executed your plan. But now you want to know:
Is the message clear? Is the program helping to change behavior?

All organizations, large and small, need to know if their communication programs are achieving the desired results. This workshop will help you determine if your communications are effective—and how to do it on a shoestring budget.

This session will cover how to measure your messages, channels and outcomes. Interspersed throughout the talk will be dozens of ideas for how you can conduct research at no or low cost, and often without either getting permission in advance or even having to bother your audience.

Some of these money-saving tips include:
* How to use observational measurement techniques.
* Ways to find free research resources inside and outside your organization.
* Free tools for tracking social media—both your own and those of other organizations mentioning yours.
* How to insert your research questions into other people's surveys.
* Using pilot/control groups to show the impact of different communication strategies.
* Using past communication mistakes to quantify future communication results.

Angela Sinickas is president of Sinickas Communications, Inc., an international consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve business results through focused research and practical solutions. Her publications (over 125) and speaking engagements in 26 countries have made her name synonymous with communication research.

She is the author of the manual, "How to Measure Your Communication Programs," a regular columnist for Strategic Communication Management and on the editorial boards of two professional journals. Angela’s work has been recognized with 17 IABC Gold Quills, including two for her website: www.sinicom.com, where you can download nearly all the articles she has written. She has developed a range of online and audio-based tools for organizational communicators to plan and measure their work.

Communication Planning in Times of Turmoil: How to Plan and be Nimble

Karen Horn, Principal, Horn Communication
Communicators know that planning is a fundamental resource in their proverbial toolkits. Are you and your team disciplined in your planning approach? When was the last time you updated your plan template?

Listen to this brief interview of communication strategist Karen Horn, as she discusses some of the points she planned to deliver on Nov. 18 during an IABC/Chicago lunch seminar. Karen was interviewed prior to the lunch seminar by IABC/Chicago member Julia Winn.

Arguably no one had a better view of turbulent times than Karen Horn, who led Washington Mutual’s communication team through the good times and as it spiraled into the largest bank failure. With access to the C-Suite executives and Board of Directors, Karen and her team made a positive impact during the most challenging of times. Moreover, they worked their plan knowing that the changes would affect them as well as the other employees.

Lunch seminar attendees:

1. Walked away with a model for employee communication planning—and listening—to use as a foundation for any major company change.
2. • Heard how to embrace new social media approaches in the planning process.
3. • Learned how to build trust with front-line employees through disciplined planning and strategic use of blogs and town hall meetings.

Karen Horn is known throughout the world in organizational communication as one of the gold standards in the profession. At GE, she created the first communication toolkit for managers. At Cisco, she designed an on-line strategic communication tool, now available to communicators worldwide through IABC.

In a 14-minute interview on the final day of the Sept. 22-24 Strategic Communication Management Summit 2009 in Chicago, Tom interviews Claire Leheny, Melcrum Director, North America.

They discuss:

1. Findings from a recent Melcrum global survey of communication professionals
2. How the current economic market is impacting internal communications, and
3. Changes within Melcrum, including the reason behind Melcrum's recent relocation of its headquarters from Chicago to Washington, D.C.
   

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe  is available from the PodSafe Music Network. 

In a 16-minute interview a few days prior to leading an IABC/Chicago lunch seminar, Tribune Company communication executive Gary Weitman spoke with Tom Keefe about journalism, public relations and the changing landscape for communicators and media companies.

If you are in the Chicago area on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, attend the IABC/Chicago event to join in a frank and revealing discussion with Gary. Here is information about the event.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Crisis Communication in a Changing Media Environment — A Conversation with Tribune Company"

Public relations and communications veteran Gary Weitman, SVP/Corporate Relations at Tribune Company, will guide you through a series of crisis events and communication solutions implemented over his tenure at Tribune. Sharing his war stories will provide you with tools to combat your next communication crisis. You've heard about it in the news, now consider what you would do if faced with:

• Selling the company and taking it private,
• Chapter 11,
• Selling the Chicago Cubs and
• PR/communications when you own the media.

Gary will explain how his team handled these situations and how a constantly changing media environment applies to real world communications.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Maggiano's Little Italy

516 N Clark St (at Grand)

Chicago

Register Now

Even if you cannot attend the presentation and discussion, enjoy this interview. I also will post a link to a video interview of Gary that will be recorded on the day of his presentation in Chicago.

00:00 Intro and Opening Comment
01:00 Gary Weitman's professional background
01:45 Advice to students considering a journalism career
04:15 Students getting practical experience
06:00 Understanding content generation
07:15 Journalism skills transfer to many professions
09:00 Importance of context and the world around you
10:00 What trend encourages Gary when he thinks of the future of public relations?
12:00 Challenges of managing internal communications in a media company
13:30 The evolution of Tribune Company
15:00 Come with no preconceived notions about Tribune Company

 

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe  is available from the PodSafe Music Network. 

Gary Weitman
Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations
Tribune Company

Robert Swan, OBE, is a polar explorer, environmental leader and special envoy to the director of UNESCO. As the first man to walk across both the North and South Poles, Swan witnessed firsthand the damage to the polar regions. Over a five-year period, he removed and recycled more than 1,500 tons of waste from the Antarctic Peninsula. He is a noted speaker at global environmental summits, a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for Youth and a visiting professor at the School of Environment at Leeds University. In 1995, Swan was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

On June 10, he delivered a powerful message to 1,200+ communicators gathered at the IABC 2009 World Conference in San Francisco. He also asked for help.

Listen to this 1-minute interview to hear what amazing challenge Swan announced at the IABC World Conference, and how you can help.

 

These Quick & Dirty podcasts are unedited MP3 recordings made with my portable digital recorder at the IABC 2009 World Conference at the SF Marriott in San Francisco.

#3 was recorded on Monday, June 8, 2009 following a presentation by Lynn Patterson, director of corporate responsibility at RBC Financial Group, Ontario, Canada. Lynn's presentation, "The Suite Spot: Transforming your corporate responsibility report into a communication suite," included ideas for moving away from a focus on corporate responsibility reports so that communicators instead can provide a "suite" of communications tailored to key audiences across appropriate media.

Our discussion covered the reasons to move in the direction of CS communications suites, examples of how it is done at RBC, and the possibly surprising thought that CSR departments may one day disappear--but the work won't.   

These Quick & Dirty podcasts are unedited MP3 recordings made with my portable digital recorder at the IABC 2009 World Conference at the SF Marriott in San Francisco.

#1 was recorded Saturday morning, June 6, 2009 in a cab. The interview is with Stacey Thornberry, IABC 2009 Conference Manager, as we headed to the Ocean Beach cleanup event. 

Subsequent podcasts will include interviews with IABC World Conference session presenters and attendees. Stay tuned!   

These Quick & Dirty podcasts are unedited MP3 recordings made with my portable digital recorder at the IABC 2009 World Conference at the SF Marriott in San Francisco.

#2, recorded Sunday morning, June 7, 2009 in my room at the Marriott.

Summary of the events in which I've participated since arriving here on Friday afternoon:

Meetup with Mike Zimet of the IABC SR Committee and two IABC IT staffers, Isaac and Tonia.

Community service event (beach cleanup).

Walking tour of Union Square / Chinatown. The above photo shows the two SF Chapter hosts, Molly Walker and Janet Bailey (seated, wearing black shirts) and Russell Grossman (standing to the left).

Bumping into IABC leaders and colleagues.

Subsequent podcasts will include interviews with IABC World Conference session presenters and attendees. Stay tuned!   

Show 21 Commakazi Speek

Jason Ryan Dorsey, the Gen-Y Guy (tm)

An 8-minute interview with author and speaker Jason Ryan Dorsey, who shares some information about the Gen-Y generation that isn't the typical points covered in a "Generations in the Workplace" seminar.

Social Responsibility—A Discussion with communications expert Roger D'Aprix. Commakazi Speek Podcast, Show #20

Sept. 28, 2008

Show Notes:

00:00–00:45  Roger D'Aprix out-take re: social responsibility (SR)
00:46–02:10  Intro / Show Theme
02:11–05:45  A broad look at SR
05:46–07:10  Is SR a good career path, or just a fad?
07:11–08:00  The SR / employee engagement link
08:01–09:45  Senior leadership must connect with employees
09:46–13:40  The Credible Company, Roger D'Aprix's new book
13:40–13:53  Outro

Recorded on Sept. 22, 2008 at the Melcrum Strategic Communication Management Summit in Chicago.

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe

00:00  Introduce Guests

01:15  Intro

01:30  EIU Journalism Enrollments Remain High

02:15  Preparing for a Different Sort of Newsroom

03:00  Journalism as a Career Path

05:00  Rick Popley, Chicago Tribune. Today's Newsroom

07:15  Is Journalism Worth Pursuing as a Career?

09:00  Ethics and the J-Student

10:00  Blogging and Journalism

11:50  The Gene Seymour Scholarship

I've decided to keep this Libsyn account for podcasts because, frankly, moving the feeds was more hassle than it was worth. Libsyn is only $5 per month, and even if I only post a few podcasts per year, that is a small price for the ease of use.

I was going to use PodPress on my WordPress site to consolidate podcasts and blogs onto one site, but after some real frustrations with trying to find the .xml file to edit for my iTunes subscribers, I gave up. (Even my wife, who does not understand why I'm spending time blogging and podcasting, agreed that the $5 per month is not a big deal.)

I may still experiment with cross-posting a podcast on this site and my blog site. I need to get comfortable with PodPress.

Anyway, I'll soon be posting an interview that I conducted with a licensed counselor and school psychologist on the topic, "How parents' expectations impact their children."

 

During a much-needed and unplanned sabbatical from podcasting and blogging, I thought about my plans for this site. CommaKazi Speek began as an extension of my desire to delve into the world of social media. First, I blogged. Then I created podcasts.

Both ventures provided me with practical experience and a better perspective of this portion of the social media space. They helped me to connect with other bloggers and podcasters. They let me stretch my professional skill set while having fun.

Like a lot of people, I have plans for my life--both professionally and personally. Those plans change at times, due to circumstances or opportunities. I wondered whether my blog and podcast could help me launch into a different phase of my career. They didn't. They remain a hobby without reward, other than personal satisfaction.

That only goes so far, when I have to balance other commitments and responsibilities. It has been several months since I've posted a new podcast--even though I have two nice interviews recorded, waiting editing. Frankly, I'm tired of feeling the pull to edit those recordings and get them published, when it would require me to give up time and energy that I want to invest elsewhere.

So with that realization, I'm planning to shut down this site as soon as I ready my CommaKazi Speek blog to handle podcasts. Why pay Libsyn to store my old shows, when I can't be sure when I will have new content ready to post?

Thank you to everyone who has listened to my podcasts and commented to me about them.

CommaKazi Speek Podcast Show 17
Aug. 4, 2007
An interview with Kem Meyer, communications director at Granger Community Church, Granger, Indiana, USA

I interviewed Kem Meyer of Granger Community Church just after she had led a day-long communication workshop for church communicators. I also got reactions from some of my fellow workshop participants.

We discussed the similarities and differences between communications produced by a church, by other not-for-profit organizations, and the corporate world.

How does Granger Church manage to be edgy in the often staid world of organized religion? Listen to this 20-minute podcast to get some real insights into what is driving the success of this church as it reaches its community through a different kind of mind-set.

00:00  Interview excerpt and show intro
01:15  Differences between church communications and corporations
02:30  Are church communicators in a rut?
03:50  Communication "Re-Directors"
05:00  When leaders "don't get it"
06:20  Stow the style guide!
08:40  Getting centered during a media frenzy
09:45  Why not survey DURING worship?
10:50  Conference participants react:
          Matthew Peters, Fortville Christian Church, Fortville, IN
          Matt McConnell, Park Chapel, Greenfield, IN
          Colt Melrose, Bethel Church, Crown Point, IN
          Amanda Pelser, Southbrook Church, Weddington, NC

Other links:
Workshops at Granger
wiredchurches.com

Show theme, "Rollin'"; by Barry McCabe

Communications that change the world for the better. A conversation with Bill Ryerson, president of Population Media Center.

Listen to a success story that shows how lives have been changed across the globe from an unusual force for good in social change: melodramas (soap operas).

00:00  Introduce Bill Ryerson, president, Population Media Center
02:00  The global problems being addressed: population, environment, health
03:11  Information itself is not enough to change behavior
04:07  An innovative approach--melodramas
07:40  Literacy positively impacted in Mexico
09:20  Family planning & reproductive health programs
10:40  Tanzania radio show creates huge behavior changes
12:00  Ryerson takes methodology worldwide
12:30  Ethiopia program reaches half of the country's population!
13:30  Local culture, language experts write content
16:50  Amazing success statistics
18:00  Touching letters
20:00  10-year goal: expand from 15 countries to 50
21:30  Looking to launch US trial program

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe  is available from the PodSafe Music Network.

Population Media Center: 145 Pine Haven Shores Road,
Suite 2011, P.O. Box 547, Shelburne, VT 05482-0547 USA
Phone: 1-802-985-8156
Fax: 1-802-985-8119
Website: wwwDOTpopulationmediaDOTorg

Technorati tags: 

tom keefe  commakazi speek  iabc  podcast bill+ryerson population population+media+center soap+operas melodramas

 

An interview of Ned Lundquist, ABC, of JOTW fame

CommaKazi Speek Show 15
Monday, July 9, 2007

This 12-minute podcast features an interview of Ned Lundquist, conducted on June 27, 2007 as we awaited our delayed flight to Chicago. Ned and I discuss the 2007 IABC International Conference in New Orleans and some observations about New Orleans, Ned's Job-of-the-Week (JOTW) email newsletter and website, and the current job market for communicators.

One correction to my recorded introduction of Ned: He now is with Alion Science and Technology.

Show theme, "Rollin'"; by Barry McCabe and the closing song, "It's Over," by Al Stravinsky of Doncaster UK, both are available from the PodSafe Music Network.

Fifth in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom visits Confederate Memorial Hall, the oldest operating museum in Louisiana. It was erected to house records, artifacts, reports and memorabilia of the Civil War.

Did the North really win the war? What killed more soldiers in this conflict than actual battle? Listen to find out.

Confederate Memorial Hall
929 Camp Street
New Orleans  504-523-4522
www.confederatemuseum.com

 

Fourth in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom reads a poignant essay written by the 5th grade class from St. Paul's Episcopal School which was impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and what they believe should be done to protect the community from a repeat.

This picture shows Jeremiah Gardner, his friend, Michael, and Isiah Gardner, all from McComb, Miss. posing in front of a display at the Louisiana Children's Museum, where Tom found the elementary school essay. The parents, Darin and Carol Gardner, gave permission for the kids to be photographed.

The Louisiana Children's Museum is located at 420 Julia Street in New Orleans. Visit their website: www.lcm.org or call 504-523-1357. 

Another episode of "Quick 'n Dirty New Orleans."

I spotted a special fundraising event that is being held from 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the Contemporary Arts Center.

Bourbon and Burlesque--it will offer everything that you want out of an event: bourbon and specialty cocktails, a cigar bar, strolling models, food (cuisine by Bourbon House), a burlesque review and a musical performance by the Troy Sawyer Trio jazz. Best yet: it's a fundraiser for the CAC, so most of the ticket probably is tax deductible!

I interviewed CAC Marketing and Public Relations Director Melissa Weber, who talked about this event, and the types of exhibits and events that are more typically held at CAC.

Contemprary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street
New Orleans
504-528-3805
www.cacno.org

 

 

Second in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom explores part of New Orleans--mostly as he tries to find his way back to his hotel--all of this while completely sober! Along the way, he finds a couple of tips to share with other tourists.

First in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom tells you about a terrific cajun restaurant in New Orleans: Mulate's, 201 Julia Street. www.mulates.com

504-522-1492

 

CommaKazi Speek Podcast Show 9
May 28, 2007

What does a telephone have to do with podcasting? If you think this is about Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) services like Skype ... you're wrong.

Send me your audio and email comments: tomATcommakazispeekDOTcom

Show Notes
00:00  Intro & Theme ("Rollin'" by Barry McCabe)
01:00  Memorial Day tribute
01:30  Tip: Recording without a digital device
03:05  Selecting the software
05:12  How's the quality?
06:11  Send me comments!
06:45  Closing song: "Sound of Summer" by the Lovebugs

Audioconferencing software sources

Global Crossing (www.globalcrossing.com/conferencing) This is the paid service that I use at work. Saves recorded calls as .mp3

Freeconferencecall.com (www.freeconferencecall.com) This is the free service I use for personal projects. Saves recorded call as .WAV files.

FreeConference.com (www.freeconference.com) This offers fully functional recording and storage capabilities, including telephone playback and easy-to-download, play, manage and store MP3 files.

Nocostconference.com (www.nocostconference.com) Unlimited automated and free conferencing calls on regular telephone lines. Free recording and retrieval of .WAV files.

Freeaudioconferencing.com (www.freeaudioconferencing.com) Use the number anytime 24/7 for free. Include up to 100 participants per call. For a "nominal fee" you can record and download calls. 

ConferenceCalls.com (www.conferencecalls.com) Per-minute charges for calls.

CommaKazi Speek Podcast Show 8
Interview Date: May 2, 2007
A follow-up interview with crisis communications consultant Gerard Braud, taking a closer look at crisis communications planning two weeks after the Virginia Tech massacre.

No, we haven't started summer reruns yet...this is a 12-minute follow-up conversation with a crisis communications expert who has helped many organizations prepare for the worst--and has seen firsthand how the lack of crisis planning can be as devastating as the crisis itself.

Braud shares some important ideas--including why text messaging isn't the "answer" in a crisis like the Virginia Tech shootings. He also provides a glimpse into the presentation he will make this June in New Orleans at the International Conference of the International Association of Business Communicators.

Show Notes
00:00  Intro
00:33  Anyone out there writing a crisis communications plan?
02:00  Communications can save lives!
02:40  This is affordable--and priceless
04:10  An emergency ops plan is NOT a crisis comms plan
06:20  What went wrong at Virginia Tech and why
07:15  Text messaging is not the "end-all, be-all"
08:15  Leadership behavior in a crisis
09:30  "It'll never happen here" and other fairy stories
11:30  Wrap-up

Braud Communications, 408 Heavens Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471
Phone: 985-624-9976 (New Orleans)
Fax: 985-674-9121
email: gerard@braudcommunications.com

Technorati tags: 

gerard braud

tom keefe

commakazi speek

new orleans

crisis communications

iabc

podcast

virginia tech

CommaKazi Speek Podcast Show 7
May 1, 2007
An interview with Kem Meyer, communications director at Granger Community Church, Granger, Indiana, USA

Not-for-profit organizations often struggle to get their messages out to their publics. Volunteer help can be difficult to count on. How does Granger Church manage to be edgy in the often staid world of organized religion? Listen to this 20-minute interview to get some real insights into what is driving the success of this church as it reaches its community through a different kind of mind-set.

00:00  What is "effective communication"?
00:35  Show intro
01:10  Introduce Kem Meyer
01:40  How big is the church's communication staff?
04:00  It all starts at the senior leadership level
05:20  "Typical wisdom" typically is wrong
06:05  Word-of-mouth now dominates mass marketing
07:35  Do churches deal with trust issues like companies do?
08:20  Kem still is skeptical of organized religion
09:15  MyLameSexLife.com
11:30  Work smart, not hard
12:12  Working with volunteers
14:40  July 30 Communications Workshop at Granger
16:50  How do we know what our audience needs and wants?
18:20  A tip to help churches organize their publications
19:00  wiredchurches.com

Show theme, "Rollin'"; by Barry McCabe

CommaKazi Speek Podcast Show 6
April 18, 2007
An interview with Gerard Braud on the topic of crisis communication planning.

00:00  Show theme, "Rollin'"; by Barry McCabe
00:15  Introduce Gerard Braud
01:00  Virginia Tech tragedy
01:25  Flawed Crisis Plan / A Learning Experience
07:30  Phones and Text Messages
10:30  Leaders in Crisis
15:30  Denial in New Orleans
22:15  The Workshop and Tour
29:00  Yes, New Orleans is Safe to Visit!

Braud Communications, 408 Heavens Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471
Phone: 985-624-9976 (New Orleans)
Fax: 985-674-9121
email: gerardATbraudcommunicationsDOTcom

CommaKazi Speek Show 5
April 1, 2007
Tom Keefe, Host
Guest: Shelly Cole,web designer and member of the WordPress Install4Free Team.
Contact Shelly via email: shellyATanekostudiosDOTcom
Contact Shelly via her website: http://anekostudiosDOTcom

WordPress: http://wordpressDOTorg
Install4Free Team: http://install4freeDOTwordpressDOTcom

00:00 Introduce Shelly Cole
01:15 Why WordPress?
03:15 The Install4Free Team
04:47 How "Install4Free" Works
05:30 Install Password Tip
06:40 The list of blogging tools that Shelly has used
07:13 Use WordPress as a Content Management System
11:10 Plugins are Scripts on Steroids
12:27 What if I'm not a Techie Geek?
13:40 Wrapup Music courtesy of the PodSafe Music Network: "Paper Thin," by Andrea Harper

Show theme, Rollin' by Scott McCabe

CommaKazi Speek Show 3
posted on March 13, 2007

Participants:
Gerri Nowoczynski, Kraft Foods Global Information Systems Communications Manager (gnowoczynskiATkraftDOTcom)
Jeffrey T. Walsh, KLC Associates Executive Vice President (jtwATklcassociatesDOTcom)
Karen Memory, Walgreen's Home Care
Tom Keefe, VW Credit Enterprise Communication Manager (tomDOTkeefeATvwcreditDOTcom)

00:00    Intro
00:50    What is a "Senior Communicator Forum"?
02:05    Topics: Social Media, Ethical Lapses
02:50    PR "Blooper List"
05:20    Hurting the Case for Social Media
06:05    Full Disclosure and Confidentiality
07:40    Educating Employees
11:45    Managing Translations
14:24    Get Info Past the "Roadblocks"
15:46    Reaching the Tightly Monitored Workforce
20:04    Let's Just Talk!
21:32    Wrapup

Show theme, Rollin' by Scott McCabe

00:00 Intro
00:18 What is a Senior Communicator Forum?
01:10 Introduce discussion colleagues
01:45 Topic: social media within Kraft Foods
02:00 Gerri Nowoczynski explains her role within Kraft
02:40 Kraft's podcast
03:30 Initial employee feedback: Thanks for sharing vision, viewpoints 04:15 Also using Articulate software
05:00 Kraft's not blogging because...
05:35 Takes investment of time and energy to podcast & blog (Tom Keefe)
06:00 Disadvantage of not keeping blog content fresh (Karen Memory) 06:10 Sees a cooling of enthusiasm for blogging, but not podcasting (Jeff Walsh)
07:15 SharePoint provides forum for employee questions (Gerri)
08:30 Scramble to communicate after announced potential merger (Karen) 09:35 Challenges of public companies (Gerri)

Show theme: "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe, courtesy of the PodSafe Music Network.

A conversation regarding the balance between a secure company network and a stifled work environment.
00:01 Hello!
00:15 Introduce Grant Rowsen, CGA
01:05 Not a sales pitch
01:20 Web sites are blocked where Tom works
02:35 What are the "security concerns"?
04:20 Need stronger business case for access?
06:10 IT should be protective--and responsive
07:35 IT does have a job to do
08:40 Possible solutions
13:30 Artificial IT hurdles
15:15 The fine line
16:15 "Firefly" by Kevin Burdick

Article: "Users Who Know Too Much And The CIOs Who Fear Them," CIO Magazine FEB 15, 2007

0:01      Introduction
1:40      What clutter?
3:05      Content matters
4:10      Use the right tool(s)
4:40      Can your CEO handle the truth?
5:50      Give AND take away
6:24      Integrating Print and Online Seminars
8:00      It's a business tool
9:25      The work still has to get done
10:11    Wrapup
11:20    "Rollin"by Barry McCabe

steve@crescenzocommunications.com

www.ragan.com