It’s somewhat ironic and apt that Victoria/Wellington University’s name debate is now a political argument. Ronald Reagan can perhaps lay claim to the phrase ‘explaining is losing’ – and that is exactly what happens when you use the term Victoria University. (Reagan’s contention was that messaging needs to be as simple as possible, with as … Continue reading Explaining is losing – let’s kill the name Victoria University
One of the roles in Toastmasters (I’m in Wellington’s Collider group) is Grammarian. I had that function recently and was asked to introduce the word ‘lexophile’, an expression I’d never heard of before. A lexophile is a lover of words, finding enjoyment in word play, anagrams, palindromes and the like. While researching the term, not … Continue reading A lexophile…probably many worse afflictions to suffer from!
Two words, two meanings and a demonstration of the power of the right question to…stop…and…make…you…think. You can’t help but flip between ‘over’s’ interpretation. It’s telling. Am I drinking too much? Am I sick of what drinking is doing to me? There’s no judgment, no high moral ground, no finger-wagging. There’s simply a little self-imposed jab … Continue reading A very telling two word question
A brand name by association can be a useful thing. Which is where Duckworth Lewis Accommodation has been clever in its nomenclature. This boarding house (formerly a pub) could’ve called itself Adelaide Road, Te Aro, Hospital Visitor Accommodation, or any number of lesser names. But, being located right beside The Basin Reserve (the home of … Continue reading A brand name that many will get…though some will go ‘huh’?
Perhaps it’s indicative of alcohol’s margins that they often have great advertisements. That is, they can afford to get their words right. So, and in no way condoning or encouraging alcohol consumption (though I do drink), here’s a very clever way to remind people Stella Artois has stood the test of time. “600 years of … Continue reading A more than beerly acceptable way to promote yourself
It is all too easy to start writing, come up with a first sentence… …and then the rest of the sentences. But something doesn’t feel quite right. That is typically because you’re not dead sure about what you’re writing about. For this reason, we greatly encourage our clients to drill down to the One Central … Continue reading Before you start your story…know what your One Central Truth is
As an individual, we are all many stories. From our sex to upbringing, religious and political affiliations, likes, food preferences…you name it, depending on your start point we can tell different yarns. Our businesses too are many stories. You could focus on many different aspects of what and how you provide a product or service. … Continue reading Why you can only tell one story (initially)
It would be interesting to know how long it took DHL to come up with its slogan/tagline (first, most important story). You can see it on their distinctive yellow courier vans – Excellence. Simply delivered. According to DHL’s website, this its actually its mission; its vision being to be the Logistics Company for the World. … Continue reading Three words – well chosen. Period
There’s many ways to tell a story,share a narrative. But all good stories share characteristics. We identify with human characters Any ‘journey’ isn’t interesting unless there are obstacles If the situation is the same at the end as the beginning, the effort of reading, watching or listening to the story feels futile As Carl Alviani … Continue reading Any story, including digital ones, fail if they don’t follow the rules
Why should we regard our instinct for story as a survival skill? It’s because our information exchange, along with our ability to solve problems as a group is how humans have got to the top of the ‘smarts’ pyramid (as far as we’re aware). Don’t forget, virtually all of human communication through the ages has … Continue reading We’re hardwired for story – here’s why