[VIDEO] Communicating When You Can't Say Something - With LeeAnn Petersen
What if there are certain things you can’t say at work?
I don’t mean the three taboos: Money, Sex, and Religion. I’m talking about when you’re in a sensitive-information area (think Human Resources or government work) or in a highly-regulated industry (think pharmaceuticals or healthcare).
Some things must be kept quiet, confidential, or hidden at all costs, for good reason* - like an HR matter. Other things need to stay in their own lane for various reasons: because you work in a competitive field, because there’s an election coming up, or because there’s certain language or a viewpoint you simply can’t say - or put in writing - due to the nature of your work.
Two veterans of government shared their expertise.
Despite what twitter would have you believe, even in politics, there are times you can’t express a viewpoint or an opinion.
I was so happy to sit down with two of my favorite communications gurus and veterans of The Hill - Randy Ford and LeeAnn Petersen. LeeAnn is the founder of L Street Partners and the National Women’s Collaborative. Randy is a Storytelling Strategist. Both have worked in politics and leadership. Both have been in the trenches of communications in politics. Both have seen communication trends come and go.
As someone who works with government and government-adjacent clients, I’m often faced with a dilemma as a communications coach: How do you teach someone to communicate a message when they are limited in what they can say?
Fortunately, Randy & LeeAnn gave me the tips I needed to hear.
See our short talk with LeeAnn below:
*NB: This is also why I have a problem with all this hand-wringing about “transparency.” Not everything can be transparent, and there’s a reason.
View more communication videos and tips (or just embarrassing stories):
Where Can I Practice Storytelling? Chicago + Nationwide
Need help with your own speech, presentation, or story? Get in touch to work with me or Randy.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I make public speaking and presentation skills easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. In addition to Presentation Skills workshops, I offer executive coaching and Keynote speeches. To learn more, Get in touch.
