If you’re a communications professional, success doesn’t just come from following the rules—it comes from combining the technical know-how of your craft with creativity and dedication. While there are many traits that contribute to becoming a thriving communicator, three key attributes stand out: cross-platform communication, expertise in crisis communications, and connection to an audience. In today’s post, we’ll explore why each is essential for success in any communications role. Through concrete examples and tangible advice, by the time you get to the end this post, you’ll be well on your way to taking your career as a communications professional to new heights!
The Ability to Communicate Both Verbally and In Writing
The ability to communicate in a variety of ways is essential for success in communications. This includes public speaking, cross-platform communication using various media forms, and the ability to convey messages effectively in both conversational writing and communicating a narrative story. A successful communications professional must have the ability to have their message resonate with an audience, no matter which medium it’s delivered through.
“Drawing from over 20 years of communication experience and expertise, I have been able to leverage my unique skillset to support clients ranging from school districts to franchisors,” said Tara Thomas Gettman, a communications consultant in the Waterloo, Iowa area. “By adapting my skills to customize the individual needs, I can tailor each project or service to maximize exposure and response or minimize fallout and negative brand impact.”
Being able to bridge together public speaking platforms with effective cross-media outreach is a very powerful tool for any campaign. Writing skills are also essential for success in this field as well – having the ability to craft compelling stories that will draw an audience in is necessary for success. In summary, a communications professional must be adept in public speaking and conversational writing across various platforms to create attention-grabbing campaigns.
Adeptness in Crisis Communications
The lifeblood of an effective communications professional is their adeptness in crisis communications. Developing detailed plans and proper protocols can be the difference between winning hearts and minds or leaving them largely unaffected. Thomas Gettman shares her strategies in expertly handling crisis communications.
“Immediately getting the details to quickly determine what needs to be communicated to whom, and through which mediums,” said Thomas Gettman. “Best practices include consulting with all the key players to gather insight/input, writing customized messages for each segment of your target audience and when necessary, engaging with stakeholders orally when possible vs. simply in writing.”
Knowing how to develop detailed crisis plans and customize messaging that resonates with stakeholders will bring success to any communications professional.
Connecting to An Audience
A successful communications professional understands how to target and connect with their desired audience by crafting custom messages based on their understanding of the target demographic. This takes time, effort, and staying up to date on market research within the target niche.
Great communicators are those who understand that it’s not just about delivering an impactful message, but also actively engaging with the target audience in order to make lasting impressions. To be a successful communications professional, it is paramount to build meaningful relationships with your target audience in order to achieve consistent success.
By putting in the effort to communicate effectively, you can make a real impact on your work and become a communications expert. From mastering verbal communication to learning how to draw an audience in with your words, implementing strategies based on the above traits will help you become an effective communications professional. Learning the art of crisis communications is also paramount to making sure you handle yourself well in difficult situations. Take some time to practice these skills today and see how it can elevate your status as a successful communications professional. With such strong knowledge and credentials, you’re sure to reach higher levels of success and gain recognition from peers and employers alike.