Merrie Spaeth

Merrie Spaeth: Program Outlines

Crisis Communication in a YouTube Age
New media, particularly YouTube, is changing the dynamics of communication and subsequently, crisis management. The time frame to formulate a response has collapsed, as have the methods in which we deliver it. This session is designed to create awareness of this new environment, and to develop strategies and tactics that contain and control negative developments in a world of YouTube, viral communications and 24/7 news coverage.

Communication for a Competitive Advantage
Every business in every industry should examine their philosophy of communication and the skills of their people from the top of the organization and throughout all levels. Companies that do this aggressively will gain a competitive edge. During this engaging speech, you will discover the Spaeth philosophy as we explain how to take full advantage of communication and how to use it as a strategic business tool.

The first requirement for communication today is to move away from the mindset of what we want to say. Our radically new approach focuses on how people hear things, what makes them believe certain things and above all, what makes them remember some things and not others.

Verbal communication and talking to people are still the best ways to change their minds, to motivate them, and to differentiate yourselves from your competitiors. Anyone can learn these techniques and master the art of communication.

Crisis Communication and Beyond
Crises need not be as dramatic and uncontrolled as the Valdez oil spill or the Tylenol product tamperings. The definition of crisis is any unwelcome event or situation that forces the company to divert resources to manage it or risk losing a key component in its ability to survive. Almost all crises can be anticipated. It's the timing that's up in the air.

It is of paramount importance to organize the networks of information and to enlist your own employees as spokespeople and/or ambassadors. This means preparing for the crisis before it even happens. Communication should be organized from the mindset of what you want a target audience to remember, rather than from the mindset of what you think they should know.

The Spaeth speaker discusses this mindset, provides pointers on how to prepare for a crisis situation, and reinforces the importance of rehearsal, performance, props, and repetition.

Leadership Skills
The Spaeth speaker will give you ammunition to answer "yes" to all of the following questions: Does your staff quote you to others? Can you summarize what makes your company or products different or worthwhile? Do you know how to use humor to defuse a hostile situation? Are you ready to meet the press? Do you have courage?

In today's world, top business and organization executives have been saturated with new demands. They are told they must be leaders, not just managers, not just coaches; they must understand quality, diversity, empowerment, re-engineering and all other new efforts which will give their company a competitive edge.

In this speech, the Spaeth speaker proposes a new definition and approach to communication. The valuable techniques, the development of a sense of humor, of humility, and of the need to live up to the broader statements. This program will help America's leaders be more effective and carry the country's economic engines into the 21st century.

Credibility
Understanding and mastering the elements of communication and style can enhance the credibility of a speaker. Whether it's speaking to the media, the public, or another employee, these important skills will help you deliver a clear, concise message that will positively influence the listener.

The Spaeth speaker defines credibility from the point of view of what your target audience hears, believes and remembers. Spaeth's goal is to make you and your company more influential. Personal communication is often undercut. Corporate communication shoots itself in the proverbial foot, losing credibility and failing to enlist each employee in the effort to promote the company.

Why Professionals Can't Communicate
Spaeth speaker shows message consistency, relationship management and modern communication skills that will cut today's professional out of the pack. Learn the means to better package your message through effective communication.