PLAYBILL (TABLE OF CONTENTS)
Curtain Up
Two roads diverged in a wood … and I took them both.
Preview
There’s no business without show business.
ACT I: EXPRESS YOURSELF
Scene 1: The Power of Story
From the cave painters to Tony Soprano, everybody’s got a story. Summon it, shape it, tell it.
Scene 2: Tap Into Emotion
In acting, emotion is everything. In business, it’s a dirty word. But facts will only get you so far. Six tips for pumping up the emotion.
Scene 3: Show, Don’t Tell
More than words. What we can learn from David Mamet, Jon Hamm and Austin Powers.
ACT II: PLAY TO YOUR AUDIENCE
Scene 4: Listen Up!
Vincent Vega’s trying really hard to listen – so should we. Eight ways to be a better listener.
Scene 5: Connect and Project
Before stepping onto the stage – literally or figuratively – think about your audience’s expectations, mood and interests and how to connect with them.
Scene 6: His Master’s Voice
Just like a character’s dialogue, every person and organization has a voice. Capturing tone, rhythm, and style will help your communications ring true with audiences.
ACT III: A SCRIPT THAT REALLY PERFORMS
Scene 7: Language Matters
Here’s an offer you can’t refuse: surefire ways to make your words soar.
Scene 8: Plainly Speaking
Is your company a Laurence Olivier in a Bobby DeNiro world? Communicate like a human, as if you’re talking to another human.
Scene 9: Getting from Point A to Point B
What sketch writing can teach us about discipline and focus in our communications.
Scene 10: Staying on Message
Don’t break character or drop your gig. Observations on better messaging.
Scene 11: Using Humor
Seven super-hidden secrets about using comedy that the comedians won’t tell you (unless you ask).
INTERMISSION: LET’S ALL GO TO THE LOBBY
Grammar Peeves
When it comes to enforcing the rules, we are all, sadly, “The Simpsons” Comic Book Guy.
ACT IV: GET ME REWRITES!
Scene 12: Slash and Burn
Take it from Tommy Lee Jones: less is more. Writing, like art, is about choices.
Scene 13: Edit Unto Others
Eight steps to becoming the type of editor you yourself would like to have. And how to avoid being labeled the Sean Young of the business world.
ACT V: ACTION!
Scene 14: Overcoming Barriers to Communication
Do you live in a van by the river? The fears, assumptions – and lawyers – that keep people from communicating. How to break through the common roadblocks.
Scene 15: Always Be Rehearsing
All the world’s a stage. Six ways to make the most of your time on it.
Scene 16: Find Your Own Process
Hemingway wrote standing up. Who cares? The only “right” way to write is the way that works for you. How to find it.
ACT VI: THE BIG PICTURE
Scene 17: In the Spotlight
Life is an audition, and you’re always “on.”
Scene 18: Communication Drives Strategy
SNL goes on the air not because it’s ready, but because it’s 11:30. There’s nothing like a little public shaming to drive deadlines, accountability and strategy.
Scene 19: Creating Cathedral Builders
Are your people principals or extras? Ten ways to transform the organization through communications.
ENCORE
Stand Up, Stand Out
Don’t be such a Homer! Let go of your fears and limitations and start performing.
CURTAIN CALL
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank the Academy …
