When my book, Influential Internal Communication, launched in April this year, we were guided by COVID-19 restrictions and I was unable to hold an in-person book launch. Instead, I chatted online to like-minded professionals through Zoom and Instagram Live and answered some burning questions. But – as you know – writing a book isn’t an easy task! I wrote most of it during the lockdown and it was hard to spend weekends inside writing after working at home all week. Putting all of my thoughts down in a book is one of the most vulnerable things I’ve ever done and I was spurred on by the support from my family, friends and my team. So I wanted to hold an event in person to celebrate and share my thanks.
After moving the date once from July, we finally all met at the stunning Coworth Park in Ascot, Berkshire on Friday. As always, the great British summer provided a range of weather… but, luckily we were well protected under a stretch marquee and the sunshine prevailed! Here’s a little flavour of the evening:
It was so great to get everyone together, sip champagne and socialise. Introduced by my good friends and podcast co-hosts, Trudy Lewis and Advita Patel, I gave a short speech and read from the chapter in my book about chaos:
Chaos is confusion. Communication can combat confusion. It doesn’t matter how complicated something might appear, a conversation, listening, communicating about it will help. When we are confused, we want to ask questions and we want to be heard. In organizations the role of the internal communicator is to facilitate that, ensuring people are engaged.
After signing many copies of the book, we all enjoyed some delicious nibbles and chatting into the evening.
Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a fun night!
Photos and video by Matt Dunkinson.
If you have any questions about how Influential Internal Communication can help streamline your corporate communication to drive efficiency and engagement, please get in touch. If you’ve read the book, I’d love to know your thoughts – please leave me a review here.