TEDxLausanne – Thursday 14 March 2024 in Lausanne

The next TEDxLausanne event will be held on Thursday 14 March at the Théâtre L’Octogone de Pully, between 17h30 and 21h30, followed by a cocktail dinner and networking activities.

Tickets:
Standard Price: 96 CHF
Students/AVS: 50 CHF

Embark on an exciting journey: TEDxLausanne Where Change Begins.

A Must-Experience in a new format!

Step into a realm where transformation takes root, a central point of creative energy and motivation where forward-thinkers from across the globe converge to exchange ideas, collaborate with experts, and spark initiatives fueled by unwavering commitment and determination.

Brand new: TEDxMasterclass “The Secrets to Delivering Engaging Presentations”

Prepare to elevate your presentation skills to new heights with our inaugural event, designed to empower you with the tools and techniques needed to deliver truly impactful talks. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out on your public speaking journey, TEDxMasterclass is your opportunity to refine your craft and make a lasting impression.

A line-up of thought-leaders

Get inspired and enter the conversation with our 12 speakers and performers, some of the most forward-thinking individuals.

Cocktail dinner and networking activities

Unique opportunities to engage with our speakers, partners, participantsLet us treat you to a delicious cocktail reception and a few glasses of wine, and engage in all kinds of networking activities: special Q&As with our speakers, live sketching, virtual reality goggles, framed discussions…

 

By | March 11th, 2024|Other events, Other resources|0 Comments

27th Webranking Report 2023-2024

 

For those interested, please find below an interesting webranking analysis, measuring the transparency of corporate communications across the digital channels of listed companies. This is the 27th edition of the Webranking Europe 500 2023-2024 research in collaboration with Comprend. This year, 44 of Switzerland’s largest listed companies have been selected for inclusion in the research sample, which considers the 500 largest European companies by capitalisation according to the STOXX All Europe 800 index.

To read the full report>>

KEY RESULTS OF THE 2023-2024 EDITION

Terna, Snam, and Eni emerge as the leading contenders in the European ranking this year, solidifying the dominance of Italian Energy and Utility companies.

Swisscom and Givaudan are the two Swiss companies among the Top 10 in the EU500 ranking this year, alongside five Italian, two Finnish, and one Swedish company.

Red Eléctrica de España earns the title of “Best Improver” in Europe, climbing 263 positions and gaining 21.2 points. Among Swiss companies, VAT Group demonstrates the most improvement in transparency (+14.6 points), followed closely by Belimo and Tecan, both gaining 11.2 points.

 

SWITZERLAND’S PERFORMANCE

In the Webranking research, Swiss companies display a mixed performance compared to their European counterparts. While Switzerland maintains an average score above the European average, with 47.9 points against Europe’s 47, the majority of Swiss companies continue to linger at the bottom of the rankings, with 64% scoring below the 50-point threshold. Noteworthy exceptions include industry leaders Givaudan and Swisscom, maintaining their dominance in the Chemicals and Telecommunications sectors, while Barry Callebaut secures the top spot in the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sector this year.

The overall performance of Swiss companies aligns with the European sample across all sections. Particularly commendable are the results in the Careers section, where Switzerland secured the second position in Europe with a score of 53%, tied with Italy and surpassed only by Germany with 59%. Additionally, in the Reporting and About us sections, Swiss companies demonstrate high standards, surpassing the 50% threshold for these criteria.

However, challenges persist when it comes to more technical financial disclosures, with Swiss companies scoring below half in both the Investor Relations (27%) and The Share (36%) sections. Further, gaps emerge in communicating ESG and sustainability commitments, scoring 47%, which falls below the European average.

TRASPARENCY TO COMBAT GREENWASHING AND BUILD TRUST

In an era of growing scepticism towards companies and institutions, the results of the Webranking research emphasize, once again, the importance of prioritizing transparency in corporate communications. This not only entails presenting data and figures but contextualizing them, narrating the vision, and illustrating the impacts related to the company’s key topics. Transparency, in essence, means reaching a broader audience through accessible language.

This year’s edition reveals encouraging developments, notably the improvement in communication targeting employees and jobseekers, an area historically among the weakest in the research.

However, financial communication remains a persistent challenge for European companies, struggling to offer a compelling interpretation of their strategy and investment case, which extends to their approach to communicating ESG topics, where the absence of tangible numbers, objectives, and examples often leaves statements superficial.

The real opportunity lies in making one’s commitment tangible, especially in the face of a vast and diverse audience that demands more than mere statements of intent. The Lundquist .trust research, which builds on Webranking, helps companies that demonstrate excellent levels of transparency to push towards new frontiers of credibility, transforming transparency into trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By | December 13th, 2023|News, Other resources|0 Comments

IPR – Free Webinar based on the book – “The ROI of LOL” – December 12, 2023

An interesting seminar organised by the Institute for Public Relations to be held online on December 12, 2023 at 12 pm EST:

Unlock the secrets of neuroscience and explore the transformative impact of laughter on corporate culture in our upcoming webinar, based on the book “The ROI of LOL: How Laughter Breaks Down Walls, Drives Compelling Storytelling, and Creates a Healthy Workplace,” by IPR Trustee Steve Cody, co-founder and CEO of Peppercomm and Clayton Fletcher, chief comedy officer of Peppercomm. IPR Trustee Linda Rutherford, chief administration officer and chief communications officer of Southwest Airlines will moderate this fireside discussion.

December 12 to discover how laughter can be a strategic tool for connecting with external stakeholders, finding new avenues for collaboration, and, most importantly, having fun while achieving business success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information and to join the webinar click here>>

By | November 30th, 2023|Other events, Other resources|0 Comments

How to Feel Confident on Camera

On the Driven Female Entrepreneurs Podcast recently,  I (Melitta) spoke with serial entrepreneur, journalist and course creator Lucy Griffths, about her best advice for those wanting to feel more confident on camera.

 

For 20 years, Lucy worked as a journalist often working in areas of conflict. But when she became pregnant, she was clear that she didn’t want to continue in that line of work, so looked for alternatives. She started an Air B’n’B business, but wanted more. Having gained a Masters Degree in Coaching, while covering the conflict in Iraq, Lucy decided to combine this skill with her on-screen and journalism experience to help women gain the confidence to become more visible, and share their voice through video.

 

Listen to this episode to learn more about Lucy’s fascinating business journey, and her insights and advice for those looking to share their story, message and knowledge with others.

 

“It’s so important to share your message and put yourself out there. If you don’t, it’s much harder to sell, build a connection and build an audience.” Lucy Griffiths.

 

Episode available on all your favourite podcast platforms and here: www.melittacampbell.com/lucy-griffiths

By | December 15th, 2020|Guest posts, Other resources, Professional development|0 Comments

Survival Skills for Freelancers

On the Driven Female Entrepreneurs Podcast recently,  I (Melitta) spoke with Marketing Copywriter and author of ‘Survival Skills for Freelancers’, Sarah Townsend, about how she has built her business and learned how to survive as a solopreneur.

Starting her own business was never part of Sarah’s grand plan, but when her daughter came along and working full-time as a marketing account manager was no longer possible, so her boss encouraged her to explore freelance work. It felt like the perfect move so she took the leap…but establishing herself as a new Mum and a freelancer at the same time was not all unicorns and rainbows!¨

However, over the next decade, Sarah learned (often the hard way), just what it takes to survive as a freelancer, and how to take control of her business and processes to get the best results for her clients and create a sustainable business in the process.

Listen to this episode to learn more about Sarah’s journey to date, and her fantastic advice for freelancers on how to thrive in their new role and build a business their own way.

Episode available on all your favourite podcast platforms and here: www.melittacampbell.com/sarah-townsend

By | November 25th, 2020|Other resources, Professional development|0 Comments

New guide: five steps to better email

Our March lunchtime speaker, Michael Gentle on business writing, has just published a new free guide “Five steps to better email – how to write emails that people will actually read”. You can download the guide here>>.

By | April 16th, 2018|News, Other resources|0 Comments

How to sound natural when reading a speech – guest post by Claire Doole

One of the best ways to project confidence when speaking in public is to follow a technique mastered by some of the great public speakers – Ronald Reagan, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill.

They all managed to read a speech, sounding conversational and unscripted, using a technique known as “See-Stop-Say“.

First of all print your text in large font with double spacing. Make sure that the sentences are short – ideally not more than 10 words so that your eye can absorb them easily. You may want to put key words in bold, as this will help you with emphasis and rhythm.

Practice speaking in the following way:

  • See – see each phrase and “record” a picture of it with your eyes. Instead of reading the whole section, let your eye “record” only the phrase or part of the phrase that you can commit to memory.
  • Stop – look up from the page and pause.
  • Say – say the phrase out loud from visual memory. Pause again before looking down to memorise the next phrase.

Pausing is the key to this skill. Pauses

  • Help you remember the phrase
  • Allow the audience time to digest your ideas
  • Punctuate your sentences
  • Build anticipation.

The great American jazz musician, Miles Davis, once said, “in music, silence is more important than sound”. 

This applies to public speaking too. Pausing is your best way of sounding authoritative. It automatically gives you “gravitas”. And, if you have a key phrase or message, pause before and after it for increased impact.

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

When I am preparing managers, executives, and CEOs to deliver keynote speeches, they are always amazed when I tell them that professional speakers, journalists, and moderators, always practice their first 20 seconds. It is the moment when you are most nervous so it calms the nerves if you know what you are going to say.

If you watch TV journalists before they go live, you will see that they are walking to and fro (movement aids recall) preparing their first answer.

It is always important to practice reading out loud your statement or speech so you become familiar with it. If you can remember the first 20 seconds that will also help as you can keep eye contact with the audience before you follow the “see-stop-say” model.

If you are delivering your remarks on stage, choose five spots in the room, which form the shape of a W – practice making your points to each spot. This will ensure that you include everyone in the room – even those on the sides who are easily ignored.

If you are reading your statement seated, like the diplomatic delegations at the UN, then you need to look up and straight ahead. The UNTV cameras will focus on you and the journalists, who receive the video footage, will be delighted as they will have a wealth of clips to choose from as you deliver your statement with impact.

Read the full post and more on Claire’s Blog>>

 

By | March 20th, 2017|Guest posts, Other resources|0 Comments

Global Geneva: A ‘local’ magazine with world-wide outreach

A new magazine has been launched – “Global Geneva” – aiming to be  a ‘local’ magazine for a world-wide readership exploring what international Geneva represents.

You can support the magazine by becoming a member – and help them reach their initial target of 5000 members! Join now>>

By | January 6th, 2017|Other resources|0 Comments

Please give us feedback on our new website

Geneva Communicators Network new website usability survey

Our site has recently been redesigned to improve its features and contents. We would like to get feedback on your experience as users so that we can improve it further. So we kindly ask you to take 5 minutes of your time to fill out this short survey. Feel free to add your comments and suggestions, we will take them into account for the future development of the site.

Thank you very much for your help!

 

By | July 6th, 2016|Other resources|0 Comments

New Board Game helps improve your Communication Skills

John Zimmer, our local public speaking expert, has designed and produced a fun new board game designed to help improve one of the most important and sought-after communication skills: public speaking.

Designed for 4 to 8 players, RHETORIC will challenge, engage and entertain you with a series of public speaking tasks. You and your fellow players will step onto the stage and take turns delivering a series of short speeches, as determined by the squares on which you land.

To learn more about the game visit: http://rhetoricgame.com

Order quick if you want it in time for Christmas!

By | December 19th, 2015|Other resources|0 Comments