Formative Communications

06/02/2026

I have great faith in the next generation.

I went to the Brussels Press Club yesterday to hear Dave Keating ( https://www.davekeating.net ) from his new book “The Owned Continent.” How Europe signed up to a Faustian bargain because it was rather comfortable and politically expedient. And how Europe might respond now our benefactors (The US) are going rogue on us.

Thank you, Dave Keating for the reading, the discussion and for signing a copy of your book for my daughter Lily Manasseh. She is studying law and international relations at the University of Sussex and I pin my hopes on her and her contemporaries. They might just be able to help us Europeans through the mess our leaders have created and political choices that we voted for.

One clear message for all is us is education. If young Europeans do not understand how they are governed by their national governments and the EU, how can they possibly influence those who set the rules?

My message to anyone who values and loves Europe like I do. Read this book and then pass it on to someone you know in the next generation. It might just be the best thing you have done so far this year.

Check out Dave Keating's Substack for this and more https://lnkd.in/g2rkZnhk

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18/11/2025

What skills should staff be learning in 2026? Join us for breakfast Tuesday 2 December and a conversation about the skills that will matter most in the near future.

At Formative Communications, we’re hosting a small, informal event to explore next year’s training for those working in policy communications and management in an AI-enhanced workplace.

It’s a chance to exchange ideas about:
• Thinking critically and making better decisions under pressure
• Communicating clearly and with empathy
• Building confident, self-managing teams

Helen Dunnett and I will also share insights from our recent programmes with policy organisations. The learning landscape has shifted quickly this year, and we’re keen to discuss what that means for professional development in 2026.

🗓 Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025
🕤 Time: 09:30–11:00
📍 Venue: Silver Square, 35 Square de Meeus, B1000 Brussels
💡 Cost: Free, including breakfast

Please RSVP by 25 November to [email protected].

More on our thinking here: https://lnkd.in/e-yM4na5

We look forward to seeing you and hearing your thoughts on what your teams need to keep learning next year.

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24/04/2025

🔊 Voice. Vulnerability. The AI era.

This week on The Podcast it's meee!

Together, we spoke about
🔹How skills training is evolving in the AI era
🔹Why writing still matters, and more

🎧 Listen now →

The Podcast · Episode

24/04/2025

Now my AI assistant can draft a press release in seconds, it’s the human thinking behind the message that will stand out. That’s why smart organisations will invest in these skills—because strategy begins in the mind. ✊

Read more here 😉

Sharper human thinking - future-focused skills for work Our human skills of problem solving, critical thinking, leading with empathy are vital in the AI

09/04/2025

Step away from your desk - it's time to speak up
You have done the hard work — now it’s time to share it with everyone.

Your key opinion formers, policy makers and partners need to hear your ideas. So, it’s time to work on your public speaking skills for meetings, conferences and panels.

We organise bite-sized workshops in-person and online for teams of staff.

What we cover:
✅ Presenting online (Teams, Zoom, hybrid)
✅ Speaking at panels, meetings & conferences
✅ Structuring your message for maximum impact
✅ Real-time feedback with filmed practice sessions

Ready to elevate the presentations skills of your team? Contact us at [email protected]

31/03/2025

Are we asking the right questions about AI? We're either terrified, sceptical or can't wait to embrace it. Or all three. There's no doubt that those of us who can adapt will do more than just survive.

A big shout out to Jacques Foul for his very thoughtful presentation using AI to create content at IABC EMENA last Friday.

Got me thinking that I don't always ask the right questions for prompting. So more critical thinking. 🤨

It's your assistant that can do about 80% if you are lucky. But you need strong editing judgement to review, refine and fact check. ✂️ 🚦

The human skills we need to upgrade are problem solving, creative thinking and critical thinking. 🤭 Watch this space, my friends. 😉 Watch this space.

Note: the featured PowerPoint slide is from Jacques Foul's presentation. Contact him for more. 😇

08/03/2025

Here is the first in a series of podcasts about Frontex that we collaborated on.

06/03/2025

Clip from the recent podcast with Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens recorded with Formative Communications trainer John Holland as part of our work with the agency.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG0xiHQtBmr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

05/03/2025

Master Content Creation with AI workshophttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/brussels-city-connect-iabc-emena-tickets-1263000070209

21/02/2025

It takes a special kind of person to rock up to a policy meeting with only a vague set of talking points. But sometimes it comes across like that. 🙄
I train lots of people (movers and shakers) to prepare for high level meetings and quite honestly their vocal skills, body language, stage presence are usually pretty good. But what I observe is how a policy pitch can start to waver and go off track 😳
The way you frame your pitch makes the difference between capturing your audience or losing them in directionless complexity. 😮‍💨
Here are my tips on structuring your pitch 😇
https://lnkd.in/ewKBYv9F

24/01/2025

As a manager, how would you give feedback to Barry? 😳
https://lnkd.in/eAyDi_Fv

Your role is to steer the conversation through questions. You want him to do most of the talking (70%). He needs the space to express himself before you deliver your feedback. Be clear and simple in how you articulate your feedback. Avoid over complicated conditional language. Keep it straight to the point.
Avoid “why” questions as these do not allow progress. Ask forward pointing questions “what do we need to put in place….?”

The feedback process includes several stages:
1. Start with open questions to kick off the feedback
2. Drill for detail – about what happened
3. Deliver your feedback (raising awareness)
4. Explore and agree new approach going forward
5. Thank him 😇

Good luck! And contact me at [email protected] for more on our management communications training. 🤭

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

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17/01/2025

We trained a lot of teams last year and here are my reflections. I am so lucky to run a communications training company this city. We work with talented, motivated teams who show great potential. Keeps me young and on my toes.

The “war for talent” means that to keep staff we need more than a competitive salary or promise of promotion. It’s about giving them the tools and confidence to perform. And maybe even have fun with their work.

What training and development are organisations in Brussels investing in?

Training that boosts personal confidence to overcome their hesitations and learn to express themselves effectively in meetings, presentations and negotiations.

Credibility through pitch perfect communications. Staff who communicate clearly and to the point make a noticeable impact with our clients, members and policy makers.

The policy world involves working with high-level external contacts, members, clients all against a lot of tight deadlines. We are in the thick of it. Teaching staff how to stay calm, clear, and composed is good for them, but for you too.

Our training is also about shaping leaders and learning how to influence decisions or manage a team. Your young talent today are the future decision-makers who will drive your organisation forward tomorrow. They are waiting for your investment. 😉