by Steve Adubato, PhD

When a crisis occurs—including natural disasters like Hurricane Irene—there is often debate as to how those in charge should communicate. These questions revolve around who should be the “communicator-in-chief”, how much information should be shared, how often communication takes place, what mediums should be used, and whether you should speculate on “worst case scenarios”. Hurricane Irene has not only left devastation, death and billions of dollars in economic and personal losses, but it has also raised some questions about how our leaders communicated leading up to, during, and after this much-publicized event.

by Steve Adubato, PhD

Body language often speaks louder than words. Consider the case of A.J. Burnett, the New York Yankees pitcher who makes $16.5 million per season but is consistently booed by Yankees fans who believe he is an underachiever and grossly overpaid.

by Steve Adubato, PhD

Facebook is a funny thing. We call those who communicate with us via Facebook “friends” even though sometimes they’re anything but friends. People of all ages, but particularly younger people, are constantly communicating via Facebook. They friend each other, they share information, sometimes very personal and embarrassing information. They communicate with pictures of themselves, friends and family in all sorts of venues. In many ways, the way we connect with the world around us is being shaped by how we choose to present ourselves via this omni-present social media phenomenon.

by Steve Adubato, PhD

As I write this column, a battle rages in Washington on whether or not the federal government will increase the debt ceiling limit by an August 2nd deadline. The debt ceiling has been raised over 100 times in the past and according to most experts, this is critical to allow the federal government to continue to borrow money and pay its bills. If not, our government could default on its loans. That’s a pretty bad thing.

by Steve Adubato, PhD

Very often, we don’t know what to say or how to communicate in difficult, painful and tragic situations. Sometimes, when we are confused and perplexed in this way, we choose not to communicate at all. A friend or a relative has lost someone close to them and we are so overwhelmed that we don’t reach out, we don’t call, and we don’t send a note. We don’t even e-mail or text.

by Steve Adubato, PhD

I’ve said it before in this space, but it bears repeating. Great communicators—even competent communicators, must know their audience. But when a professional broadcaster who communicates for a living is so misguided and off the mark with his audience, there is a lesson for all of us.

by Steve Adubato, PhD

Talk about a communication nightmare. There is not much more to say about the Anthony Weiner fiasco, but there are some important communication lessons that can be learned for all professionals.