# Clarity Connect Inc. ## About **URL:** https://www.clarityconnect.ca **By:** Dawn Henwood — Hi there! I'm the Founder of Clarity Connect. From my home in Moncton, NB, I support knowledge mobilizers across Canada and beyond. I also work across various academic disciplines and sectors.WHAT DO I DO?I provide tailored, often multi-faceted support, to suit individual client needs. For some clients, I create knowledge products, such as reports, videos, blog articles, web stories, and traini... ## Pages - [Old Home Aug 2026](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/) - [Carole Goodine](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/carole-goodine) - [Harrison Smith](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/harrison-smith) - [Rapid Diagnostics](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/rapid-diagnostics) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/privacy-policy) - [In-depth Coaching Packages](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/in-depth-coaching-packages) - [Workshops](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/workshops) - [Online Courses](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/online-courses) - [How we use AI](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/how-we-use-ai) - [Case Studies](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/case-studies) - [Impact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/impact) - [Business](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/business) - [Approach](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/approach) - [Services](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/services) - [About](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/meet-our-founder) - [Newsletter](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/newsletter) - [Contact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/contact) - [Home](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/home) ## Blog - [Stuck for Creative Knowledge Translation Ideas? Find your KT Muse](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/122641-stuck-for-creative-knowledge-translation) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 4, 2026) - [Less Plain Language, More ❤️ Brené Brown](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/121146-less-plain-language-more-brene-brown) by Dawn Henwood (Jun 16, 2026) - [Why Innovation Communication Makes Technical Communication Seem Like a Walk in the Park](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/120996-a-walk-in-the-park) by Dawn Henwood (Jun 2, 2026) - [My Eureka Moment About How (Not) to “Niche Down”](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67707-my-eureka-moment-about-how-not-to-niche) by Dawn Henwood (May 29, 2026) - [Want to build more trust in your ideas? Try yoga.](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/120211-want-to-build-more-trust-in-your-ideas) by Dawn Henwood (May 19, 2026) - [Five Undervalued Communication Practices to Advance Your Projects and Your Career](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/119632-five-undervalued-communication-practices) by Dawn Henwood (May 7, 2026) - [An Introvert Hack to invite Deep Discussion](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/118689-introvert-hack-to-deep-discussion) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 21, 2026) - [Are You Talking At Your Audience or With Them?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/118428-talking-at-your-audience-or-with-them) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2026) - [How to Communicate Through your Crisis of the Week](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/118031-how-to-communicate-through-your-crisis) by Dawn Henwood (Mar 24, 2026) - [Five Tips for Unlearning Academic Speak](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/117661-five-tips-for-unlearning-academic-speak) by Dawn Henwood (Mar 10, 2026) - [How to Use AI as a Writing Coach](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/116938-how-to-use-ai-as-a-writing-coach) by Dawn Henwood (Feb 24, 2026) - [What Your Audience Needs from You When They’re Resisting Change](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/116834-what-your-audience-needs-from-you) by Dawn Henwood (Feb 10, 2026) - [How an Old Toyota Method Helps You Show the Value of Research-Based Knowledge](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/116614-an-old-toyota-method) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 27, 2026) - [How Much Time Should You Spend on Strategic Communication Planning? Finding Your Goldilocks Approach ](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/116265-how-much-time-strategic-communication-planning) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 13, 2026) - [Introducing the Research Resonance Framework™️](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/115616-introducing-the-research-resonance) by Dawn Henwood (Dec 16, 2025) - [To Truly Connect with Your Audience, First Embrace Their Paradox](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/115163-to-truly-connect-with-your-audience) by Dawn Henwood (Nov 25, 2025) - [Understanding the Challenge: Shifting from Gatekeeping to Gift-Giving](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/112873-shifting-from-gatekeeping-to-gift-giving) by Dawn Henwood (Nov 11, 2025) - [Why Knowledge Mobilizers Need to Listen to Flat-Earthers](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/112132-why-kmbers-need-to-listen-flat-earthers) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 28, 2025) - [What does it mean to create a knowledge mobilization strategy?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/111243-what-does-it-mean-to-create-a-kmb-strategy) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 14, 2025) - [Three Reasons I Love Report Writing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/110475-three-reasons-i-love-report-writing) by Dawn Henwood (Sep 30, 2025) - [What Are Knowledge Mobilization Frameworks?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/110247-what-are-knowledge-mobilization-frameworks) by Dawn Henwood (Sep 16, 2025): Because knowledge mobilization (KMb) is such a complex process, involving many different players and activities, researchers have many different ideas about how it works (or should work). You’ll never learn about or master all of these constructs, and unless you’re doing another scoping review, you don’t need to catalog all of them. It’s helpful, however, to get a sense of the different models available so that when you sit down to develop your KMb strategy or project, you have a sense of the options available to you. - [What the Ukulele Craze Taught Us About Knowledge Translation ](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/109947-what-the-ukulele-craze-taught-us-about-knowledge-translation) by Dawn Henwood (Sep 2, 2025): Learn why the ukulele's popularity teaches knowledge mobilizers a crucial lesson: people want simple over complex. Discover how to make research accessible by embracing limitations and prioritizing easy progress over comprehensive depth. - [What Is Knowledge Mobilization?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/108967-what-is-knowledge-mobilization) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 19, 2025) - [Three Ways Visualization Can Upgrade Your Creative Process](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/108696-three-ways-visualization-can-upgrade) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 5, 2025) - [A Tale of Two Types of Business Stories](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/108105-a-tale-of-two-types-of-business-stories) by Dawn Henwood (Jul 22, 2025): Master the art of business storytelling with these 4 essential elements: conflict, transformation, relatable characters, and emotional themes. Learn how Nova Scotia entrepreneurs can craft compelling narratives that captivate investors and customers. - [Show & Tell: Even the Best Ideas Won't Sell Themselves](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/108064-show-tell-even-the-best-ideas-wont-sell) by Dawn Henwood (Jul 8, 2025): Discover why Nova Scotia's high-tech companies need compelling storytelling to succeed. Learn how great business narratives, like Newton's apple story, sell products better than facts alone and drive sustainable growth. - [The Email Mistakes that Hinder Knowledge Mobilization](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/108016-the-email-mistakes-that-hinder-knowledge-mobilization) by Dawn Henwood (Jun 24, 2025): Learn the 7 email mistakes that sabotage knowledge mobilization efforts. Discover proven strategies to craft compelling subject lines, build trust, and get busy decision-makers to actually read and respond to your messages. - [The Risks of Futuristic Storytelling](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/107798-the-risks-of-futuristic-storytelling) by Dawn Henwood (Jun 10, 2025): Confused by the term 'bioeconomy'? You're not alone. This post unpacks how futuristic jargon can obscure meaning—and how reconnecting with history, language, and human values can lead to clearer, more compelling storytelling in innovation sectors. - [How to Escape the Biography Trap of Research Storytelling](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/107568-escape-the-biography-trap-of-research-storytelling) by Dawn Henwood (May 27, 2025) - [Is It Time to Call Up the Militia for Knowledge Mobilization?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/106951-is-it-time-to-call-up-the-militia-for-knowledge-mobilization) by Dawn Henwood (May 13, 2025) - [Why Co-Creation Isn’t the Silver Bullet of Knowledge Mobilization](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/106451-why-co-creation-isn-t-the-silver-bullet-of-knowledge-mobilization) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 29, 2025) - [How to Avoid the Slippery Slope from Simple to Simplistic](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/105818-how-to-avoid-the-slippery-slope) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 1, 2025): Simplifying complex ideas is necessary, but oversimplification can strip away meaning and hinder understanding. Drawing from Donald Norman’s insights in Living with Complexity, this post explores how to communicate nuanced ideas without dumbing them down. Learn why clarity is not the same as simplicity, how to design communication that enhances learning, and three key strategies to resist the slippery slope into meaninglessness. - [How to Find the Story Threads Among the Facts and Data](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/104451-how-to-find-the-story-threads-among-the-facts-and-data) by Dawn Henwood (Mar 4, 2025): Great storytelling weaves together multiple layers of narrative. In this blog, we explore how the Overstory, Documentary Story, and Understory interact to shape powerful messages. Using examples from literature, research communication, and political rhetoric, we examine how these storytelling layers can either reinforce dominant narratives or challenge them. Learn how to craft compelling narratives from complex research Discover how cultural myths and hidden meanings shape public perception Understand how to use storytelling to counter misinformation and drive change Want to sharpen your storytelling skills? Read more now. #Storytelling #NarrativeStrategy #ResearchCommunication #PersuasiveWriting #KnowledgeMobilization - [Three Close Cousins of Knowledge Mobilization that Illuminate the Path to Research Impact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/104269-three-close-cousins-of-knowledge-mobilization-that-illuminate-research-impact) by Dawn Henwood (Feb 19, 2025): What is Knowledge Mobilization (KMb), and how can we explain it to those outside the field? Sometimes, the best way to clarify complex concepts is through comparison. In this blog, we explore three close cousins of KMb—marketing, persuasive communication, and change management—to help illuminate its purpose and impact. Plus, join us for a free workshop on Strategic Storytelling for Knowledge Mobilization on March 19, 2025 - [A Simple Mental Shift That Will Make You a More Strategic Communicator](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/103605-a-simple-mental-shift-that-will-make-you) by Dawn Henwood (Feb 4, 2025): A simple mental shift can make you a more strategic communicator. Discover how the 'Jobs to be Done' (JTBD) framework can help you focus on outcomes rather than outputs, ensuring your communication efforts drive real impact. Learn to avoid common pitfalls—like falling in love with creativity for creativity’s sake—and start crafting messages that truly resonate with your audience. Read more to refine your strategic communication approach! - [Four Show-Stopper Flaws that Could Be Compromising Your Communication Strategy](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/103324-four-flaws-compromising-your-communication-strategy) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 21, 2025): Is your communication strategy delivering the impact you hoped for, or is it hindered by hidden "showstoppers"? In this article, we explore the top four communication pitfalls—shallow audience understanding, overlooked alternatives, weak positioning, and information overload—and how they can sabotage your efforts. Learn why persuasion, not just information sharing, is the key to crafting a successful strategy that resonates with your audience. Whether you're mobilizing research knowledge, influencing policymakers, or launching a product, putting your audience at the center of your approach can transform your results. Find out how to create a persuasion strategy that moves the world. - [How the Word “Communications” Seduces Knowledge Mobilizers into Mistaking Productivity for Impact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/103081-communications-seduces-knowledge-mobilizers-into-mistaking-productivity-for-impact) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 7, 2025): Discover the key differences between 'communication' and 'communications' and learn how to create impactful knowledge mobilization strategies. This blog provides 10 essential questions to help researchers, entrepreneurs, and not-for-profits assess their efforts for true efficacy, ensuring their outputs resonate with their audience and achieve meaningful outcomes. Unlock practical insights to transform your communication practices for maximum impact. - [Seeing Knowledge Mobilization Through a Communication Lens](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/103328-seeing-knowledge-mobilization-through-a-communication-lens) by Dawn Henwood (Dec 18, 2024): Discover how differing perspectives shape interpretations in medicine and research. This blog explores contrasting expert opinions, hidden communication complexities in knowledge mobilization, and the critical role of persuasive communication in transforming research into impactful action. Learn how mastering these skills can accelerate knowledge translation and overcome barriers. - [Three Must-Dos Before You Start Strategic Communications Planning](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/102434-three-must-dos-before-you-start-strategic-communications-planning) by Dawn Henwood (Dec 6, 2024) - [Have You Tried This Low-Tech Way to Make Research Communication More Efficient?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/101654-translating-your-meaning-instead-of-transcribing) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 30, 2024) - [Using the Research Value Chain to Communicate Impact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/101347-research-value-chain) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 17, 2024) - [Three Ways to Simplify Complexity Without “Dumbing It Down”](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/100996-three-ways-to-simplify-complexity) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 2, 2024) - [Five Tips for Getting Stakeholders to Read Your Knowledge Mobilization Messages](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/100794-five-tips-stakeholders-read-mobilization-messages) by Dawn Henwood (Sep 17, 2024): Effective knowledge mobilization isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about building strong relationships. This blog explores how professionals can improve stakeholder engagement by fostering trust, drawing insights from software development, PR, and technical writing. Learn five key trust-building strategies to boost knowledge uptake and make your research, reports, and projects more impactful. Whether you're crafting a press release or persuading executives to engage with technical documents, relationship-building is the key to success. - [Before You Dive into Arts-Based Knowledge Translation, Consider These Five Risks](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/99783-before-you-dive-into-arts-based) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 13, 2024) - [Three Techniques Anyone Can Use to Think Like a Graphic Designer](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67722-three-techniques-anyone-can-use-to-think-like-a-graphic-designer) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 1, 2024) - [If You Want Your Research to Make an Impact, Embrace Your Unique Writing Voice](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/99116-embrace-your-unique-writing-voice) by Dawn Henwood (Jul 15, 2024) - [Persuasive Writing Techniques to Get Buy-In for Your Vision](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/97878-persuasive-writing-techniques-to-get-buy) by Dawn Henwood (Jun 14, 2024) - [Seven Easy Writing Moves to Bias Reviewers of Program Applications in Your Favor](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/98656-seven-easy-writing-moves-for-program-applications) by Dawn Henwood (Jun 14, 2024) - [How to Cut the Time You Spend on Your Knowledge Mobilization Blogging in Half (and Enjoy it More)](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/97848-how-to-cut-the-time-you-spend-on-your-knowledge-mobilization-blogging-in-half) by Dawn Henwood (May 2, 2024) - [Three Essentials for Communicating Knowledge Mobilization Your Vision to Stakeholders](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/97851-three-essentials-for-communicating-your-knowledge-mobilization-vision-to-stakeholders) by Dawn Henwood (May 2, 2024) - [Four Risks of Writing Documents for Non-Expert Decision-Makers](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/97850-four-risks-of-writing-documents-for-non) by Dawn Henwood (May 2, 2024) - [How To Win an Argument In Writing – Without Making Enemies](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/97849-how-to-win-an-argument-in-writing) by Dawn Henwood (May 2, 2024) - [Is the False Premise of Multiple Priorities Sabotaging Your Research Communication?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/97847-is-the-false-premise-of-multiple-priorities) by Dawn Henwood (May 2, 2024) - [How to Write a Research Impact Story that Speaks to the Right Audience](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/96553-how-to-write-a-research-impact-story) by Dawn Henwood (Mar 26, 2024): Applying knowledge translation to how you write research impact stories is key when attempting to reach the right audience. - [Using Video for Knowledge Translation: What "The Worst Remake" of a Classic American Novel Teaches Us About Translating from One Medium to Another](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/95503-using-video-for-knowledge-translation) by Dawn Henwood (Mar 19, 2024) - [The Four Channels of Entrepreneurial Influence You Must Master if You Want Your Research to Make an Impact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/94564-the-four-channels-of-entrepreneurial-influence-for-research-impact) by Dawn Henwood (Feb 7, 2024) - [It’s Time to Rethink the Syllogisms We Tell Ourselves About Creating and Sharing Knowledge](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/93972-it-s-time-to-rethink-the-syllogisms-about-creating-and-sharing-knowledge) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 15, 2024) - [In the Promethean Effort to Mitigate the Climate Crisis, We Can’t Afford Knowledge Hoarding](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/93890-in-the-promethean-effort-to-mitigate-the-climate-crisis) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 9, 2024) - [Writing with the Robot: Three Random Observations on Creating Text Hand-in-Hand with AI](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/93447-writing-with-the-robot) by Dawn Henwood (Dec 18, 2023) - [It's Time for Social Purpose Organizations to Restore Corrupt Marketing-Speak to Its Noble Roots](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/its-time-for-social-purpose-organizations-to-restore-language-to-its-noble-roots) by Dawn Henwood (Dec 4, 2023) - [The Different Levels of Knowledge Translation and Why They Matter to Academics Who Want to Make an Impact](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/92553-the-different-levels-of-knowledge-translation-for-impact) by Dawn Henwood (Nov 27, 2023) - [How to Make Your Startup Communications Antifragile](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/92173-how-to-make-your-startup-communications-antifragile) by Dawn Henwood (Nov 13, 2023) - [Awkward Cousins: Scholarship and Marketing as Related Disciplines](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/92027-awkward-cousins-scholarship-and-marketing) by Dawn Henwood (Nov 6, 2023) - [More Than a Meme: The Real Meaning of "Only Connect!"](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/91795-more-than-a-meme-the-real-meaning-of-only-connect) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 30, 2023) - [What Story Do You Need to Subvert to Make Your Bold Idea Heard?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/77973-what-story-do-you-need-to-subvert-to-make-your-bold-idea-heard) by Dawn Henwood (Jan 26, 2023) - [How to Elevate Your Content From Mundane to Positional](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/75416-how-to-elevate-your-content-from-mundane-to-positional) by Dawn Henwood (Oct 12, 2022) - [Why the Old English Concept of Kindness Holds the Key to Effective Communication](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/74550-why-the-old-english-concept-of-kindness-holds-key-to-effective-communication) by Dawn Henwood (Sep 6, 2022) - [Do You Have What it Takes to Be a T-Shaped Founder?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/74401-do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-a-t-shaped-founder) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 30, 2022) - [How to Use History to Sell Innovation](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/74012-how-to-use-history-to-sell-innovation) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 16, 2022) - [Two Hidden Reasons Pitch Decks Fail to Deliver](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/73882-two-hidden-reasons-pitch-decks-fail-to-deliver) by Dawn Henwood (Aug 8, 2022) - [Why Assessment is the Real Secret to Improving Your Messaging](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71981-why-assessment-is-the-secret-to-improving-messaging) by Dawn Henwood (May 30, 2022) - [Have You Seen the Latest Knowledge Translation Movie?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71630-have-you-seen-the-latest-knowledge-movie) by Dawn Henwood (May 13, 2022) - [How to Overcome Binge Writing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71456-how-to-overcome-binge-writing) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [The Real Reasons Technical Proposals Flop](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71455-the-real-reasons-technical-proposals-flop) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Why "Think Before You Write"​ Is Terrible Advice](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71454-why-think-before-you-write-is-terrible-advice) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Why America's Simplicity Prophet Bungles Simple Writing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71452-why-americas-simplicity-prophet-bungles-simple-writing) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Does Your Team Fall Into This Common Writing Trap?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71451-does-your-team-fall-into-this-common-writing-trap) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Never Miss Another Deadline Because of Writing Blockages](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71450-never-miss-another-deadline-because-of-blockages) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [What Mr. Bean and Yoga Have Taught Me About Writing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71449-what-mr-bean-and-yoga-have-taught-me-about-writing) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [The Useless Fantasy That Makes Writing Tougher Than It Needs To Be](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71448-the-useless-fantasy-that-makes-writing-tougher) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Do You Make These Mistakes in English?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71447-do-you-make-these-mistakes-in-english) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Managers Need to Unlearn Their Writing Skills so They Can Teach Others](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71446-managers-need-to-unlearn-their-writing-skills-to-teach-others) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Great Ideas Start With Great Conversation](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71445-great-ideas-start-with-great-conversation) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Avoid These Eight Ways You Could Be Sabotaging Your Technical Proposals](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71443-avoid-these-eight-ways-you-could-be-sabotaging-your-technical-proposals) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Are You Afraid of Your Own Writing Voice?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71441-are-you-afraid-of-your-own-writing-voice) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Get Rid of the Writing Distractions in Your Open Office](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71440-get-rid-of-the-writing-distractions-in-your-open-office) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [The "Killer" Mindset: Why Aggressive Persuasion Falls Short](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71423-the-killer-mindset-why-aggressive-persuasion-falls-short) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [My Fool-Proof Process for Taking Live Training Online](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71422-my-fool-proof-process-for-taking-live-training-online) by Dawn Henwood (May 5, 2022) - [Five Signs Your Messaging Isn’t Connecting With Non-Experts ](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71371-five-signs-your-messaging-isn-t-connection-with-non-experts) by Dawn Henwood (May 3, 2022) - [If I Can Overcome My Dog Phobia, You Can Overcome Your Writing Apprehension](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/71001-if-i-can-overcome-my-dog-phobia-you-can-overcome-writing-apprehension) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 27, 2022) - [You're Not a "Bad Writer," You're Just a Knowledge Expert](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/70250-youre_not_a_bad_writer_youre_just_a-knowledge-expert) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 21, 2022) - [The Number One Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Professional Writing is Completely Painless](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/66995-the-number-one-thing-to-improve-your-writing-is-completely-painless) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [If You've Written an Email Today, You're a Designer](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67398-if-youve-written-an-email-today-youre-a-designer) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022): Discover how design-thinking transformed my approach to writing. Learn how empathy, iteration, and audience insight turn everyday documents into powerful communication tools—just like great design. - [Six Lies Your Brain Tells You About Your Writing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/66996-six-lies-your-brain-tells-you-about-your-writing) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [If You Want Your Research to Make an Impact, Stop Impersonating a Professional and Find Your Own Persuasive Writing Voice](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67399-if-you-want-your-research-to-make-an-impact-find-your-persuasive-writing-voice) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [How to write better in 5](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67400-how-to-write-better-in-5) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Five Surprising Best Practices to Make Your Web Copy Sing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67719-five-surprising-best-practices-to-make-web-copy-sing) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Is Your Writing Giving Off Negative Body Language?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67701-is-your-writing-giving-off-negative-body-language) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Five Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Writer](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67703-five-critical-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-writer) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Why Click-to-Sell Web Copy May Not Produce the Results You’re Hoping For](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67708-why-click-to-sell-web-copy-may-not-produce-results) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Which Comes First—Web Developer or Web Copywriter?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67709-which-comes-first-web-developer-or-web-copywriter) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [What "The End of Average" Means for Your Startup’s Messaging](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67721-what-the-end-of-average-means-for-your-startup-messaging) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [True Confession: I Will Do Almost Anything to Avoid Writing](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/67723-true-confession-i-will-do-almost-anything-to-avoid-writing) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [How Do I Create a Professional Tone in my Writing Without Sounding Too Formal?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68107-how-do-i-create-a-professional-tone-without-sounding-too-formal) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [In Professional Writing, Gratitude Is More Than a Platitude](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68108-in-business-writing-gratitude-is-more-than-a-platitude) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Is Your Writing Running on Empty?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68110-is-your-writing-running-on-empty) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Why Outsourcing Messaging is the Wrong Paradigm for Chrysalis Companies](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68111-why-outsourcing-messaging-is-the-wrong-paradigm-chrysalis-companies) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Three Takes on Why It Pays to Wrestle With Your Messaging](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68112-three-takes-on-why-it-pays-to-wrestle-with-your-messaging) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Five Writing Rules That Deserve to Be Broken](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68113-five-writing-rules-that-deserve-to-be-broken) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Do You Hate Writing as Much as I Hate Exercising?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68157-do-you-hate-writing-as-much-as-i-hate-exercising) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022) - [Cover Letter Lessons From Hollywood](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68158-cover-letter-lessons-from-hollywood) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 7, 2022): Most job seekers expect too much from their cover letters, leading to generic and ineffective applications. A cover letter isn’t supposed to land you a job—it’s meant to spark interest and get your résumé read. This blog explores how crafting a cover letter is like creating a compelling movie trailer: it teases, engages, and leaves the employer wanting more. Learn how to highlight key moments from your career, infuse personality into your writing, and avoid the common mistake of overstuffing your letter. If you want to stand out, it’s time to stop summarizing and start storytelling! - [What to Do When You're in Love With the New, But Your Audience Is Afraid of It](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68159-youre-in-live-with-the-new-but-your-audience-is-afraid) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 6, 2022): Innovators love the new, but customers often fear change. This blog explores the novelty paradox—why new ideas can be a tough sell—and how to bridge the gap between innovation and trust. Learn how to position your groundbreaking products by connecting them to what your audience already knows and values, making your pitch both exciting and reassuring. - [For Technical Founders Exasperated by Trying To communicate With Funders and Customers](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68160-for-technical-founders-exasperated-by-communization-with-funders-and-customers) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022) - [Tired of Getting That Glazed-Eye Look From People Who Don’t Understand Your Innovative Ideas?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/68161-tired-of-getting-that-glazed-eye-look) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022) - [What Degree of Boredom Are You Inflicting on Your Grant Reviewers?](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/69051-what-degree-of-boredom-are-your-grant-reviewers) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022) - [Persuasive Techniques to Get Buy-In for Your Vision](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/69052-persuasive-techniques-to-get-buy-in-for-your-vision) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022) - [Business Writing Tips from a "Recovering Academic"](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/69055-business-writing-tips-from-a-recovering-academic) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022): Yesterday, I had the pleasure of delivering a webinar on "How to Write in Layperson." (Thanks to Springboard Atlantic for hosting this event!) The audience included researchers, entrepreneurs, industry liaison officers from Atlantic universities, and students. As a former professor, I felt very much at home among these folks, who formed a thoughtful, discerning group. I also felt their frustration with the conventions and limitations of business communication. In my previous life as a scholar, I spent years mastering the art of scholarly discourse. Through reading and through publishing academic articles, I learned the subtle moves that researchers make as they engage in an ongoing conversation with other specialists in their field. And then, when I transitioned into the corporate world, I discovered that all those sophisticated moves I'd perfected were useless. What's more, they repeatedly backfired on me. For instance, words such as discourse, hermeneutical, and rhetoric resulted in the glassy-eyed look that says,"I'm confused, but I don't want to look stupid, so I'm not going to ask you to explain." Long, carefully-reasoned documents got overlooked or trashed. And passages of writing I thought of as thorough got condemned for being wordy or "too deep into the weeds." It was like spending years learning ballet only to discover that the dance troupe I'd joined did only swing dance. At first, I found myself disappointed and as baffled as the audiences I confused. Then, using the specialized skills in rhetorical analysis I'd so diligently honed, I recognized the problem. It wasn't me, and it wasn't my readers. It was simply the gap between the world of the academy and the world of business. If I was going to succeed, I reckoned, I would have to somehow bridge that gap. I would have to unlearn so much of what I'd learned about writing and relearn how to communicate with readers unlike me. That's how my recovery journey from academic habits started. As with any recovery, acknowledging the problem was the first step. Further steps have included leaving behind familiar habits that no longer serve me and learning new habits that enable me to achieve my goals. Yesterday, I was glad to be able to share with the Springboard audience a few things I've learned about writing through my journey as a recovering academic. Since one of those things was the need to communicate visually, I've compiled four of those tips into the infographic below. What other tips would you add? What frustrations do you have about transitioning from academic to business writing? If you'd like to chat about possible strategies and solutions, just book a free consult at dawnhenwood.bookafy.com. - [You Had Me at About Us](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/69057-you-had-me-at-about-us) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022) - [Hunting for the Philosopher's Stone of "Objective" Scientific Language](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/blog/66993-hunting-for-the-philosophers-stone-of-objective-scientific-language) by Dawn Henwood (Apr 5, 2022) ## FAQ - [FAQ](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/faq) ## Courses - [Communication for Health Research & Innovation ](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/courses/110657-communication-for-health-research) ## Products - [KT/Scicomm Membership Site](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/products/258558-KT-Scicomm-Membership-Site) - [Collaboration & Productivity](https://www.clarityconnect.ca/products/258560-Collaboration-Productivity)