AWC Austin welcomes Jenifer Sarver this month

by | Feb 8, 2011 | Networking | 0 comments

by Jenifer Sarver

One month ago today, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head during a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona. Immediately, political vitriol was cited as a factor in the shooting, which ultimately claimed six innocent lives. In the aftermath, amidst the outrage, the analysis and the devastation, a public dialogue emerged about the important of civility, respect and understanding the weight our words. It was a desperately needed and well-timed conversation, particularly in our increasingly polarized country.
 
While Giffords rehabilitates in a Houston hospital, and her husband returns to space, the conversation has since died down and our attention has turned elsewhere: to winter storms, the 2012 election, and of course, the protests in Egypt.
 
But just because the news media has turned its attention, doesn’t mean we should. As communicators we have an extra responsibility to both understand and reflect upon the words we use and the tone of our conversation to ensure it is one that is fair and serves to further our cause, without leaving a trail of carnage in our wake.
 
I look forward to joining the AWC Austin chapter for its monthly luncheon on February 16 to discuss how we can use words to persuade—not to bludgeon. Through my time on the campaign trail in Texas, in the halls of the U.S. Senate, and in the Bush Administration in Washington, I’ve seen “the good, the bad and the ugly” from both sides of the aisle. I look forward to sharing some insights and enjoying a conversation with Austin’s top communicators, as we discuss the importance of using words and crafting messages that seek to convince, to communicate and to persuade.

Register NOW for this month’s luncheon. Early registration ends at 5 p.m. tomorrow. After that, registration prices go up by $5.
 
Jenifer Sarver is Chief of Staff to Burson-Marsteller’s Global Vice Chair Karen Hughes. You can follow her at @utsarver.

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