In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, CFI interviews retired FBI agent Jerri Williams, who shares her extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly in communication and media relations. They discuss the importance of debunking myths about the FBI, the evolution of financial crimes, and the critical role of effective communication in interviews and crisis situations.

Jerri also reflects on her transition to media relations and the challenges of maintaining public safety while managing information dissemination. The conversation highlights the skills necessary for successful investigations and the nuances of portraying crime in fiction.

In this conversation, Jerri Williams shares her journey from being an FBI agent to becoming a successful author and podcaster. She discusses the challenges of writing fiction, the importance of balancing realism with entertainment, and the misconceptions surrounding the FBI in media. Jerri also highlights her experiences in podcasting, the evolution of her interview style, and her recent work as a consulting producer on a new TV show - Duster. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of effective communication in both personal and professional contexts.

Check out Jerri's podcast: FBI Retired Case File Review

Duster - Newly released Max Original Series

Thank you to Axis Communications for supporting this episode!

Truths:

• Myths about the FBI often stem from media portrayals.
• Building rapport can turn suspects into informants.
• Interviews should be conversations, not interrogations.
• Crisis communication requires balancing accuracy and urgency.
• Financial crimes evolve with technology and trends.
• Public perception is shaped by how information is presented.
• The role of a spokesperson is to represent the organization, not personal views.
• Misconceptions can lead to prejudicial statements in media.
• Fiction writing requires creativity and attention to detail.
• Writing can be a painful process, but rewarding.
• Realism in fiction is crucial for engaging storytelling.
• Consistency in character development is key.
• Podcasting can be a powerful platform for authors.
• Evolving interview techniques can enhance storytelling.
• FBI myths in media can mislead the public.
• Collaboration between agencies can lead to successful outcomes.
• Female agents are often misrepresented in media.
• Developing informants is a critical part of FBI work.
• Effective communication is about understanding the listener.

Stop scrolling. This is an emergency.

Also, it's a hook. A way to grab your listeners attention to increase engagement.

How can lessons from social media impact our everyday communication?

In this engaging conversation, Dave Thompson is joined by Dawn Faithfull and Matthew day – communication experts who excel in social media outreach and engagement. They explore various aspects of communication and content creation, discussing the importance of authenticity, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the cultural shifts in how social media is perceived and utilized. They share personal experiences and insights on creating engaging content, the challenges faced in the process, and the evolving landscape of communication in the digital age.

In this conversation, the speakers explore the nuances of personal branding, the importance of effective communication, and the challenges of navigating social media engagement. They discuss the humbling experience of being recognized for their work, the significance of crafting engaging hooks, and the evolving nature of audience engagement. The conversation also touches on the unintended consequences of marketing messages, the impact of negative feedback, and the necessity of authenticity in building connections. Ultimately, they emphasize the power of intentional communication and the importance of adapting to audience needs.

They discuss strategies for building a personal brand, overcoming the fear of starting, and the significance of engaging with others to enhance visibility and connection in the digital space. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of social media and the need for individuals to adapt and thrive within it.

Truths:

• Authenticity is key in content creation.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome is part of growth.
• Engaging with your audience is crucial – don’t post and ghost!
• Quality content often requires multiple takes.
• Confidence in communication can be built over time.
• Understanding your audience is essential for effective communication.
• Personal branding can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities.
• Crafting effective hooks is essential for capturing audience attention.
• The nature of hooks evolves, requiring constant adaptation.
• Negative feedback is part of the process; thick skin is necessary.
• Authenticity in communication fosters deeper connections.
• Engagement metrics are crucial for understanding audience response.
• Intentionality in communication can enhance audience interaction.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective messaging.
• Social media is an attention economy where brands compete for visibility.
• Starting to create content is a significant hurdle for many.
• Consistency and authenticity are key to building a personal brand.
• Engagement with others' content is essential for growth.
• The algorithm rewards active participation on social media.
• Content creation should be fun and not feel like a chore.
• Don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your content.
• It's important to step outside your echo chamber for broader understanding.

Are you afraid to "ask the question"? How does communication help extend your network, enhance your credibility and strengthen your relationships?

In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Heather DeSiena explore the significance of communication in various professional contexts. Heather emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully, the value of emotional intelligence, and the necessity of asking the right questions. They discuss how effective communication can lead to career transitions, networking opportunities, and successful negotiations. Heather shares her personal experiences and insights on how to improve communication skills and the human element in a technology-driven world.

In this engaging conversation, Heather DeSiena and Dave Thompson discuss the intricacies of salary negotiations, the importance of understanding corporate culture, and the art of public speaking. They explore how individuals can advocate for themselves in the workplace, the significance of human connection in corporate environments, and the challenges and lessons learned in public speaking. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective communication, negotiation skills, and a human-centric approach to leadership and corporate culture.

Follow Heather on LinkedIn for more great tips here!

Learn more about how to bring Heather to your team or for coaching!

Truths:

• Words matter in every industry.
• Success isn't built on silence.
• Communication skills can always be improved.
• Asking the right questions opens doors.
• Intentionality in communication fosters better relationships.
• Human connection is essential in a technology-driven world.
• Negotiation starts long before the contract.
• Understanding your audience is key to effective communication.
• Building rapport is crucial in any interaction.
• Possibilities are endless when you ask questions.
• Many companies expect candidates to negotiate offers.
• Negotiation can include salary, equity, and benefits.
• Listening is a crucial part of effective communication.
• Corporate culture impacts employee engagement and productivity.
• You can be profitable without sacrificing your people.
• Quiet quitting is a significant issue in corporate America.
• Human connection is essential in remote work environments.
• Public speaking requires adaptability and authenticity.
• Being human is your competitive edge in business.