Public Engagement » Communications

Successful professionals know how to communicate with disparate parties to work together as a team. Principal Elaine Cogan is highly respected for training professionals from engineers in high-tech companies to bank and corporation executives, planners and architects in many fields, and managers and staffs of public agencies in effective communications. She also has written reference guides, booklets and manuals on techniques of public involvement and citizen participation for the International City Managers' Association, the American Planning Association, the National Governors' Association, the Council of State Planning Agencies, and the Planning Commissioners’ Journal.

In her approach to training classes and seminars, Ms. Cogan has an interactive and inclusive style, utilizing a combination of lectures, discussions, small group assignments, role-playing and other tools applicable to the participants. Her courses range from two hours to several days. She customizes her training seminars and personal consultation in communication skills to the needs of each client and is prepared to cover the following:

• How to choose the message that resonates with each audience
• Shortcuts to organizing material
• Techniques of effective delivery
• Avoiding jargon and "bureaucratese"
• Using humor appropriately
• Appearance, gestures and other non-verbal communication tools
• Understanding and controlling stage fright
• Choosing and using the most effective visual aids
• Creating and maintaining the best environment
• Answering difficult questions
• Designing and managing successful public meetings

Sample Clients

• American Planning Association: Alaska, New England, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington
• Bonneville Power Administration
• City of Portland
• Housing Authority of Portland
• Intel
• Kaiser Permanente
• Metro
• Oregon Department of Transportation
• Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission
• Portland Development Commission