Impactful Communication: Jake Ciccarelli Of zant On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Number five centers on adaptability as a broad concept. Once research has been conducted, and it becomes evident that a particular approach isn’t resonating effectively, adaptability comes into play. Through thorough research or conversations, insights can guide the adjustment of the pitch to enhance its impact and allure.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jake Ciccarelli.
Jake Ciccarelli is a highly accomplished communications and public relations specialist who is dedicated to using creativity and passion to promote access to low-cost, specialized, and high-quality mental health services. Currently serving as the Chief Communications Officer at zant, Jake possesses a diverse skill set that includes expertise in influencer, internal, community, and media relations, as well as personal branding. Throughout Jake’s career, his exceptional abilities have resulted in securing notable placements in renowned media outlets such as ABC, NBC, Digital Journal, Bloomberg, AP News, and more.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Absolutely! I grew up in a middle-class family in Syracuse, New York, with two older brothers. My parents were and are present, and my mom worked at Syracuse University, a place I aspired to attend for its top communication school. To avoid student debt, my goal was to excel in high school; I became junior class president and took college-level courses. Although I was denied admission to the communications school at Syracuse, I was accepted into the three-plus-three political philosophy and law program. Despite technically getting into law school, I realized it wasn’t my passion.
During a college tour, I discovered public relations (PR) and its impact on people and businesses, which Kris Jenner and her incredible successes made more mainstream. I respect Jenner’s hustle and drive to build several empires in different industries, all characterized by her children and their personal branding/following.
While in school at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, I applied for PR internships and found a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention. This organization eventually evolved into zant, where I progressed from a PR intern to the Chief Communications Officer. My journey involved self-learning and research, utilizing resources like LinkedIn Learning during the LinkedIn gold trial(s), as I could not afford the gold membership. This dedication has helped me excel as a young PR professional compared to the typical person my age. I take pride in being the communications lead at zant and crafting impactful narratives.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most intriguing experiences I had was publishing my first press release around the age of 19. This was when I held the PR director role in the transitional phase before zant. Writing and distributing the release, seeing my name as the media contact, and witnessing it on news outlets like Yahoo Finance and Digital Journal felt surreal. Simultaneously, I was navigating coursework on press releases in school, which marked a unique blend of student and budding professional experiences.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Firstly, prioritizing continuous learning is crucial for personal and professional growth. During investor pitches, I recall sitting in with our CEO, Maggie Rose Macar, absorbing insights about business metrics and how to talk about zant to people. Creating environments that foster growth and actively listen to new information is crucial.
Secondly, effective communication is essential. It involves tailoring communication styles to benefit the team, emphasizing feedback collection. Clear and concise main points during meetings contribute to fruitful discussions. Ensuring everyone comprehends the information and addressing any uncertainties afterward is paramount.
Thirdly, embracing constructive feedback is vital for improvement. Whether it’s about leadership or refining media pitches, consistently seeking and absorbing feedback is crucial for continuous enhancement.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
An effective communicator tailors their message to diverse audiences. Just like you wouldn’t bring the same gift to every house during the holidays, understanding that different people prefer varying communication styles is key. Some prefer concise information, while others appreciate more detail. Factors like preferred communication time or social media use also come into play. It’s about adapting and finding the most effective way to connect with the specific audience you’re addressing.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
A great initial step is identifying individuals in your life who belong to your target audience. For example, if you aim to connect with Gen Z or college students, reach out to friends, cousins, nieces, or nephews who fall into that demographic. Engage with them, test ideas, or seek their opinions to enhance your communication strategies for that specific audience.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
It was challenging when we first pitched our op-eds as they often sounded too sales-y, resembling advertorials. Realizing this might be why they didn’t resonate with journalists and editors, I took a step back. I reconsidered how an editor would view it, pondering what valuable insights could be shared. It’s about adopting an editor’s perspective, zooming out, and providing what they need without being overly sales-oriented. Adapting both the pitch style and op-ed content became crucial in this process.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
I believe in total transparency, even with tough stories, though I support trigger warnings for detailed or potentially triggering content. It’s crucial to balance what you share, considering your end goal. If it’s about connecting and helping others relate, choose relevant details without being overly graphic. The key is understanding the impact of your words and being mindful of your audience’s sensitivities.
Additionally, it’s crucial to discuss difficult topics rather than portraying an overly positive facade, similar to the unrealistic image often seen on social media. By sharing both successes and challenges, we foster transparency and relatability. Many founders, including us, face fundraising struggles in the startup world. Acknowledging these difficulties and highlighting how we navigated them, such as bootstrapping and generating recurring revenue, allows us to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
Storytelling is crucial because it fosters relatability and community building. At zant, we prioritize creating a strong community. Your personal community might include your zant provider. However, digging deeper, our CEO and founder, unfortunately, lost a friend to suicide, which drives our mission. Many can relate to or know someone with a similar experience, reinforcing the sense of not being alone. Building community involves sharing stories, acknowledging shared struggles, and finding inspiration in others’ journeys.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”?
1 . To be an effective communicator, one must excel at research. Understanding your audience is paramount. Conduct surveys and conversate with individuals in your personal network who align with your target audience.
2 . Step two involves crafting an impactful pitch. Aim for content that’s enticing and aligns with your research on what matters to your target audience. Deliver this information concisely, allowing journalists to easily expand on it through interviews with the recommended expert.
3 . Number three involves establishing relatability with the expert or the story you’re presenting. For instance, our CEO and primary spokesperson, Maggie Rose, finds it crucial to discuss her personal experiences and challenges as a young person and college student. Having been financially independent at 18, working as a waitress, and attending community college full-time, she intimately understands the struggles of financially strapped college students. By sharing her journey, she creates a “we” connection with those facing similar challenges, having been in their shoes, and she remains deeply connected to the mission of supporting individuals in need of affordable mental health services.
4 . Number four emphasizes the importance of understanding statistics. As an effective communicator, it’s crucial to grasp that not all information is relevant to the target audience, a point closely related to the first one about research. To illustrate, consider delving into mental health statistics specific to college students, as some universities provide their insights. For instance, we recently discovered a university where 60 to 80% of students reported feeling overwhelmingly stressed. While this statistic is notable, it’s equally important to inquire about actions to address the issue. This creates a compelling pitch when engaging with administrators, showcasing an understanding of the problem and proposing solutions to enhance student well-being.
5 . Number five centers on adaptability as a broad concept. Once research has been conducted, and it becomes evident that a particular approach isn’t resonating effectively, adaptability comes into play. Through thorough research or conversations, insights can guide the adjustment of the pitch to enhance its impact and allure.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
As a leader, providing effective feedback involves considering small nonverbal cues during one-on-one communication. Opting to sit beside the individual rather than standing over them fosters a collaborative and non-authoritarian atmosphere. Leaders should aim to develop genuine connections and make team members feel heard and valued, acknowledging their professionalism and expertise.
In a spokesperson role, maintaining open body language during speeches enhances influence and eloquence, while closed or crouched postures may diminish the perceived confidence and authority in delivering a message. Both scenarios underscore the significant impact of nonverbal communication on the reception of messages.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
A notable effect of digital communication is the post-COVID disadvantage of shortened attention spans across platforms like social media and TikTok. Quick bursts of serotonin from short videos have become the norm. Videos exceeding a minute or two struggle to capture attention, emphasizing the need for concise and focused messaging. A disadvantage lies in the limited time available to engage the audience in the realm of digital communication.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
As a PR professional, I still experience stage fright, particularly in large groups. It’s something I’m actively addressing. Recognizing that I’m invited to speak for a reason helps combat stage fright linked to impostor syndrome. Understanding that I bring value to the audience is crucial. You’re essentially the authority in the room, the key speaker.
One technique I find helpful is carrying a small good luck charm like a rose quartz, subtly holding it for comfort. Another trick involves using discreet ‘calm stickers’ for anxiety relief, which can be placed on the podium for discreet use. These small tactics, combined with practice at home, contribute to effective public speaking.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
I highly recommend LinkedIn Learning courses, having completed a few myself. These courses significantly enhance your communication skills. Regarding resources, professional communicators often overlook the valuable assets readily available. Seek feedback from journalists, superiors, and even your team. Regularly engage with them, ensuring your messages resonate and are clear. Rather than relying solely on guides, actively embrace constructive criticism to become a more effective leader and communicator.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
As the new year approaches, I want to stress the importance of prioritizing self-care before extending help to others. This concept resembles the airplane oxygen mask principle — securing your mask before assisting others. I’ve noticed that my tendency to prioritize others often results in neglecting essential tasks. Balancing personal and professional commitments is crucial. It’s about finding a middle ground where you meet your needs while still supporting others.
Additionally, I grapple with impostor syndrome, particularly in my role as a young professional engaging with individuals much older in the same industry. Overcoming this intimidation involves affirming my qualifications and acknowledging that I’ve earned my place at the table. Believing in the value I bring, whether it’s through a higher power or life’s path, is essential. It’s crucial to recognize that you belong there if you find yourself in a certain position.
In summary, the two critical points of my movement are to prioritize self-care and recognize your worth, even in the face of impostor syndrome.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Please feel free to contact me on LinkedIn; you can find my profile here. For updates on zant, follow us on Instagram at zant.app or check out our LinkedIn page through the following link.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.
Impactful Communication: Jake Ciccarelli Of zant On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.