About Deborah
Who is Deborah Dumaine?
Deborah Dumaine is a respected authority in business writing and leadership communication, with over 35 years dedicated to helping organizations improve their written correspondence. Known for her pioneering work in the field, she has developed methodologies that enhance clarity, strategy, and overall effectiveness in business communications, especially within the context of email. Dumaine also serves as a coach for startups, drawing on her extensive experience in running a small business to provide valuable insights and a vital "sounding board" for entrepreneurs.
What is Deborah Dumaine known for?
Deborah Dumaine is widely recognized as a pioneer in improving business writing quality and strategy. Her expertise lies in transforming written communication into a powerful tool for leadership, enabling individuals to communicate more effectively, manage change, and achieve desired outcomes. She is particularly adept at addressing common pitfalls in business writing, such as unclear requests, multi-topic emails, and inappropriate tone, providing actionable strategies to avoid communication blunders.
Dumaine is also known for her role as the founder and president of Better Communications, a learning company that specialized in business and leadership writing training. This company, established in Lexington, Massachusetts, was acquired by Ariel in 2016, a testament to the enduring value and effectiveness of her methodologies. Her work has positioned her as a go-to expert for organizations seeking to elevate their communication standards globally.
What is Deborah Dumaine's background and experience?
With more than three decades of experience, Deborah Dumaine has a rich background in addressing corporate writing needs. She founded and led Better Communications, a company dedicated to providing training in business and leadership writing. Under her guidance, Better Communications developed globally acknowledged methodologies that emphasized the practical application of effective writing principles. The success of her company culminated in its acquisition by Ariel in 2016.
Her foundational work in the field is underscored by her authorship of the best-selling book, Write to the Top: Writing for Corporate Success, published by Random House in 1983. This publication solidified her reputation as a leading voice in business communication. Furthermore, her experience as a small business owner provides her with a unique perspective, which she leverages in her coaching roles, particularly with startups and entrepreneurs.
What topics does Deborah Dumaine speak and write about?
Deborah Dumaine’s speaking and writing focus primarily on using business writing as a critical leadership tool. She explores how daily written communications, especially emails, can be leveraged to communicate strategies, manage change, and yield concrete results. Her teachings emphasize the importance of crafting messages that are clear, concise, and professional, even in a virtual workplace where face-to-face interactions are limited.
Key topics she addresses include:
- Strategic Writing: How to use writing to empower and motivate teams, articulate strategies, and ensure messages achieve their intended purpose.
- Email Effectiveness: Best practices for email communication, including crafting clear action requests, avoiding ambiguity, and maintaining an appropriate tone.
- Productivity through Writing: Techniques for writing faster and more efficiently while maintaining high quality.
- Delivering Sensitive Messages: Strategies for conveying difficult news or feedback with tact and professionalism.
- Entrepreneurial Guidance: Providing practical advice and a sounding board for startup founders based on her extensive small business experience.
Her work on "Writing as a Leadership Tool" for the Best Practice Institute exemplifies her commitment to these themes, guiding leaders on how to use written communication to enhance their success.
How does Deborah Dumaine contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
Deborah Dumaine contributes her extensive knowledge and experience to the Best Practice Institute as a coach for startups. In this capacity, she shares insights gleaned from decades of running her own small business, offering entrepreneurs a valuable sounding board and practical advice. Her involvement with BPI includes presenting on crucial topics like "Writing as a Leadership Tool," a webinar designed to help leaders harness the power of effective written communication.
Through her expertise, BPI members gain access to proven methodologies for improving business writing quality, strategy, and productivity. Her focus on enabling leaders to communicate effectively through written channels, particularly email, aligns with BPI's mission to foster leadership development and organizational excellence. Dumaine’s contributions reinforce the importance of strong communication skills in today's business environment, making her a valuable asset to the institute’s educational offerings and resources.