Steven Joel
718-333-2703 yoursteve2002@yahoo.com

The signature of my work has not been simply to "fill a communications role" but to set written and spoken communications apart. In fact, the CEO and COO at my firm, a Fortune 100 company, refer to this rather graciously as my "magic" -- something creative and precognitive that cannot be taught or found elsewhere, to, among other elements, lead and protect revenue, build credibility and trust, provide impeccable reputation management, diffuse crises, significantly strengthen sales and marketing documents, build rapport and trigger responses favorable for business itself. It is quite natural for me, for example, to intuitively craft speeches and presentations (and coach those delivering them) with components I'm frequently told others simply do not see, resulting in their being regarded more as "conversations with the audience" to subliminally capture attention so points are assimilated far more effectively to achieve desired results.

Getting messages out in the best light, bringing out the best in how others perceive an entity or corporation and solving image problems is what I have done during my professional life. What follows clarifies what I can do for firms and others to advance and enhance their messages and image as a communications advisor and media coach, spokesperson, creative writer, editor, liaison, speechwriter, reputation management specialist or in similar capacities.

Among my skills and experiences:

• Ghostwrote Groucho, The Authorized Biography, "authored" by Hector Arce; acknowledged by the legendary Groucho Marx in the book The Grouchophile.
• Recruited by Joe Franklin, the noted broadcaster, to create and edit radio and television scripts, also appearing as a featured guest.
• Crafted crisis communications responding to media accusations at the request of COO of prominent, nationally and internationally known corporation managing assets in excess of $36 billion; wrote speeches for its CEO/Chairman and coached Senior Managing Directors to communicate more effectively prior to radio and television interviews/appearances.
• Worked for head of Private Equity at The Blackstone Group whose Chairman was Secretary of Commerce under President Nixon and Chairman of the New York Federal Reserve Bank.
• Received "Exemplary Performance Evaluation" from Partner-in-Charge at Deloitte & Touche when it was #8 of Fortune Magazine's Top 100 Companies in America which said it was noteworthy that I "make the firm look good."
• Apply facility for enlivening and crafting just the right language, delivered in what has been referred to as a persuasive voice; the Managing Director of Public Relations at the pharmaceutical company that was #1 of Fortune's Top 100 for five consecutive years remarked that I am never without a mastery of the language.
• Sought out by senior management for what they describe as outstanding public speaking and rapport-building skills with the press, public, corporations, investors, clients and others and a keen sensitivity/intuition in writing/editing that persuades listeners and readers through subtleties simply not taught or implemented elsewhere.
• Incorporate "rhythm of speech" into spoken and written word for fresh immediacy and "conversation-like" component in presentations, causing audiences to feel more personally engaged and connected, making them easier to influence.
• Acting as sole advisor for style guide being created as the standard for firm's written communications.
• Draw from photographic memory, pinpointing quintessentially relevant anecdotes and quotes that manage messages into clear, easy-to-identify-with contexts and subliminally and repeatedly trigger readers'/listeners' endorsement and support.

I work well under pressure. In these demanding times, a company's very survival and the solidity of its future can rely heavily on the creativity of its communicators. If the messages or, more importantly, the image of corporations themselves before the press, public, clients, investors, other firms, employees or elsewhere need to be handled with the utmost care, I would welcome the opportunity to apply my expertise for the right firm or entity to its greatest advantage. A portfolio of writing samples can be furnished on request, along with senior management feedback.