Politicians and not businessmen dominate this communications review, just as it was in my review of the year’s faux pas. There were also fewer successes to note this year. Will this continue in 2009?

Sending holiday cards does take planning and hours of writing, signing, stuffing and stamping, but it’s worth it. Receiving a holiday card does give you a lift at a hectic time of year.

To be authentic, to have authenticity, you must have intention – your heart must be aligned with the purpose of your message.

Boy, it’s a great time to be a speech expert as well as a leading authority on political communication. And both political parties provided a great show, particularly the speeches of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. They each had a job to do and enormous hurdles to overcome.

Raising a successful child today, especially under media glare, is an achievement well done and to be noted.

Dubai has promoted itself as a tourist mecca (pun intended) as well as international business center. Therefore, service is the name of the game.

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see or experience a situation as they might. Better yet, give to them and be generous in your communications and relationships. You will reap the benefits.

The top picks for 2007′s most egregious communication errors.

Though out of fashion, apology is a leadership skill and a powerful communications tool.

No amount of staged tactics or diversions will, ultimately, convince a client to place their trust in someone who isn’t the real deal.