Whose communication skills put them on Santa’s Nice List in 2024? — Beth Collier Communication, Creativity & Leadership Strategist

The Best Communication Moments of 2024

I’ve combed the news all year for stories of excellent communicators.

This list is sure to include names and moments you remember — and maybe ones you don’t.

But they all highlight just how valuable strong communication skills.

And these people have all earned a spot on Santa’s Nice List this year for their communication skills.

Let’s see who will be getting treats from Santa this Christmas…

10. Mr. Bates Goes to the Caribbean

At the beginning of the year, ITV aired the four-part drama "Mr. Bates vs The Post Office."

Instantly people were inspired by the story of Alan Bates, the former subpostmaster who took on the Post Office – and won.

Shortly after the drama aired, The Sunday Times ran an interview with Bates where he quipped:

“If Richard Branson is reading this, I’d love a holiday.”

And it turns out, Richard Branson *was* reading.

Shortly after the interview ran, Bates was surprised with the news that he and his long-time partner Suzanne were going to receive an all-expenses-paid holiday to Branson's Necker Island resort.

And not only did they get their trip to Necker Island, while they were there, Alan Bates proposed to his partner of 34 years – and Branson even officiated their surprise wedding!

Ask for what you want. You might just get it!

With that said, if Richard Branson is reading this, I’d love a holiday, too.

9. MJ Deery Creatively Makes a Point

In 2019, New York Magazine put E. Jean Carroll on the cover, alongside the text:

“This is what I was wearing 23 years ago when Donald Trump attacked me in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room.”

But Creative Director MJ Deery wanted to highlight that it didn’t matter what Carroll was wearing that day - and shared a gif that presented alternative versions of the magazine cover, showing Carroll in a variety of outfits, along with the text,

“It doesn’t matter what E. Jean Carroll was wearing.”

Santa and I are impressed with how Deery used creativity (and design skills!) to make a point.

8. Tony’s Chocolonely Makes a Sweet Argument

Tony’s Chocolonely wanted to highlight the use of child labour by major suppliers in the cocoa industry.

So they launched four temporary candy bar wrappers in Germany and Austria, inspired by well-known chocolate bars like Milka, Kit Kat, and Ferrero Rocher.

But Mondelez (manufacturer of Milka) took issue with the purple wrapper Tony’s used - claiming they owned a colour trademark on the purple shade.

So Tony’s responded by removing the purple wrappers, and replacing them with grey.

They also shared their story on social media, arguing that chocolate manufacturers should be spending their money paying farmers, not lawyers.

7. The Show Must Go On

Sometimes it’s the small things that have the biggest impact.

I was impressed to receive an email from LW Theatres in February that reminded me how rail strikes might affect my journey to a London theatre.

It was a small gesture of kindness and care that helped me (and likely hundreds of others) make it to the theatre on time.

Then in May, they sent me this reminder before my son and I attended Back to the Future, The Musical.

Instead of a boring reminder, it is full of references to the film, and it set the scene for a fun day at the theatre.

Show your clients you care. And have a little fun!

Nice work, LW Theatres.

6. Dolly and Taylor Continue to Communicate Who They Are

Much has been written about the amount of money Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour brought to the cities where she played.

But she also donated to food banks of the cities her tour visited.

And at the end of her record-breaking tour in December, she paid out $197 million in bonuses.

And speaking of generosity,after Hurricane Helene damaged the southwest US, Dolly Parton stepped up – donating $1 million personally, and another $1 million from her businesses.

"God has been good to me and so has the public, and I feel that if there's anything I can do to give back in any way I can I'm always willing to do that," Parton said.

Who needs to go to space? Dolly and Taylor know that some things are more valuable.

5. Sandals GM Becomes a TikTok Star

Imagine what it feels like to be on a tropical island…when a hurricane hits.

Deryk Meany, the General Manager of Sandals Resorts International in Jamaica became a social media star for the way he communicated – and led – during Hurricane Beryl.

Meany understood his audiences, and communicated updates with clarity and empathy, showing his customers care during a difficult situation.

As a result, other people posted Meany's update videos all over TikTok, attracting thousands of comments applauding Meany for his communication and leadership skills.

People who weren't even at the resort were commenting about wanting to plan a trip to Sandals (and Jamaica) as a result.

Comments from a video of Meany on TikTok

Meany shows how strong communication skills benefit everyone – customers, colleagues, and the company.

And being recognized so positively will be good for Meany’s reputation and career, too!

4. The Killers Know Their Audience

Who would have expected that England would be playing in the men’s Euros semi-final the same night the band The Killers were playing a show at London’s O2 Arena?

Even though the Killers are from the US, they understood that this was an important event for their London audience that night.

And just before the semi-final ended, the band had live footage of the match broadcast on a huge screen on the stage.

The crowd went wild when they saw England defeat the Netherlands, as red and white confetti filled the concert venue.

The only thing that could top it was the band following it up with their megahit, Mr. Brightside…which is exactly what happened next.

3. The Wall Street Journal Shows the Power of Blank Space

On March 29, the front page of the Wall Street Journal print edition had a picture of journalist Evan Gershkovich and the headline “HIS STORY SHOULD BE HERE.”

It marked one year since Gershkovich had been detained by Russian security forces during a reporting trip.

The design was a first for the publication – but it sent a message.

And four months later, Evan was back on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, when he was freed.

2. Water Polo Captain Maggie Steffens Shows the Power of Words

In May, Maggie Steffens, a three-time Olympic GOLD medalist for the US women's water polo team, wrote a post celebrating her teammates on instagram.

She also asked for support, reminding people what it’s like to be competing in a sport that isn’t the most popular.

"Most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!).
"We always need more help."

And Steffens' call for help was heard...by founding member of Public Enemy FLAVOR FLAV.

"As a girl dad and supporter of all women's sports - imma personally sponsor you my girl," he wrote.
"Whatever you need. And imma sponsor the whole team."

And Flav was true to his word - supporting the women (and men) water polo players in Paris.

Flavor Flav with the US women’s water polo team

In July, he signed a five-year sponsorship deal as the “official hype man” for the USA Water Polo Women’s and Men’s National Teams.

And it all started with Maggie’s heartfelt words…

1.Gisele Pelicot Inspires the World

If one person has communicated strength, determination, and courage this year – in both actions and words – it’s Gisele Pelicot.

From September, the world watched as a previously anonymous 72-year-old French woman attended court hearings in Avignon, France against her former husband and 50 other men accused of raping her while she was drugged unconscious.

She refused to be shamed, and bravely allowed her case proceedings to be public to raise awareness and help others.

One of the most disturbing stories of 2024 has also given us one of the most inspirational heroes.

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Beth Collier loves writing, pop culture, and “Best and Worst” lists.

She also loves helping companies, leaders, and teams improve their communication (and creativity and leadership) through consulting, coaching, and workshops.

Her clients benefit from Beth’s global corporate experience, Midwestern practicality and enthusiasm, and an endless supply of pop culture references.

To find out how Beth can help you become a more confident, creative, and compelling leader – or improve communication in your company – visit www.beth-collier.com or drop her a line at beth@beth-collier.com