What I do

At its heart, my work is about helping communication make sense.

I work with people, teams, organisations and communities to shape stories that are clear, credible and compelling — stories that build understanding and trust over time, and that others feel able and willing to carry forward themselves.

This work often comes into focus at moments where something important needs to be said: when people are speaking publicly, leading through change, shaping written communication, or trying to bring clarity to complex or sensitive situations.

I think about communication in its broadest sense — not just what’s said in interviews or on platforms, but how meaning, tone and values show up consistently in language, behaviour and decisions.

Clarifying the story

Everything starts with clarity.

I work with people and organisations to get beneath the surface of what they’re trying to say. That usually involves taking a step back, listening properly, and working out what’s important — and what’s just habit.

This might involve shaping a core narrative or point of view, helping leaders, teams or creatives articulate what they stand for, making complex or contested ideas intelligible without over-simplifying, or working through moments of uncertainty, sensitivity or scrutiny.

When the story is clear, everything else becomes easier.

Finding a consistent voice

Once the story is clear, the question becomes how it is expressed.

I support people and organisations to communicate with a voice that feels consistent, confident and credible — whether that voice is spoken, written, internal or external. This is as much about tone and judgement as it is about content.

This can include supporting writing and editorial tone, preparing people to speak publicly about their work, aligning internal language with external messages, and helping teams develop a shared way of talking about what they do.

The aim is coherence — so that what’s said, what’s written and what’s done reinforce each other rather than pulling in different directions.

Carrying the story into the world

Stories matter most when they move.

I work with individuals and teams who are communicating in public-facing contexts — media, leadership roles, cultural settings or community spaces — where how something is said can matter as much as what is decided.

This often includes supporting people who are about to speak publicly, respond to scrutiny, or represent their organisation or community; media, audio and digital communication support; leadership communication during moments of change or transition; and working with organisations and communities to ensure stories are heard, not just broadcast.

Here, communication is not about performance. It’s about trust, responsibility and creating the conditions where others feel able to repeat, share or stand behind what’s being said.

David Clargo sitting at a desk writing notes with a pen

How the work happens

The work is listening-led and collaborative.

Sometimes it takes the form of training or facilitation. Sometimes it’s coaching, mentoring or structured conversation. Often it begins simply by talking things through — understanding what needs to be said, who it’s for, and what might be getting in the way.

People often come to me when they know something important needs to be communicated, but aren’t yet sure how to say it — or how to make sure it lands consistently.