Building and Protecting your Reputation |
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It's a shame that the aftermath of the Euros was not about the football, and congratulating the champions Italy, but instead was about the shocking behaviour of some so-called "fans" who broke down barriers and forced their way into Wembley without tickets.
Alas, there was also the racial abuse received by several England footballers on social media after the game. I did a couple of radio pieces this week about the problem of tracking down the offenders. There's no simple solution, but I'm glad to see that the police are already having some success.
It's not just about racism, of course. The apparent anonymity provided by social media has given some idiots the opportunity to deliver nasty abuse to people they don't even know, which can have devastating consequences. The social media companies already employ algorithms to track and remove offensive content. They also have incredibly powerful data processors that are apparently able to send you adverts for things you merely thought about buying several years ago. I hope they find the will to take more action to stem this dreadful tide. |
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I am extremely grateful for the contributions from readers last week to my fund-raising appeal for cancer research. As a result, I am already over 60% of the way to my target.
Thanks in particular to Kim, two Andys, Sid, Billy, Elaine, Terry and Gary (you know who you are), for their great generosity.
If you happen to have some spare change down the side of the sofa, and can spare a pound (euro, dollar) or two to help me hit the target, I'd be grateful for your support. |
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A heads-up if you are thinking about getting some speaker coaching. I am releasing a few places on my annual speaker programme in September. I will be posting full details next week.
However, if you'd like to have a chat beforehand, and would like me to hold a place for you, drop me a line at alan@mediacoach.co.uk or call me on 07986 852621.
I provide one-to-one coaching for only a few people each year, and you could be one. |
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 | My guest in the radio show this week is someone who knows exactly what I do, because he does something very similar.
Jeff Hahn concentrates on reputation protection and restoration. He grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa in the midst of the late 1970s, early 1980s farm crisis. That era for his family started when a tornado destroyed their farm in 1975, an event that eventually nudged him off the farm. In exchange for a free haircut and bus ticket, he headed to San Antonio, Texas, where he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
He's now the owner and principal of a family of integrated agency brands including Apron Food & Beverage Communications, Hahn Public Communications, the Predictive Media Network and White Lion Interactive.
He has a fascinating take on crisis management.
And there's also a great song from Rob Corcoran and the Necessary Evils, who I saw at a gig this week,. Rob will be my guest on the show very soon. |
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The MediaMaestro is Emma Hayes, who is currently the manager of Chelsea Women and was recently crowned the 2020–21 FA WSL Manager of the Year.
She's been one of the TV pundits during the Euros, and for me, she's been the best of them all.
She has a deep understanding of the game, and the rare talent of being able to explain it on air without being patronising or over-technical.
She also has an easy and relaxed style when chatting to her fellow pundits, and clearly is very highly respected by them.
I'm sure we will see a lot more of her on TV in future.
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The MediaMug is a small furry animal this week
Firefighters in Georgia responded to a home where an "embarrassed" raccoon had found its way inside and appeared to be confused about how to leave again.
The City of Dalton Fire Department said a crew was summoned to a Dalton home Monday on a report of a raccoon that came inside and refused to leave.
"We were called out to help this guy find his way back out of a house in Dalton Monday night," the department said in a Facebook post.
The post included a photo of the raccoon using a paw to cover its face in a gesture reminiscent of embarrassment.
"As you can tell, he was pretty embarrassed about it, but it's really nothing to be ashamed of. We all need a helping hand every now and then," firefighters wrote.
The raccoon was safely released outside the home, the post said.
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Speaking Tip - Which means that... |
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When you're speaking, and particularly when you are pitching for business, there's a phrase that is handy to keep in mind. The phrase is: "Which means that.." Why is it so important?
When you're enthusiastic and knowledgeable, it's easy to assume that everyone else is equally upbeat. That can cause you to go into great detail about the features and specifications of whatever it is you're describing,
For example, you could be pitching a new software system to a prospective client, with the phrase "It takes regular checkpoints, regardless of whether you do so manually, negating the impact of any system failure" The blank look on the face of your prospect means that you should add: "Which means that you never have to worry about losing your work, since it is saved automatically, even if things go wrong with your computer"
In other words, you need to talk about benefits in terms that mean something to your audience. It's what all good marketers know instinctively, and what all good speakers should be aware of too. All of your listeners are interested to learn how they can benefit from your words and ideas. That's what you need to focus on, which means that you have to understand them inside out, which means that you have to prepare thoroughly.
Which means that - Oh, you know what I mean.
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Media Tip - Attenborough magic |
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Sir David Attenborough is 95 years old, yet he's still making and presenting marvellous TV documentaries about the natural world. The photography is always stunning, and David's narration is both low-key and informative. It made me think - "What is it that he does that comes across so well on TV?". Here's what I think it is:
1) Simplicity, without condescension It's about using a simple vocabulary, yet explaining something new in a fascinating way. When you're in a TV interview, you're there to inform, not to impress. Communication is more important than demonstrating your vast expertise.
2) A genuine interest in the topic There's no doubt that David is an enthusiast for his subject. He'd hardly have pursued it so long if not. The important thing is to show that enthusiasm without appearing to be obsessive. He hits the mark perfectly. If you aren't enthusiastic about your topic, or at the very least interested in it, viewers will notice.
3) Humility One of the most endearing features about David is that he has retained both his sense of wonder and his humility. He never comes across as superior or all-knowing. He's clearly still learning, and is amazed by what he finds. It's a very important characteristic to remember, especially when being interviewed about a crisis. Always remain humble.
4) Planning None of the spectacular scenes in his documentaries just appear. They are filmed after long days of careful planning and patience. It's the same with interviews. You must plan, and you must be patient for your opportunity to make your point.
And if you haven't ever watched one of David Attenborough's programmes recently, I urge you to seek one out.
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Social Media Tip - Mind your manners |
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Good manners cost nothing (but they are worth a lot, as my grandfather used to say). That saying is well worth remembering when you use social media. Everything you say is recorded somewhere, and may appear later on to embarrass you, or even lose you business. There are no points for being rude, swearing or linking to offensive images.
That doesn't mean that you have to agree with everyone all the time. That would make the world a really dull place, in my opinion. If you want to disagree with something you have read, then disagree with the viewpoint, not the person directly. Be respectful of other opinions, even if you don't share them, and always give reasons and evidence to back up your stance.
Always thank people for their comments, and try to reply as often as you can. If you are really annoyed by a comment, take a few minutes before responding, or create a draft response, but delay sending it, You may find that your attitude changes, even in a few minutes. Being controversial is something that will attract followers. Being offensive will drive them away.
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Yes it's back. The classic arcade game, Frogger. |
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An online or in-person speech to make? I can help.
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The information in this ezine may be freely re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line - "This information was written by Alan Stevens, and originally appeared in "The MediaCoach", his free weekly ezine, available at www.mediacoach.co.uk." |
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