Building and Protecting your Reputation |
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I said I'd offer a view on the new James Bond film. It was terrific. Everything you'd expect and more. See it in a cinema, and you'll find yourself absorbed for nearly three hours.
But I've been absorbed by another drama this week. The number one show on Netflix is a Korean drama called Squid Game.
It's brutal and can be hard to watch, but I found it to be one of the most extraordinary shows I've ever seen. It deals with power, wealth, love, friendship and violence. A lot of violence. But if you can cope with that, I strongly recommend it. It's an experience that will stay with me for a long time. |
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As I mentioned last week, it's a time when people are thinking about their personal and professional development in 2022.
But if you're looking to dip your toe in the water, why not take a look at the group programme which starts in November 2021. Only $97 a month for two and half hours of monthly content.
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 | Charlie Gracie is one of a diminishing number of rock & roll innovators. A native of South Philadelphia, he became the first successful recording star of the Rock Era to emerge from that neighbourhood. In 1957, Charlie's Butterfly topped the American and British music charts, selling over 3 million copies.
He became the first solo American artist to bring rock & roll to the English concert stage. Preceded only by Bill Haley and the Comets, Charlie headlined the London Palladium - receiving outstanding receptions from the press and public. Charlie's popularity in the United Kingdom continues to this day where he continues to tour annually.
His superb guitar playing elicited the highest of praise from music legends like George Harrison. The late Beatle once referred to Charlie's guitar technique as "brilliant" in a March 1996 interview with Billboard Magazine. Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to Charlie by recording an updated version of Fabulous on his album Run Devil Run.
He is a genuine music legend, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to speak with him.
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And there's also a terrific song from Charlie too |
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The MediaMaestro is the original bass player in the rock band Status Quo - Alan Lancaster (right).
I have to admit, I was a very early fan of the Quo - I was even number 37 in their fan club in 1967. That was when they hadn't discovered double denim and the driving beats that made them famous. They were a psychedelic band with flowers in their hair. (Honestly)
But when they found their niche, there was no-one better, and Alan Lancaster was at the very heart of it, playing on 19 albums and 40 singles before leaving in 1985 and continuing his career in Australia.
The original members reformed briefly in 2013 for what was to be their swan song. |
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The MediaMug is Tory cabinet minister Dominic Raab, who apparently has difficulty understanding words.
Speaking to the BBC, he said "insults and misogyny is absolutely wrong whether it's a man against a woman or a woman against a man".
BBC Breakfast Presenter Sally Nugent told Mr Raab that the dictionary definition of misogyny is in fact hatred towards women.
Opposition parties seized on his apparent confusion after he was corrected by the interviewer. Labour's shadow justice secretary David Lammy said: "No wonder the Conservatives are hopeless at tackling violence against women and girls."
Liberal Democrat equalities spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: "It's little wonder the Conservatives are failing to tackle misogyny when their justice secretary doesn't even seem to know what it is."
I'm sure Mr Raab has now looked up misandry.
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Speaking Tip - Three speaking emergencies |
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Sometimes things happen during a speech that weren't part of the plan. Here are a few that I hope never happen to you, but if they do, I'm offering some solutions too.
1) Your mind goes blank. Obviously, this is a real problem. You may be under-prepared, overtired or suffering a sudden attack of stage fright. Here's what to do. Firstly, relax and say nothing. You can pause for quite a while, during which time you may well remember what comes next. Refer to your notes in your pocket or on the lectern (that's why they are always handy). Ask the audience where you were. Take questions.
2) You get sidetracked. A persistent questioner, for example, can lead you away from the message of your speech. You can avoid this by having a very clear "map" for your talk, and explaining it in advance. Be polite and firm with any questioner, and never take more than a minute away from your speech. If time is critical, delete a short section of the rest of your presentation.
3) You realise a previous speaker has told your story. This happens surprisingly often, even with your personal stories. If you see the audience looking puzzled and restless, ask them. Never criticise a previous speaker, even if they used your story without permission. Make a joke of it - "so good they told it twice", or ask them for the punch line. You can decide what to do about the other speaker in private! |
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Media Tip - Paint a portrait of the future |
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People buy dreams, so people sell dreams. Politicians do it all the time, but alas they don't always deliver. But you can deliver in your business, because what you can achieve is much more within your control.
Stimulate the imagination of the viewers and listeners to persuade them to your point of view. When you're asked about your product or service, say "Imagine, in a few years time, when every family will be able to view a holographic replay of any concert or play from the last fifty years on demand". Then give a road map of how to get there from here - using your technology of course.
The more vivid you can make the picture, the better. You can tell a story of how an individual might benefit, how their lives will change, as a result of what you produce. If you can give people a shared vision, by painting a picture of the benefits of your products, you will find that the interview becomes not only interesting, but also valuable PR.
Before you sit down to speak to a journalist, think how your company will change people's lives, in as much detail as possible. When you can see the picture yourself, all you need to do is describe it.
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Social Media Tip - Don't fear the feedback |
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From time to time, you'll get feedback on social networks that you may not like. However, being criticised is not a bad thing; it is far worse to be ignored. If you receive a negative response from other tweeters, visitors to your blog, or readers of your ezine, then take note. They care enough about you to get in touch and tell you how you could provide them with a better service.
You may even decide to prompt a debate by making a controversial statement on your Facebook page (for example). Even better, get involved in a debate in one of the groups on your preferred social network.
Never resort to personal feedback. Always show respect to other contributors, but don't be afraid to make your point, while giving reasons for your view. If you follow me on social media, you will know that I am no stranger to that tactic.
Some companies now use social networks to "alpha test" ideas. If there is a slew of negative feedback, they don't even create a prototype. It saves time and resources, and shows customers that they are listening. Why not give it a try? |
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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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