Building and Protecting your Reputation |
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I thought long and hard about whether I should even send a newsletter this week.
It's been really hard to watch and listen to the news from Ukraine, and hard to know what to do to help.
So I thought I would provide you with the information so that you can donate if you wish, and keep providing the tips just like I have done for the last 17 years.
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And of course, I can't ignore the magnificent example of leadership of Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, and currently the most admired man on the planet.
Pictures comparing him with his troops in a bunker in Kyiv, and Vladimir Putin sitting a a ridiculously long table with his advisors really are worth a thousand words. |
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 | My interview this week is from a wonderful woman who sadly passed away last year - Jeanne Robertson. She was a great friend and colleague - I used to meet her every year in the USA at the National Speakers Association Convention.
Her gentle humour and simple but strong messages seem perfect for our time.
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My song choice for a today is a beautiful version of Auld Lang Syne from Ron Hipp and Carol Statella, known collectively as Out of the Rain. |
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MediaMaestro, MediaMug of the Week |
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The MediaMaestro is of course Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
His daily broadcasts from his capital city have inspired not only his nation but the entire world.
I am sure that we all wish him and his country well in their darkest hour. |
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The MediaMug is news broadcaster CNN.
During their excellent coverage of the war in Ukraine, as air raid sirens sounded, an advert appeared for a restaurant - Applebee's - featuring cold beer and a twerking cowboy (I am not making this up).
These “squeezeback” ad units that prevent programming from being fully interrupted by a commercial are intended to keep viewers from changing the channel
CNN has of course apologised and promised that their coverage will not be interrupted in this way again, but what were they thinking?. |
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Speaking Tip of the week - Be respectful |
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It almost goes without saying that you should respect your audience. Alas, some speakers disregard the wishes or interests of those who have come to see them, and deliver the same old stuff. If you see blank looks on the faces of people you speak to, it's your fault for not doing your research properly.
Listen to their questions, respond to their points, and amend your delivery if necessary. If your content is not working, or not being understood, you need to change your approach. You're an expert in your topic, so that won't be a problem. If you are short of time, know what can be safely left out. If you have extra time, know what could be effectively added. In short, be adaptable. You should also respect your audience's time, too.
You should never go on beyond your scheduled finishing time unless the vast majority demand it, and the organiser allows it. If you keep people longer than they expected, it is the only thing they will remember and talk about, regardless of the quality of your speech.
After your speech, take time to speak to people who have questions, and accept their congratulations gracefully.
Respect your audience, and you will gain their respect in return.
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Media Tip of the week - What is News? |
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Nothing like a big question now and again, eh? I was asked this recently, and I offered a few possible definitions,
One very old definition is "News defies expectations".
Evelyn Waugh had a similar take, saying "News is what a chap who doesn't care much about anything wants to read".
Joseph Pulitzer (yes, that Joseph Pulitzer) put it most elegantly; "News should be put before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light."
However you define news, it's always about stories. The mistake that many people make is that they want to get their business, products and services into the news, assuming that they will naturally be of interest. That's why many press releases never get picked up. They simply don't contain any news.
If you understand what news is about, you will understand what is newsworthy. That understanding can save a lot of frustration, not to mention a lot of money wasted on ineffective PR. If you always look for the story, you will find far more opportunities for publicity than a new CEO or a move of head offices (yawn).
What is it about your story that defies expectations? What's your news? |
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Social Media Tip of the week - The Great Pretenders |
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In my opinion, there are several types of pretender on social networks. Here's how I describe them:
1) The pretend expert These are the people who publish reviews of new products and services, sometimes before launch. They haven't seen or tried the new stuff themselves, but have simply read all the reports from people who have, and pulled together a summary which makes them look as though they are "in the know".
2) The pretend writer These are real crooks, in my opinion. They reproduce articles and blog posts written by others, with no accreditation, leading people to believe they wrote them. Sometimes they even claim the writing credit. Sad indeed.
3) The pretend journalist This is a type I'm seeing more often. they pick up online news alerts or listen to broadcast sources, and then announce the "news" to their friends and followers. They overlook the fact that if people are interested in a story, they will have the same alerts set up. If there was an attempt to comment on the news, I could see the point of it, but simply sending out "news" seems utterly pointless. News sites do it better and faster.
4) The pretend friend of celebs They continually "chat" to celebrities on Twitter and Facebook as though they are pals. 99% of it is one-way traffic. Occasionally, they will receive a response, which they will talk about for weeks.
What do all these fakes have in common? I suspect it's a desire for status - to be seen as an important member of their online community. It's all wasted effort.
Instead, it's important to focus on: - Being honest, by reporting what you have experienced
- Being authentic, by writing your own material
- Being analytical, by commenting on the news rather than just passing it on
- Being real, by connecting with people you know
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Another song from Playing for Change, an organisation that brings people together from around the world. It's a wonderful and apt tune written by Robbie Roberson -The Weight
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If you appear on the media, or plan to, then I can help you perform even better.
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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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