Building and Protecting your Reputation |
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Hi John,
I have had some great feedback on the new format of this ezine, and I will aim to make the tweaks that people have suggested over the next few weeks.
I was hoping to deliver some insights for the new year into how effective political communication can be, but alas the current state of play has left me with little to comment on. There is certainly no great political oratory around right now, so we will have to park that.
Back in the real world of films, it's award season. The Golden Globes have come and gone, the BAFTA nominations are out, and the Oscars are looming. I'm not one to make predictions, but I suspect Olivia Colman should make some space on her mantelpiece.
She certainly knows how to make an acceptance speech. |
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There's also a superb song from Mick too!
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The MediaMaestro is Yusaku Maezawa. He has just become the person who wrote the most-retweeted tweet of all time, by pledging to give away 100m yen (£725,000) to his followers.
Mr Maezawa's generous offer to give 100 randomly selected followers £7,250 each came after his company made 10bn yen (£73m) in record time during a spring sale. All people had to do to be in with a chance to win was to follow the entrepreneur and retweet his message.
At the time of writing, more than 4.4 million people had done just that, with Mr Maezawa comparing the scenes on his Twitter feed to a "festival".
No word yet on any winners, though...
The MediaMug is the theatre company OOOH ARRR Productions (I am not making this up). They were booked to provide a pantomime in Chippenham in late December. The show, Jack and the Beanstalk at Chippenham's Neeld Community and Arts Centre was billed as boasting a "sparkling set and glittering costumes". It was a sell-out.
Alas, one disgruntled punter said: "There were only three people, no scenery, they couldn't sing or dance."
The Town Council was equally unimpressed, saying it "was not the standard of show the Neeld is used to presenting". They added "we pride ourselves in providing high quality shows for Chippenham" but the "images provided by the company for promotional purposes did not reflect the show they brought to us".
Posting on the 158-seat venue's Facebook page, ticket-buyer Natalie Uff described the panto as "awful"."At one point they were talking to voices in the wings as they ran out of people," she said.
Full refunds were given by the council, and the performance has now been put behind them. (Oh no it hasn't...) |
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Speaking Tip - Perform like a Pro |
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Here are a few "pro tips" for delivering a great performance
1) The impression that you create is not just about words. It is also about the way in which you stand, move, and interact with your audience. I'm not suggesting that you should over-act, but you need to behave in a slightly different way from normal conversation. For example, when you use gestures to make a point, or to indicate a feature on one of your slides, you should move your arm from the shoulder, not the elbow. If you use a flipchart, rehearse your moves first, so that you don't look clumsy. And if you are going to tear sheets off, pre-rip one inch on each of them to make your actions much easier.
2) Try to get closer to your audience. If you are speaking from a lectern, or from behind a desk, walk round it occasionally to eliminate the physical barrier between you. Of course, if you are using a microphone, it needs to be a radio mike, or your voice will disappear when you step forward.
3) Don't fold your arms when you are speaking. Maintain an open stance, and lean slightly forward. If you are standing, you will be more comfortable with one foot slightly in front of the other. By all means move around, but don't prowl around the stage like a tiger.
4) You are delivering a performance, so take some tips from actors. Rehearse your entrance and exit, so that you can appear and leave in a dignified manner. Remove any bulky objects from your pockets, and don't ever play with keys, coins, pens or anything else. If you can, place cue tape on the stage to remind you of the best places to stand.
5) Consider your appearance. Dress up, rather than down, so that you look at least as businesslike as your audience. If you are unsure, take advice from the meeting organiser - they will be happy to help. Always ask someone to check you over just before you go on stage - an untied shoelace or an unzipped zip could literally be your undoing.
6) Enjoy your performance, and include humour and interactivity where appropriate.
Notwithstanding the above, the most important thing is to be yourself, so if anything seems unnatural, don't do it!
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Media Tip - Becoming a go-to spokesperson |
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If you are in a position where journalists call you, simply because you are the best topic expert they know, you will achieve the nirvana of free publicity for life. Here are some characteristics that define a go-to spokesperson.
- Dependable - You're available and ready to comment at short notice
- Controversial - You are prepared to go against the grain
- Quick-witted - You can talk about your topic off the cuff
- Honest - You say only what you beleive to be true
- Reliable - You follow-up on everything you have agreed to do.
- Quotable - You deliver your points in short, snappy statements
- Fun - You make the interview enjoyable
- Innovative - You come up with new ideas
- Self-aware - If you have no opinion on the topic, you say so, and don't get involved
- Professional - On time and efficient
Becoming a go-to spokesperson has a snowballing effect - the more you are seen, the more other journalists will call. |
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Social Media Tip - Work with your Superfans |
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If you're any good at what you do (and I'm sure you are), there will be some people who hold you in high regard. They will listen to your advice and act on it, and more importantly, tell others how good you are. They are your superfans, and they are worth more to you than any marketing campaign.
How do you find out who your superfans are? Sometimes, they will simply tell you, either in person or digitally. More often, however, they will recommend you to others when they see an opportunity for you. They will repost your content on social networks. They will comment on your posts, even if just to say 'Great blog!"
Once you know who your superfans are, you can work with them directly for your mutual benefit. Invite them into private discussion groups on Facebook. Make them aware of products earlier then anyone else. Ask them to help you test new ideas or services. Make them feel privileged, and they will become more loyal than ever. However, don't try to control your superfans. Allow them to do what they do, even if it's not exactly how you would have liked it. They are your ambassadors, your sales force and your advocates. Work with them and everyone is happy. |
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Would you like to know how to deliver a great TED talk? Here is how: |
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Do you have to "just say a few words" soon? |
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I can help. Just click the link |
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![[HD] Olivia Colman Wins Best Actress | 2019 Golden Globes](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kqcsBN7LPSQ/hqdefault.jpg)
