Building and Protecting your Reputation |
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This is what I said last week about the school examinations fiasco:
"My expertise is communication and it is here that I think there has been a massive failure. People will accept what they see as a fair and transparent process. What they object to is a confused message, poor communication and changes at the last minute."
I wish my comments hadn't been so accurate in view of yet another weekend of confusion, when the goalposts were moved several times, before finally settling on the grades that had been predicted in the first place. I will return to this in a moment. |
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I'm taking part in an online debate about hybrid events on Monday 24th August at 3pm UK time. The debate is hosted by my great friend and co-author Paul du Toit, and is free to attend.
Along with Paul and me, there will be two experts from the speaker bureau industry - Saana Azzam and Maria Franzoni. It should be a fascinating half hour. If you'd like to join us just register at the link.
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Baroness (Tanni) Grey-Thompson is one of the UK's best known athletes. Over her career she won a total of 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 golds, held over 30 world records and won the London Marathon six times between 1992 and 2002.
Since 2010 she has been a member of the House of Lords, and a regular commentator on issues affecting disabled people as well as being a leading expert on sporting issues.
I've known Tanni for many years, and I was delighted that she agreed to chat to me on the record this week. Hear our conversation in the Media Coach Radio Show.
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The MediaMaestro is Michelle Obama. She delivered a speech in support of Joe Biden to the Democratic Convention, which of course is being held online this year.
She was calm, measured and devastating in her criticism of President Trump, even using his own words against him, after detailing what she perceived as his failings and adding "it is what it is".
Apparently she has no interest in a political career. Just as well for any of her potential opponents. |
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The MediaMug is Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson (I said I'd get back to him).
He gave an object lesson in how to turn a disaster into a crisis. In the absence of the Prime Minister, who is taking a timely holiday in Scotland, Mr Williamson did the rounds of TV and radio studios, becoming more and more apologetic about an issue he claimed not to be aware of until a few days ago.
In the old days, a minister finding themselves in a situation like this would have offered to go. However, Mr Williamson is not only staying put, but he failed to even answer the question. When asked repeatedly if he was resigning, he ignored the question altogether.
Here's a tip for you Gavin. If you aren't going to resign, the answer to the question is "No" |
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Speaking Tip - Seven things to do before every remote presentation |
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There are dozens of things you could do before you present online. Here are seven that you must never miss.
1) Check the link, timing and topic. When I say "check", I also mean "re-check". Always make a call a day or two before you are due to present to make sure that the details you have are still valid. It can and does happen that an organiser may make some changes at the last minute, and forget to tell a most important person - you. Make sure you have the right link, and any passcode, too.
2) Send a recording of your presentation. Record your presentation and send a copy in advance, and upload another copy to the cloud. Make sure that the presentation can be downloaded and played by the organiser, so they can switch to it if required.
3) Rehearse out loud Saying the words in your head is not the same as saying them out loud. You need to know how they feel as you say them. Ideally, record your rehearsal in audio and/or video and play it back to check how it looks and sounds.
4) Anticipate delays and plan to be online early. Contact the organiser and check the system if possible. Keep them informed.
5) Check your technical setup. Have spares for everything - bulbs, microphones, maybe even a computer/laptop.
6) Clear your system. Shut down all other programs, and clear the memory just before you go online
7) Prevent disturbances. Set your phone and tablet to silent. Turn off audible alerts. Tell people not to disturb you. Put up a sign. Shut the door.
8) Bonus tip - have water handy, and go to the bathroom before your presentation! |
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Media Tip - Disarm the loaded question |
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When you are being interviewed, you must listen carefully to the question. I know that sounds obvious, and I'm sure that's what you do, but hear me out. Many interviewers, whether intentionally or not, will ask questions which contain a statement, or an assumption. If you disagree with the statement, you must refute it, immediately. If you ignore it, or fail to challenge it in your response, listeners or viewers will perceive it as an acceptance from you that it is true.
It may not be as obvious as a "Have you stopped exploiting your workers yet?" question. They are easy to spot. Here's a more subtle example.
When Colin Powell was US Secretary of State, he was asked about US policy in the Middle East. The question was "Mr Secretary, now that the war in Iraq (the first Gulf War) is over, who will be next? Does the US have a plan to spread a set of values at gunpoint, in your view?" Colin Powell made the correct response, simply saying "No, of course not"., before going on to describe US foreign policy objectives in general.
If you receive a loaded question, counter any false accusation immediately. Don't work up to it, or become distracted. Deal with it, there and then, and move on.
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Social Media Tip - Be here, now |
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Back in 1997, those nice young chaps in Oasis put out their third studio album, Be here now. Liam Gallagher says it's his favourite Oasis album.
This tip is not about music, or the Gallagher brothers. It's inspired by the title.
Social media is about the now. It's conversational. It's current. You need to be here, now.
Of course, it may be necessary on occasions to schedule social media posts. But please try to make it the exception, not the norm.
If someone responds to your post, you have a chance to start or reinforce a relationship with them. You don't have to agree - and if you don't please be respectful - but an online debate will show others that you care about the topic, and have the ability to make your case.
There's no need to have a prolonged debate, but a few responses within a few minutes will show people that you know what you are talking about. |
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Running an online event ? |
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An online event to plan? 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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