|
Greetings!
Are you ready for your close up and your
15-minutes of fame? These days just about
anyone, not only CEOs, can be called on by
the media. How will you respond when it's
your turn?
Today, more than in the past, the media is
paying close attention to what is going on
inside of organizations. You may end up being
a spokesperson for your company whether you
like it or not. I tell you this not to strike
fear in your heart, but to help you get ready
to be successful in any encounter with the
media.
Speak for Success is pleased to announce new
offerings
for Dealing Effectively with the Media, training
and coaching.
Whether you are called to be a guest on a
radio show, a comment for the daily
newspaper, or a television interview, we will
help you put your best face and voice
forward. We welcome our newest team member, Gayle
Lynn Falkenthal, APR, M.S., who spent 15
years as
an award-winning broadcast editor, producer
and host in radio and television.
Here's to your success! Dana Bristol-Smith
|
Show vs. Tell: Mac vs. PC
|
|
By Dana Bristol-Smith
I have to admire those clever Mac vs. PC
commercials - especially the latest one.
There is Mr. Cool Mac just hanging out - then
slowly waddling in is a very bloated, rotund
PC who looks like a sad blimp. He can
barely move!
I identify with the rotund PC as I think
about my PC which has been slowing down
lately. It's not old age; it is only 3! Well,
I guess that
must be at least 30 in computer years. It has
slowed down with all of the virus scanning,
update checking, firewalling, stuff that goes
on behind the scenes while I'm trying to
work! It tells me to keep on working while it
does all this stuff in the background, just
before it freezes. My once speedy computer
feels like I'm working at a snail's pace,
typing underwater in jello, bringing back
memories of the olden days when I used a dial
up modem that took forever to load web pages!
Was that only a few years ago?
My point is not only do I need a new
computer, but Apple has brilliantly
captured the reality and frustrations that
many of us PC users face on a daily basis.
They have shown us, not told us, a
compelling case for change. They have
identified our pain and proposed a solution.
What do you do when you want to create a case
for change? Do you tell your audiences all of
the facts, statistics, and reasons why they
should change? Most presenters do just that.
They talk, talk, and talk some more. Or, do
you identify the pain and propose a solution?
How can
you show---not tell, your case for change?
What picture is worth a thousand words, a
million dollars, a billion? Let your mind
wander to the outer edges. Get creative,
think differently, go hang out in an Apple
store, eat an apple, or name your baby Apple.
Take a creative writing class, your dog for a
walk, or a bath. See what inspires you.
Look for ways that you can show vs. tell. You
too can be compelling and memorable whether
you use a Mac or a PC.
Click
here to see the Mac. vs. PC video
|
|
Understanding the News Media
|
|
By Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR
You've gotten the call you knew might
come someday. A reporter wants to come
interview you. Perhaps it's about a recent
accomplishment by your business or
organization, or something brand new and
interesting to an audience. Perhaps it's
because there is a problem or controversy.
No matter the reason, you will have a better
chance to achieve your communications
objectives if you are prepared long before
the call comes. This includes knowing how the
news media work. How can you make a
reporter's job easier, winning his or her
trust and assistance as a credible source of
information in the process?
The following points will help you think
about the interview process from the media's
point of view, and understand the important
role you can play in making the interview a
positive, professional experience. Continued
Here
|
|
|
