| Building and Protecting your Reputation |
|
Hi John,
As it has been so quiet on the political front this week, there isn't really much to say about Mrs May, Mr Corbyn or the "B" word, so I will move on to something completely different, as Mr M. Python used to say.
I have been delivering a few keynote speeches recently, or to be more precise, delivering a few instances of a very similar keynote speech. It's called "The Modern Prometheus", and mixes together mythology, some of my family history, and a series of stories about how to build and improve a world-class reputation. There are a couple of schools of thought in the speaking world about sharing speeches online. One says that only extracts should be shared, in case someone steals your content, or decides they no longer need to book you to speak. The other says that if people see your full speech, they will be more inclined to work with you and book you in person. I am in the latter camp, so if you want to see the 25-minute version of my speech that I gave in Vancouver last month, go ahead.
|
|
The MediaMaestro is a crisp company, Tyrrells. They have made a very smart move ahead of Valentine's Day by producing aphrodisiac crisps (I am not making this up). They claim their new aphrodisiac variety will "get pulses racing" by combining two simple ingredients - sweet honey and the fiery spice of chilli. According to the manufacturer, these two ingredients can have a powerful effect on the body, with the honey "tinkering with hormone levels" and the chilli triggering nerve endings on the tongue, releasing endorphins and increasing heart rate.
The limited edition crisps were put to the test by Daily Mirror readers Polly Hudson and her husband. They describe in some detail (which I will pass over here), the anticipation of opening and eating the crisps, but sadly conclude that they are just like any other crisps.
Oh well. Clever publicity stunt anyway. Well done Tyrrells!
|
|
| | The MediaMug is a pub chain, Youngs, which decided to do something to celebrate "Veganuary", when some people decide to go vegan.
Alongside their regular offer of two Aberdeen Angus steaks for 28 pounds, they decided to offer two cauliflower steaks for the same price - 28 pounds. Understandably, there has been some reaction to their move. Youngs has now removed it from the menu, but not before receiving a swathe of bad publicity on social media.
A huge mis-steak. (sorry!) |
|
| Speaking Tip - Emulate the speaking greats |
|
One way to improve the quality of your speeches is to watch and listen to the very best in the business, and see how they deliver a message. Listening to great speakers like Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela, I was always impressed by the way that both of them had learned the art of a great speech - delivering a powerful message while sounding conversational.
Here are ten things that great speakers do -
Think about what the audience take away, not what they deliver Keep it short Don't just inform, but aim to persuade Watch the audience's reaction. Go with their flow Open with impact Close with direction Repeat the key idea often See themselves as part of their audience, not separate from them Make sure they can be seen and heard by everyone Leave them wanting more
There's a great website called American rhetoric, where you can study some of the great US speeches of the past century. Drop in from time to time, and focus on just one speech. |
|
| Media Tip - Get the timing right |
|
It's sometimes said that the most important thing in comedy is....timing. Like all old lines, there's some truth to it. The importance of timing when dealing with the media, though, is critical. Here are some key points about timing that you need to bear in mind -
* Timing is determined by the reporter, not you
* Overcome short-notice queries by having a stockpile of messages ready, and keeping them updated often
* You can't extend a journalist's deadline
* Watch and listen to the news, and anticipate events that might affect your business
* React within minutes, not hours
* Aim to become the quickest and best source of information
* Don't let your competitors comment first
* Make sure that someone is always available to take a press call. This means every hour, every day.
* Ensure that you know where your spokespeople are at all times. If some are unavailable, have reserves on standby
Get the timing right, and the media will love you for it. |
|
| Social Media Tip - Two-screening it |
|
I don't know about you, but I often have my iPad or iPhone (other tablets and smartphones are available) handy when I'm watching television. I chat with others who are watching the same show via a hashtag. It may be sport, politics (BBC Question Time is my show of choice) or even The Apprentice. Before you dismiss me a saddo, stay with me for a moment.
The chat in the Twitter back channel gets quite lively, and I find that it adds to my enjoyment of the show. Not only that, a virtual community exists around the show, especially a regular one like Question Time. I sometimes reconnect with people I haven't spoken to in months, and we arrange to meet in the real world. I've even found that some of my clients look forward to chatting about a show, which strengthens my relationship with them.
It's all about building and maintaining friendships. I'm careful to avoid any swearing or political comments, since I know my clients are listening, but I don't mind making pithy comments on what I see and hear on screen. It's just another way of keeping in touch, and turning a relatively solitary experience into one that is widely shared.
See you on #BBCQT !
|
|
| There may be an Apple product launch you missed. Luckily our friends at Bad Lip Reading were there. |
|
| Do you have a speech to make soon? |
|
| I can help. Just click the link |
|
|
|
|
|
|
