| Building and Protecting your Reputation |
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Hi John,
Firstly, a huge tip of the hat to Captain Tom Moore, who has inspired not only a nation, but also the whole world with his fund-raising efforts this week. He set out to raise a thousand pounds, and as I write this, the figure is in excess of twelve million. I must admit, I shed a few tears as I watched him complete his target, and saw him promise to keep going and raise even more.
An inspiring act by an inspiring man.
I've found it fascinating to see how many people have remarked on the benefits of this period of enforced time at home, with visits to the outside world restricted, and contact with people outside our families virtually non-existent. We're very fortunate to have Epping Forest on our doorstep, which has been a massive benefit for family walks and my runs.
So what's been good? This is what I've noticed, or people have told me:
There's been time to sit and reflect on what's really important You can catch up on those box sets you've been meaning to watch There's a chance to chat with people you haven't spoken to in years You can hear birdsong everywhere The sky seems more blue, and there's rarely a plane to be seen The whole world is quieter There's plenty of time to improve your cookery skills There's a lot of support for people who need it
Of course, we need to remember the suffering and loss caused by this nasty virus. But we'll get through it. |
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| As you may know (and thanks if you're also a subscriber to it), I also produce a weekly video with media and speaking tips. I've just switched the format to include tips for a book to read, a speech to watch, and a general piece of advice. If you don't already receive it and would like to, just drop me a line. The latest one is below. |
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Tom Morley is the Rockstar Activator.
Following his time in the music business with the 80s band Scritti Politti Tom has developed a truly artistic way of living where every experience leads him to the humorous uncovering of some universal truth.
He's had to find a whole new way of presenting in order to present his expertise to an audience in their homes and offices. His success in that transformation is both inspiring and uplifting.
I asked him how he did it, as you can hear in The Media Coach Radio Show.
There's also another great song from The Dustbowl Revival |
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The MediaMaestro is the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
She has led her country through this crisis with confidence, humility and quiet humour, such as her news conference when she referred to the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy as "essential workers".
Though there is still a long way to go in this crisis yet, I think she has set the standard for world leaders. She just spoke about a plan for a phased re-opening of businesses in New Zealand as the country enters the exit strategy from lock-down.
At every stage, she has spoken directly to the people, in simple language, and explained what the government is doing, including announcing a twenty per cent pay cut for herself and all government officials.
She has shown people exactly how to communicate in a crisis. |
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The MediaMug is Burger King, which has been banned from showing adverts suggesting its "Rebel Whopper", which is cooked alongside meat and contains egg, is vegan-friendly.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the chain's claim that the burger is "100% Whopper, no beef" could be understood to mean it did not contain animal products.
Burger King said it had been "clear and transparent" in its marketing.
The Vegan Society said it was a "missed opportunity".
"We communicated from the outset that the Rebel Whopper is aimed at a flexitarian audience," the fast food chain said in a statement.
Burger King also told the ASA that it had been "clearly communicated" on social media and to journalists that the burger may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Clearly the ASA, and many vegans and vegetarians - did not agree. |
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| Speaking Tip - Going remote |
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Remote speaking is not new. Radio has been around for a long time, and people are very used to it. Today, we have the opportunity to present in video as well as audio, not unlike what the old folk call “television”.
In short, there is nothing new or novel about having a presenter and an audience in different locations. However, it is something that can un-nerve even the most experienced speaker.
There are many reasons why remote speaking can be a valuable option. In some cases, it may even be a preferable option to being there in person.
Whatever system you decide to use, or are required to use by your client, there are some simple basic guidelines to follow.
Firstly, learn the standard techniques with regard to screen sharing, muting the audience, reviewing comments and whether and how to record the session. Remember, by the way that if you record the session or take screen shots of audience members, you must obtain their prior permission.
Secondly, practice using the system a few days before using it with an audience. Record yourself and review your delivery. If necessary, repeat the process a few times until you are satisfied that you know how to manage the features, so that you can focus on your speaking.
Thirdly, consider what may go wrong, and have a plan in place to overcome any issues. The most drastic issue will be a lost connection, but even then, all is not lost (joke intended). Ensure that you record a session ahead of time with no audience, and send it to the organiser.
Finally, ensure that you have a high-speed and reliable internet connection, which ideally should be dedicated just to you. If you are sharing a Wi-Fi system with a large group in an organisation, you may find that it is fine when you test it out of hours, but fails to work when everyone else is logged on. |
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| Media Tip - Text yourself on air |
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Radio stations thrive on listener interaction, and that's more important now than ever, while almost everyone is stuck at home listening.
They mention their email, phone and text numbers repeatedly, and are often overwhelmed by thousands of responses to interviews or reports. Of late, there are more and more instances of people being interviewed as a direct result of contacting the radio station. It is another way of getting yourself on air.
If you want to try this route, here are a few tips -
Listen from the start of the show See if you have something to say about reports in the first 30 minutes Send a text message, email, or phone them with a brief but pithy comment Indicate that you'd love to talk about the issue Don't send a message unless you really do have something to say Write down your main points to refer to in case of a call back Keep your phone handy until the end of the show - the most likely time to get a call is in the last 10 minutes
Of course, when you do get the call, you'll be ready, because you've been reading this ezine. Good luck. |
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| Social Media Tip - Speak the reader's language |
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When writing copy for your social media posts, your prime concern, as you know, is to make it understandable by your readers.
But there is another reason why you should use simple words in your posts. Many users find posts by using a search engine such as Google (usually Google, to be honest).
To give yourself a better chance of being found, you need to use words that your visitors would naturally input to a search box when they are looking for the service you offer.
Alas, many people fall into the trap of writing flowery, overblown prose that may look cute, and may even please the owner, but will not help your search positioning. Check your posts now and give it some thought.
Winston Churchill said that "short words are best and the old words when short are best of all." Good advice.
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| Need some remote speaking tips ? |
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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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