The MediaCoach

Hi John,

It's just been National Volunteer Week. Like you, I'm sure, I am a volunteer in various places. Like you, I'm sure, I don't do it to achieve anything other than the sheer joy of making other people feel better. One of my favourite volunteer gigs is to work in QEII Olympic Park in Stratford, and I just want to give a big shout out to Adele, Rowan, Paul, Ian, Simeon and Alison, plus the dozens of volunteers who make the magic happen for the visitors. Last night a few of us had a wee get-together at the View Tube, a superb venue on the edge of the park, where I met Jonathan and Gaby, who you will be hearing in a future edition of my web radio show. If you are a volunteer, a big well done from me. If you aren't, what are you waiting for?

One of my other volunteer gigs is being a school governor. This week, the call from the OFSTED inspectors came, so I went into school to support the staff and be cross-examined myself on how the governing body performed its role. I'm not allowed to reveal the result yet, but if you could see me, you'd notice a smile.

The big news this week has been the evidence given to the enquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire. I spent a few hours watching the live feed from the enquiry, and even at this early stage in the proceedings it is clear that a catalogue of bad decisions was made. I cannot imagine what the survivors and families of the victims must be thinking hearing the damaging litany that will surely lead to prosecutions. My sympathies to all affected, once more.

Being in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium in London yesterday reminded me of the great performances I've seen there, so I'm replaying an interview with world champion long jumper Stef Reid, recorded a couple of years ago as she was preparing for the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she won a silver medal, before winning a world championship gold in London last year. Hear her inspiring thoughts in the Show. There is also a great song from David Knopfler.
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The MediaMaestro is someone I admired but did not always agree with. Paul Dacre is standing down in November as editor of the Daily Mail after 26 years at the helm, to become chairman and editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers. During his tenure, the Daily Mail became the "voice of Middle England" and a staunch supporter of both the Conservative Party and Brexit. They also mounted powerful campaigns, not least when naming the alleged killers of Stephen Lawrence (none of whom took any action against the paper). Like him or not, he was a huge force in British political life, and may be the last of his kind.

The MediaMug award goes to the sweet-smelling brand that is Lush. It's the one brand that I can easily detect with my nose from fifty feet away. They have been running a very controversial marketing campaign that has raised more than a few eyebrows. As part of the campaign the retailer put up posters of a model dressed both as a policeman and an activist, with the slogans "Police have crossed the line" and "Paid to lie", alongside fake police tape. The condemnation was widespread and immediate. Yesterday the company said: "For the safety of our staff we have suspended the window." A good call in my view, but a few days too late to preserve their reputation.

PICK A CARD, ANY CARD

Here's a technique that I've been using for a few years to create a speech that is always unique and surprising, even to the person delivering it. I don't suggest using this on every occasion, and definitely not on a big stage, but for some audiences, in some circumstances, it can offer a refreshing change from the normal linear presentation.

It works for a speech or presentation where you are delivering several pieces of advice, several stories, or taking questions on various topics. Here's how it works:

Of course, you need to be able to talk about any of the subjects without further preparation. You should also ensure (as always) that all of the topics are of interest to the audience. I even made a video about the technique.

SEVEN RADIO TIPS

Appearing on radio, whether by phone or in a studio, shouldn't be too daunting, especially if you've been following these tips for a while. Here are a few extra pointers to help you up your game in front of a microphone.

1) When asked to test the sound levels, deliver your core message rather than 'One two three testing', and add the name of the radio show and station you're appearing on. Sometimes they will use it as a station promo clip (honestly).
2) Smile, but don't laugh loudly. Smiles can be heard on air, but loud noises just upset the sound engineer.

3) Listen to your voice as you speak. If you sound a little flat, add some colour and tone.
4) If you are part of a panel discussion, use the names of the other participants whenever possible. That will help the listener to know that it's you speaking (since it's obviously not them)

5) Never interrupt. Several voices speaking at the same time is even worse on radio than on television.
6) If you are in a studio, raise your hand to indicate that you wish to speak. It's much better to be invited to speak by the host than just jumping in.
7) Relax. It's just a conversation. A happy dialogue between people who enjoy the company of each other makes for really good radio.

THE FRENCH MATHS TEST

German mathematician David Hilbert used to speak of a French mathematician (still with me?) who said: "A mathematical theory is not to be considered complete until you have made it so clear that you can explain it to the first person whom you meet on the street."

I assume you're not posting mathematical theorems online, but even if you are, this advice still applies. You have to be sure that people who read your posts understand what you mean by them. Does that mean you have to use simple words and ideas? Basically, yes.

It's no use using abbreviations, jargon, and references to people that few of your audience will know or comprehend. It may make you look or feel clever, but it isn't communication. It can happen by accident, simply because we all make assumptions at times that our experience and knowledge is commonplace.

The most obvious indicator that your posts are too complex is comments that say "I don't understand", or feedback that has misinterpreted the point you were trying to make. A more effective way is to ask a friend or colleague to read them. If they don't understand, a re-write is required. Keeping things simple doesn't mean dumbing-down. It's real communication.

Remember Donkey Kong? Super Mario? The Legend of Zelda (OK maybe not). Anyway those games are still around...

You know who to call for help.

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."