Saturday, December 29, 2012

Up Against the Writing Wall

Supposedly when asked about writing, Ernest Hemingway described it as the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. Even if Hemingway did not say it, this kind of pragmatic approach to what he was arguably one of the best at in all of literature, certainly captured his philosphy. Sit down and do it even if what you write is not very good. I have been thinking about this quote since my recent blog entry on writer's block. To me, there is blunt wisdom in such an attitude. Words do not write themselves. Articles, books, etc. of any merit will never happen unless one forces themself to sit down and begin tranposing their thoughts into words.

For well over a year, by my modest standards, I have enjoyed a good run at writing. I have had two books published, had a third accepted by a publisher, compiled a fourth that I am currentlyh shopping around, written over one hundred blog entires, penned multiple speeches, and composed countless emails, notes, text messages, etc. But now as 2012 draws to a close, I find myself up against a writing wall. Specifically, I am at a loss as to what to write. Even more specifically,  I know the topics but I am struggling with what words to use to address them. Am I frustrated? Very much so. It is this current state that brings me back to the description of writing attributed to Hemingway.

For now, I am following his advice. Each day I sit and bang out words in the attempt of being creative, provocative, stimulating and original. At this point, even being one of those things would be great. Still, there is a big part of me that realizes that good writing often comes from failed attempts and\messy drafts. This is where I am at present. I am oh-so hopeful my struggles will suddenly ignite a return to the kind of writing rhythm that makes it an act of such great joy - when it is not being an act of great pain. The pay-off to all of this is I feel as if I have successfully communicated something to others. 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Holiday Challenge

One of the more challenging aspects of any day involving gift giving comes with those on the receiving end. While there are not too many of us who do not love being given gifts or presents, with that comes the challenge of what to do when you receive something you do not like or want.  One option is to simply accept it and not say a word. That way you do not hurt the feelings of the person who gave you the present, nor do you risk any possible conflict with them. That, at best, is only a temporary solution. At some point, the giver is going to ask "How come you never wear that Hawaiian shirt I bought you for Chrismtas?" or "Why do you never want to play that game of Hungry Hippo I bought you for your birthday?" At that point, you will have to 'fess up.'

Another option, of course, is to speak up at the time you see the gift and make it know you do not like it. This is probably the best was to go. However, the communication challenge comes with expressing your displeasure or disappointment in a way that does not hurt the feelings of the giver and also acknowledges the effort to please you they made. This is not easy to do because the bottom line is you are rejecting a selfless act that was done on your behalf. I myself have failed at this at times and so, too, have those for whom I generally buy presents. Almost always, in my experiene, this makes for an awkward moment.

Communicating rejection under any circumstance is difficult, particuarly when it is done in recognition of a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday. It involves a level of sensitivity that perhaps many of us do not normally exhibit. Being successful at that can be a gift all by itself. The giver is vulnerable as they have taken a risk: will my spouse like this sweater or piece of jewelry? The trick is to make known your displeasure in a loving way that does not discourage future acts of such loving generosity and reaffirms your own regard for them. This is one of those everyday communication challenges faced by all of us on a regular basis.   

Friday, December 21, 2012

Lines and Boundaries

Any time I look at a map or globe, one of the things that jumps out at me most quickly are all the borders; all the lines separating one parcel of land from another. Our planet is divided into so many countries, cities, townships, neighborhoods, etc. One piece of earth ends and another begins immediately. There seems to be no gray zone any where on Earth. Everything seems to be spoken for. It is amazing that as big as our world is, there are no free zones. With this reality comes another: each parcel or section is different from the one to which it is attached or those that surround it. These differences, of course, reflect the cultures, policies and histories of those that either own or are responsible for each particular parcel.

This accents the multitude of differences that permeate our planet. Unfortunately, differences of any magnitude can and do create tension that left unaddressed can lead to hard feelings and, ultimately, hostile action between those on each side of the lines or borders. Examples of hostility range from two neighbors not speaking to each other to two or more nations going to war. None of these scenarios are good. Given the reality of our many lines and boundaries, the question then becomes: what can be done to ensure potential hostility is kept to a minimum? This is where effective communication comes into play.

When executed with respect, tranparency and purpose, communication is the best bridge building mechanism we have. It does not erase boundaries as much as it transcends them. As a tool, communication can help people identify commonalities and generate greater respect of issues and perspectives in which there may be differences. It involves talking with and not at and creating various channels in which interaction can occur. Further, effective communication helps ensure this kind of positive interactivity is ongoing. Lines and boundaries may be seeds for negative behavior, but with good-faith communication they do not have to be.    

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Out Shout 'Em

The recent terrible, tragic massacre at the elementary school continues to dominate the news and public discourse. I see this as a healthy sign that maybe - just maybe - tangible steps will begin to be taken to curb and ultimately stop this kind of senseless killing that seems to be on the rise in our country.  The good news is this is a goal everyone wants. The challenge comes in reaching a consensus as to what strategies should be identified and followed to move us toward that desired end. On one end, there are those who feel more people should be armed. On the other, others advocate the opposite.

One suggested strategy is that school prinipals and teachers should be armed. The thinking here is that if an armed gunman enters a school and opens fire, then the teachers and principal will step outside their classrooms and officer and kill the intruder. End of bad guy. Order restored. Let's get on with the rest of the day. Unfortunately, real life is not always that clear-cut. There are too many unknowns and variables in the behavior of a mad man or well-meaning, yet amateur enforcers to guarantee that innocent children and adult still won't be killed. In fact, there is even a chance more innocents would die in such a scenario.

Instead of packing heat, suppose the bad guy walked up and down the hallsways with a bullhorn screaming obscenities? Would the answer be for the principals and teachers to be given portable microphones so they could stop the disruptiing intruder by out shouting him or her? In such a  scenario, it seems to me as if there would be an awful lot of shouting before anything close to normality was restored. The same is true with arming teachers and principals, only instead of shouting there would be shooting and killing. Is that what any of us really want? I urge all of us to continue this dialogue on what is a critical issue that speaks to the well being of our society. 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Violence and Communication

As I write this the nation is reeling from another act of multiple violence. A young man went into an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, and killed 26 people, including 20 children and six adults.  This was after he had murdered his mother in their home. The act is gut-wrenching, maddening and as tragic as any other one can name. It may seem a statement of the obvious, but perhaps one positive note in this is that what happened has unified the nation in a collective outrage against the act itself. The multiple slaughter of so many innocent children and adults has reenforced a desire on the nation's part that steps must be taken to stop such tragedies from continung to occur.

But this is where the agreement ends. Despite a universal condemnaion of the act itself, there is wide and emotional disagreement as to what specific steps should be taken to help prevent such massacres. They range from expanding everyone's right to own and carry a firearm to banning weapons altogether to various perspectives falling into between the two extremes. Assuming for a moment that eventually some type of preventative steps will be agreed upon - and given the reality of our nation I recognize this is a a big assumption -  a key element in the debate and ultimate solution revolves around communication.

The key here is found in the killer. Our nation has experienced enough of these incidents to create a composite profile on the characteristics of persons who carry out such awful acts. While the killers, including this most recent one, are described as having histories of odd and anti-social behavior, they have also been described has having trouble connecting with others and, consequently, not had many others reach out to them. Thus, feelings of isolation dominated their persona. As communicators all of us need to be more sensitive in how we act and/or behave around others, especially those who may seem unlike us. Even so-called loners need the acceptance of others. As communication is an act of inclusion, perhaps that is one step we communicators can take when interacting with others of all stripes and persuasions.  

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Writer's Block

Everyone has heard of writer's block. Even those who do not consider themselves to be writers know of it. In fact, it is very likely they may have experienced it at some point in their lives, We all have, whether it is with actual writing or another aspect of life. Everyone gets stuck, hits a wall or finds themselves in a slump that seems to prevent them from making progess or taking some type of action. In the case of writers, there are times one feels as if they cannot think of what words to write. The writer sits at their computer or typewriter, staring at the keyboard and hoping that somehow or  some way words will reappear.

Without question, those times are frustrating. If they continue too long, these unwanted stretches can be demoralizing and ignite feelings of genuine despair. Fortunately, in my case, I have never had this experience. While there have been times when I have been hard-pressed to come up with particular words I was searching for or phrases I felt would best capture what I was trying to say, I have yet to find myself in the kind of hole others have. Still, it is something I find myself thinking about as I move toward the next phase of my life where I will be writing more as a way of supplementing my income. For me, retirement approximately six months away now. It is no coincidence I am beginning to spend more time in front of my computer's keyboard.

So, what is the cure for writer's block? Does any one know? Is there a universal strategy for not only coping with it but blasting through it? Is it even possible to write when one can not even think of what to say? I suspect in the mnths to come I may possible get a taste of that. At this moment, my only suggestion for dealing with writer's block is to keep writing even if the words you put down on paper are not the ones you want. Other, more prolific and experienced writers may view my suggestion as being completely naive or far too simplistic. They are probably right. Either way, I hope to not find out the hard way.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Overlooked Element

Perhaps the primary purpose of the organizational spokesman is to inform the public about some aspect of their client. Whether the information is benign or significant, it is a matter of passing it along to an external audience in a manner that will be favorably received and, as an off-shoot, help those same receivers of the message feel more favorably toward the client or organization. As part of that first element, generating or, at least, maintaining positive support is another key element of the spokesman's job. Make no mistake, these two components are important. There is, however, a third piece of the spokesman's job that is often overshadowed by those first two.

This third element can be summed up in one word: education. There are times when a particlar organization possesses insight or information for the public good that needs to be shared. It is not a matter of promoting themselves or looking to generate positive coverage in the local press. The information is a matter of public interest and, as a resut, overrides the publicity needs or goals of any organization. Before giving an example of this, it is important to note this reality does not usually apply to every organization. Primarily, it pertains to those whose purpose it is to supply a service of some sort to the public. Hospitals, law enforcement agencies and even the government are examples.

A specific example of this is the danger of consuming too much alcohol and then attempting to drive. It is in the public interest to be educated on the impact alcohol can have on their ability to safely drive a vehicle. Such information is of public interest. Passing it along represents a public service that is beyond any effort by an organization to promote itself or put forth talking points designed to garner greater support or enhance an image. While taking such a step to educate the public about something it should know may generate a positive reaction toward the messenger, it is far from the primary purpose. It is a matter of education for the sake of education. The organizational spokesman can play a key role in helping identify opportunities to provide such a useful service.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Lions

One would be hard-pressed to identify a more majestic looking animal than the lion. The fact it is called "the king of  beasts" speaks for itself. A world in which these creatures did not exist is  something I do not believe any of us want. Yet, according to recent news reports, this seems to be the direction in which we and lions are heading. There are reportedly less than 50,000 African lions currently alive, a total that has dropped by well over 50 percent in recent times. If nothing changes, it does not take much of an imagination to predict the future of this creature. While I understand the danger of being too close to a lion, I believe they are worth protecting.

Lions, of course, are far from the only entity that needs safeguarding. Another is civility. As defined in The American Heritage Dictionary, civility is "a courteous act or utterance." From a communication perspective, it is essential we do all we can to ensure this remains in-tact. Sure, even without it, communication will continue. That will never stop. But the difference - and this is a big one - is communication in its best form will cease to exist. Civility ensures mutual respect, good manners and helps maintain two-way communication. While interaction will continue, the lack of civility will in all likelihood mean it will be fraught with conflict, less smooth and far less amiable. Thus, positive results will be harder to come by.

Effective communication is challenging enough without participants doing all they can to be respectful, open-minded and polite. Take those elements out of the mix and what you have are people talking at each other, talking over each other, and demonstrating little interest in civil resolution. In other words, you have far too many of today's cable news shows. In its own way, civility is as majestic as the lion. I, for one, do not want a world without those creatures than I do without civility. Should either become extinct, we will be the far lesser for it.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Deadlines

With the inevitable arrival of December comes many things. They range from holiday songs filling the airwaves at most every shopping mall throughout the country and the solidifying of travel arrangements by those planning to visit relatives over the Christmas and New Year's breaks to reflections on a year that has only weeks to go before it is over and an escalation of fretting as to what presents to purchase for loved ones. These, of course, are only a few of many other examples of what is ushered in with December. As someone who teaches at a university, I see it also means crunch time for students as they begin putting the finishing touches on final projects and preparing for final exams.   

If all this and more could be summed up in one word, then that word would be "deadlines." While they are not unique to December, they do seem to take on a higher level of urgency when the end of another calendar year appears over the horizon. For professional communicators, deadlines are an occupational reality. They come with every assignment and campaign. Hardly a work day passes without mention of a looming deadline. They are viewed, at best, begrudgingly. At the same time, it is nearly impossible to find any one sad when they go away. If deadlines were people, then they would be among the least popular segment of the population on the planet.

But while deadlines may not be liked very much, professional communicators, generally, do their best to honor them each and every day. If the communicator is not meeting them, then they are working toward them. Deadlines are a constant in the communication business. It is they, as much as anything, that helps determine the success of an outreach effort. Deadlines represent timing and timing, as has  been said by many others, "is everything." They can spell the difference between success and failure or adhering to a budget or not, to cite just two of many consequences. So, with the end of 2012 now only weeks away, this entry serves as a begrudging tribute to that which impacts the lives of so many: deadlines.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Paying Attention to Details

I do not know who first came up with the phrase, "success is in the details." Whoever did and whatever the circumstances that inspired them to articulate it, this observation is applicable to so many aspects of life. One so-called aspect, of course, is communication. Public relations practitioners and other professional communicators need to be very sensitive to details because the success of their efforts is determined by how thorough they are in identifying as many details as possible in a communication plan and then how closely they are able to address those same fine points in actually carrying out the plan.

One example of this is in crisis communication. (This is something I discussed recently with one of my public relations classes. The discussion revolved around a scenario involving a fire in one of the residence halls at a university. It begins with the public relations director receiving a call at 2:30 in the morning that there is a major fire on campus.) As the institution's top communicator is driving into campus, what is on their to-do list in terms of dealing with this crisis from a communication perspective? How extensive this list is will in all likelihood determine how well they are able to meet their responsibilities during such a stressful time.

The details range from collecting information about the fire, including its causes and the extent of its damage, and the welfare of the students in the residence hall to contending with the media and ensuring timely and accurate information is made available to all pertinent publics. None of these steps are small and each one involves a number of specific tactics  One overlooked detail and/or one detail addressed poorly can result in a great deal of harm to the communicator's university as well as to those affected by the fire. For professional communicators, success or effectiveness is tied directly to their respect for and adherence to details. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

No Guarantees

All of us are familiar with the old saying that the only sure things in life are death and taxes. For the record, there should be a third element to that list: communication. It is guaranteed that no matter what, we will communicate. What is not guaranteed, of course, is whether whatever communicating we do will be successful. For that to happen, a combination of planning, research, sound execution and a touch of good fortune is needed. And even then, there is no guarantee our communication efforts will generate the results we want. Ever. In fact, that reality is the hard truth about communication. 

To add to that hard truth, there is not even a guarantee that communication well planned and executed perfectly will be successful. How frustrating is that? A perfect example is the job interview. Over the years I have gone on a number of job interviews. There have been a few when as a candidate I hit an absolute home run. All my responses to the questions asked me were spot-on. On a personal level, I connected with the interviewee. Plus, my qualifications perfectly fit the job description. Walking out of those interviews I felt as if my being offered the job was a foregone conclusion. From a communication perspective, my preparation and execution were sound. Unfortunately, no job offer came. My so-called effective communicating was not quite so effective after all. 

Or was it? One could argue that it was as I achieved the goals that I could control: being well prepared and presenting myself in a positive manner that, by all indications, seemed to be well received. At the same time, there is no denying the reality that I did was not given any follow-up interviews or job offers. This example illustrates whatever control any of us have over our communication efforts, that control is limited. This is why communication professionals need to remember this reality, both for their own sake as well as of the sake of their clients. Communication is an act with no guarantees.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Public Relations' Future

The field of publc relations as it has been called now for over a century has seen a good many bumps and turns and even ups and downs in its evolution. Yet even with its imperfections, the good news is not only does it remain very much part of the landscape of society, never before has it been more accepted, utilized or popular. Each year, for instance, thousands of ambitious communciation student enter into the communication pipeline with the hope of eventually securing careers as public relations practitioners. They represent the stability and ongoing longevity of the profession in a world that continues to be in need of effective communication and communicators.

However, the steady and anticipated increase in public relations practioners represents only one part of public relations' future. What about the practice itself? What about the actual act of publicizing, reaching out and/or support gathering? How will they change or evolve in the coming years? For instance, will we see the continuing decline of press release yet coinciding rise of social media as a primary tool of professional communicators? Will staged media events continue to be part of a practitioner's arsenal or will they be replaced by other attention-getting strategies that have yet to be introduced? 

One key element in the future of public relations pertains to interactions or connections with the public or audiences. What will be practitioners be doing differently in the future toward maintaining linkages with the public? Throughout much of its evolution, public relations has been focused on reaching out to audiences. Not enough, in my view, has been about active engagement with the public. While this aspect of public relations is happening, currently more thought, focus and effort on it needs to be done. This, perhaps, is where the future of public relations is. Devising and understanding ways to talk at audiences has been the primary thrust thus far. Perhaps greater emphasis on talking with those same publics will be the next priority.

Monday, November 19, 2012

"In the Arena"

One year after completing his tenure as president of the United States,  Theodore Roosevelt gave what many consider to be his most famous speech in France. Formally titled "Citizenship in a Republic," in the following years it has come to be known as the "in the arena" speech. Following is a passage from it: "......It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming......."

These remarks by Roosevelt are as bold as they are memorable. Inspirational is another descriptive that readily applies. I cannot help but apply them to the communicator whose job it is to provide voice on behalf of others: the spokesman. It is this professional's job to present him or herself before a microphone and address questions and comments from reporters and the public, many of which are unforeseen, challenging, disrespectful, provocative and pointed. Yet the spokesman faces them all  because that is their job and many times there is no one else to do it. Often, chief executives pick and choose their moments to be interviewed. Spokesmen do not. 

 I often view spokesmen as being among the communication industry's first responders. Particularly when controversy is in the air and others are turning away or hiding behind "busy schedules" or stonewalling, it is the spokesmen who moves toward the press and others demanding answers and explanation. Their task is not easy. These communicators prepare themselves as best they can knowing full-well there is no guarantee what they say will be reported or quoted fairly or accurately. What price will be paid if and when this happens is another unknown. Yet they step in front of the microphone any way because if they fail, in the words of Roosevelt, "at least (they) fail while daring greatly."  

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Unappreciated Writers


I wish to give a nod to a category or group of writers who, in many ways, I believe are unappreciated in the writing profession. I am talking about those who write copy for ads. Whether it is commercials for television or radio or ad copy for print publications, these men and women have an incredibly challenging job. What makes what they do most challenging and - to me - most impressive is the fact  they write for a largely hostile audience. How many of us, for instance, are watching a television show when as soon as a commercial cuts in we immediately get up and leave the room or begin talking with those around us. We do these things to pass the time until our program returns.

When leafing through magazines or newspapers, so many people zip past the advertisements as if looking at them might lead to contracting some kind of social disease. On the surface, it seems as if few enjoy advertisements in any venue or confess to watching or reading any of them. Despite that, revenue generated from advertisements is easily in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year.Why is that? One reason might be that people actually do not dislike advertisements much as they claim. Perhaps people pay closer attention to them more than they let on. Perhaps the copy for those ads are a lot more effective than any one cares to admit.

Writing copy for ads is difficult. The writer has strict limits on their space or time, yet still must communicate information and messages that are informative, motivating, persuasive, creative, and, most of all, memorable. This requires a great deal of hard work, including indepth research, and tenacity. Advertising writers face a great deal of competition beginning with the audience. People do not tune into a television show, for instance, to watch the commercials. Then there is the matter of competing against other advertisements, many of which are promoting the same type of product as you. So many of these men and women are as talented as any that put pen to paper for other reasons and in other fields.   

Monday, November 12, 2012

Training Tomorrow's Press Secretaries

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that one of the fastest growing professions over the next decade will be public relations. The bureau projects a 22.5 percent growth in public relations practitioners over the next eight-ten years. While it does not have exact figures on how many of those communicators will be organizational spokesmen, it can be fairly well assumed that those filling the role of spokesman will be part of this significant growth. Even today, it is hard to find any for-profit or non-profit organization or entity that does not have someone on its staff serving in the capacity of spokesman or press secretary.

Where do these spokesman come from? At present, the answer is nowhere and everywhere. I am a perfect example of this. Even though for the majority of my 40 year career in communication part of my duties included filling the role of spokesman, at no time did I have any formal training. I did it because I was "the PR guy." I did it because no one around me wanted to. While I am not complaining and, in all modesty feel I did not do too bad of a job in that role, it is time those that do prepare prospective professional communicators step up and begin including in their curriculum formal education and training opportunities for men and women seeking careers as spokesmen.

Perhaps the most important element of the spokesman role is for that person to represent their client or organization in a positive manner, yet do so in a manner that does not alienate but, instead,  enhances ties with other publics. To be able to this at all and do it well requires training. This is where departments of communication at universities and colleges across the United States come in. They are in the best and most logical position to provide wanna-be press secretaries with the rounded education they need to fill a role that has become so vital to society. It is time for communication scholars to meet this challenge by designing programs of study focusing on spokesmanship.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Writers As Story Tellers

Writing well is a never-ending challenge because it is a form of communication that involves others. Even though this act may be one of isolation in the sense a singular person sits down in front of a key board or a notepad and begins writing down thoughts, the purpose of it is one of inclusion. It is an act designed to bring attention to one's self. Writing any of us does is a way of saying, "These are my thoughts. This is my imagination.  Check it out." I do not believe any one who says they write for themselves. At best, that is only true in part. Writing is also for others. People write for others to see what they have done.

Given that, this is why it becomes important for each of us to strive to make our acts of writing be as good as possible. If we are going to share ourselves, then we need to do so in a way that reflects favorably on our ability to enlighten, inform and even entertain. It is not unlike having company. We invite others into our homes. As an invitation, writing is not all that different. As a host or hostess, we strive to be cordial and warm. I see little difference between that and being a writer - no matter the subject matter or theme of what we have penned. Writing is a form of hosting. It is an act of connecting with others.

The best writers are the best story tellers. Even those who write non-fiction, such as journalists and, yes, public relations practitioners, are story tellers. The most effective ones do the best job of presendting facts in a way that captivates and stimulates. Further, the best of these writers push the emotional buttons of their readers in a way that makes their work enjoyable and memorable. This, of course, is far from easy. As one who never stops trying to be that kind of writer, I have more than a good sense of its difficulty. Nevertheless, it is a brass ring that writers of all caliber should never stop reaching for.   





Monday, November 5, 2012

Public Speaking and Listening

There is one particular characteristic of a good writer that I have always found to be fascinating: good writers are avid readers. These men and women love the written word. It does not seem to matter  whether they themselves are the ones who are doing the composing or someone else is. Writing is what drives them: theirs or that of someone else. I find a similar trait with musicians. I cannot think of any musician who does not enjoy listening to music when they themselves are not either performing or composing it. Much like writers and the written word, it is part of who and even what they are.

For those such as press secretaries or organizational spokesmen who communicate primarily via the spoken word, I find the most effective ones to be those who are the best listeners. Does this seem odd? I think not. Public speakers able to connect with their audiences do so by knowing as much about their various publics as possible: their hopes, concerns, interests and current state. The best way to become well versed in these areas is by listening to what people are saying. Does this mean the speaker has to sit down with each member of the public and hear directly what they have to say? Of course not.  But it does mean he or she needs to collect as much data or information through as many sources as possible that provide them with deep insight. 

While it is obvious that two essential elements of the communication process are sending and receiving a message, it may not seem so clear that those wanting to be among the best at communicating need to do both well. This makes for a more complete communicator similar to being able to catch, throw and hit makes for a more complete baseball player. For communicators, it spells the difference between talking at versus talking with a group. People know when they are being talked at just as they know when someone is connecting with them. In each case, they respond accordingly.     








Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Dance of the Surrogates

As the 2012 election season draws to an end, everywhere we turn we as viewers of television, listeners of radio and readers of print media and the internet are being mercilessly bombarded with talking heads, spokespersons and advocates of one candidate over another, one issue over another. There is now less than a week to go till election day, so we just have to hang on a little while longer and all the surrogates will go away - at least for a little while. They will not be missed. I say that not because they do not know what they are doing, but because of the way they are doing their so-called job. It has been a disservice to themselves, their clients and to us.

I do not know any one who enjoys being talked at. I sure don't. I find it off-putting, insulting and disrespectful. I much prefer the back and forth that comes with respectful conversation even if the other person and I are not in agreement. Unfortunately, "talking at" is what so many of these surrogates do. Representatives of opposing candidates, for example, appear on a cable talk show and inevitably end up trying to out-shout or talk over the other until what we hear coming out of their mouths is little more than noise. There is no enlightenment or attempt at intellectual dialog. To compound the problem, far too many of the moderators seem to encourage this behavior under the false impression viewers and/or listeners enjoy it. 

Any one reading this who actually does enjoy the shout-fest that often occurs on these so-called news shows, would you please let me know and tell me what I missing here? I could use some meaningful enlightenment. It is my impression people tune into these shows to try and gain more information. But maybe I am wrong about that. Maybe they are like the moderators and enjoy watching grown men and women zing each other under the guise of being serious thinkers. I sure hope not.I think we as viewers, readers and listeners deserve better than this. Shame on those who apparently think we do not. 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

As I write this, Hurricane Sandy is rapidly working its way up the east coast toward New York, New England and into Canada. In a few hours it is supposed to make its self known here in Virginia. Right now, there is a light rain but, according to projections, there will be nothing "light" about this storm once it arrives. It is expected that many of us will lose power as a result of this storm, which experts are calling a real monster. Some are even saying it will be the worst in U.S. history. That, of course, remains to be seen but I, for one, am hoping that does not turn out to be the case. Massive devistation is never welcomed.

Putting the possible impact and power of the storm aside for a moment, however, from a communication perspective, I am impressed with how this is being handled thus far. The federal government and its state counterparts have been doing a solid job of preparing people of the potential seriousness of this storm. As a result, I feel extremely confident these same entities will respond with equal competence and commitment in helping people recover from Hurricane Sandy should that be necessary. Politics aside, we all want our government to be competent. This build-up to Hurricane Sandy is making me feel as if this is eactly what we have.

Risk communication is not easy. It involves getting people to prepare for a crisis that may or may actually happen. How do you do that without sounding like Chicken Little or turning people off because you are coming across like an alarmist? More and more, storms like Sandy are becoming a regular part of the American landscape. In a twisted way, this helps. We have seen the great harm and damage storms can do, particularly when people are not prepared and those in-charge are not as competent as they should be. One thing that will get us through this current challenge is ongoing communication. So far so good. 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Expanding Our Resources

A major characteristic of communication is that it is reactive. Looking at my own actions or things I say, for instance, and I see a person that spends the bulk of his time responding in some way to what goes on around him or to what others have said. In this regard, at least, I do not see myself as being all that different than any one else. This, of course, is not to say I and others are not capable of original thought or of taking actions that are truly our own. We are. At the same time, even those steps we view as being our own do not happen in a vacuum.  Often, they are inspired by what we have seen or heard others say or do.

On the surface, the choice I made today as to what to wear was mine. Yet my decision was influenced by what I call outside forces: the weather, my itinerary, what others I will be connecting with today may be wearing, and even how I am feeling physically. I examined these outside influences and for  better or worse made the choices I made. While I feel as if I made a good choice, I recognize others may see me today and think otherwise. In essence, they will be judging my reaction to various outside sources such as the weather forecast or my itinerary. I recognize this is a trivial example. But it represents a larger point regarding our communication decisions and choices.

Any choices we make in how and what we communicate verbally and non-verbally are going to be assessed and judged by others on some level. Given that, it behooves us to make the best choices we can. One key way to do that is draw from the widest spectrum of resources and outside influences as we can. If our choices or outside influences are limited, then in all likelihood whatever decisions we do make will be less apt to be of note, be creative or exhibit much originality. As communicators devise various strategies to promote something, it is important they make their range of influencing factors and resources as wide as possible. Doing so is apt to make them better communicators.


Monday, October 22, 2012

Being In-Sync

I do my best not to over simplify matters of disagreement, contention or dispute. Doing so does not always do justice to the issue at-hand and it also tends to redefine the matter in a way that presents it in an inaccurate and misleading light. At the same time, whenever issues of this nature occur or are brought to my attention for comment, I do my best to identify the core reasons for a dispute. It helps me better understand what is going on and, if I can, articulate those points pertinent parties cannot or do not seem to be able to reconcile. I should note here that because of my own limitations, I am not always able to do this as well or as consistently as I would like.

In my own limited experience, I am struck at how often communication is the primary reason for why people either drift apart, argue, or behave in ways that do harm to the other. From my perspective, not being in sync with another person is the core culprit for disruptions or breakdowns in relationships. Thus, at the risk of oversimplfying such occurrences: if people communicated better, then we would have far fewer problems of consequence? Perhaps. But at the same time, would such a statement be true? I have to say "yes." How could communicating with openness, mutual trust, honesty and respect result in any thing other than people being more in sync with one another?

Another point I wish to note is that I do not view being "in sync" with another person as being in-agreement with them. It can, but not necessarily. All of us are different as we have our own perspectives and biases. Many of us may like ice cream, for example, but that does not mean we prefer the same flavor. At the same time, there may be those who do not like ice cream at all, Instead, they prefer pie or even no sweet. How well do we communicate those preferences with others? How well do we respect the preferences of others? Often, it is when we fall short at either one when problems appear that tend to escalate. This is what happens when poor communication is afoot. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Debates and Communication

As I write this, the 2012 presidential campaign is only weeks away from coming to a crashing end. It has been quite volatile with the candidates verbally blasting away at each other with an intensity we have not seen in years. Presently, we have had two debates between the presidential candidates and one between the vice presidential candidates. (Currently, there is one more presidential debate to go.) While I have found each of the face-to-face confrontations between the various candidates to be quite interesting, I have also been struck at what I call the communication posturing that has occurred and the apparent impact it has had on American voters. 

To begin, in these kind of settings candidates have the challenge of communicating effectively with several different audiences: their opponent, the moderator, in-person audience members, and with the millions of citizens who are tuned in either via television, radio or the Internet. Under any circumstance, communicating with such diverse publics is difficult. Regardless of the specific strategies one uses - and thus far we have seen smiling, laughing, ignoring, interrupting - they have not worked with each intended public because each public has their own bias. For instance, Democrat supporters were not turned off by Vice President Joe Biden's constant smiling in response to what Congressman Paul Ryan was saying while Republican supporters were. 

Audience attitude has been a key factor in the debates. My sense is a heavy majority of people have tuned in to the events to have their pre-determined perspectives be validated rather than gain new information. Thus, what the candidate has said and will say has made and will make little difference in altering how prospective voters ultimately vote.  This, generally, means debates are not necessarily all that risky unless a candidate says or does something totally dumb or inappropriate. That, in my view, has not happened and is not likely to. Still, presidential debates remain highly fascinating and do contribute greatly to our imperfect election process.



  

Monday, October 15, 2012

A Blog on Blogs

I am closing in on entry number 450 of this blog. I started the blog several years ago and with few exceptions have been making a minimum of two entries per week - all having something to do with communication - since the beginning. Even though at times I am hard pressed for a specific topic to write about, I enjoy the challenge and, even more, appreciate the benefit the entries are giving in helping me articulate my own thoughts about a subject I hold quite dearly. I do, of course, wish I received more responses or comments to my entries. But more and more I am coming to the conclusion this is how it normally is for most blogs.

Presently, I guess there must be well over 100,000 blogs that exist on the Internet.  Of those, there are probably only a handful that enjoy an active following in which outsiders share their comments and own thoughts on various issues on a regular basis. Despite this, I am a big fan of blogs. I am all for vehicles that enable any one to write down their thoughts. Blogs are kind of like diaries that people in addition to the author are privy to. For myself, rarely do I disclose anything too personal. But this is not the case with others. There are ones that are very personal. I admire the courage of those who are willing to provide glimpses into their own hearts.

In several of the classes I currently teach I have assigned students the task of creating their own blogs and then, of course, contributing to them on a regular basis. Overall, I have been pleased with their entries. Some, in fact, have been quite insightful and heartfelt. Others have been lighthearted and fun. Mainly, the blogs are giving the students an opportunity to practice sharing their perspectives in a format that perhaps is not all that common for them. If even a few continue their blogs after the classes are over, then I will consider this assignment to be worthwhile. Our society will never not have a need for writers. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Columnists

One of the many reasons I admire columnists is the fact they are able to produce column after column on a particular topic. Whether their area of focus is politics, economics, foreign affairs or the American culture, these men and women are to be applauded for their ability to add new layers to a given issue so consistently. Not only that, so many do so in a style of writing that is coherent, understandable and, above all, readable. For many of us, we spout off on one issue about which we feel strongly and then are hard-pressed to come up with something else - anything - to say on that topic. But columnists do that every week.

Their pieces generally appear on what is commonly called the op-ed page: the page that is opposite a newspaper's editorial page. What they do appears easy, but it is not. Far from it. In fact, the really good ones do as much reporting and uncovering of facts and figures as do any reporter working for the news department. Once that is done, the columnists then have the challenge of analyzing what they have uncovered and presenting the information in a manner that is insightful, original and fresh. These journalists work hard at what they do and, as a result, add an important depth and dimension to the publications in which their articles appear.

Being a guest columnist is an important tool for all public relations practitioners in their effort to support or promote a client. In my years in public relations I have helped prepare a number of these kind of pieces on behalf of others. Always, they are a challenge. It is one thing to write something that expresses nothing more than one's opinion; but quite another to prepare a provocative piece in which you support your perspective with hard facts and concrete examples. This is what good columnists do. We may not always agree with them, yet the good ones are always worth reading. This is no small achievement.  




Monday, October 8, 2012

Dry Bones

One of the great songs that lays out how connected things are is that old children's ditty, "Dry Bones." People may not be familiar with the song from its title, but I have no doubt once the tune begins everyone immediately knows it and has no trouble singing along: "The toe bone connected to the heel bone, the heel bone connected to the foot bone, the foot bone connected to the knee bone," etc. right up to the neck bone being connected to the head bone. It is fun song with a catchy beat. To me, it has an even more memorable message: all of our parts are forever linked and, as a result, are interdependent.

It is this reality of connectivity that is also part of the public relations process. Research is connected to planning. Planning is connected to execution. Execution is connected to evaluation. Evaluation is connected to research. The four primary steps in any public relations effort are linked in a circular manner. To exclude even one of the four steps from a public relations plan is to put forth one that is compromised, less than what it should be; an effort that is weaker and less likely to enjoy any degree of sustained success. Research, planning, execution and evaluation are a package deal and should be treated as such by all practitioners.

In their haste to launch out-reach efforts, it is not uncommon to see practitioners skip over such fundamental steps as research or evaluation or, worse yet, both. As communication scholars David Guth and Charles Marsh said, research and evaluation represent the cornerstone of the public relations effort. They help practitioners address two vital questions: What do we think we know? and "What is it we don't know? Together, answering these questions help address any false assumptions we might have or explore any unknown territory we have not examined. They are part of the entire public relations package, much like the body parts in the "Dry Bones" song.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Style and Substance

In a perfect communication world, when one communicates a message, not only does it have substance that is accurate and relevant but it is transmitted in a way that is appealing, engaging to the ear and/or eye, and motivational. I am not sure if this happens nearly as often as many of us might like to think. That observion is not meant as a criticism as the great majority of our messages occur with little prethought or planning.  Someone speaks to us and we respond. Someone asks us a question and we attempt to address it. We have a thought or make an observation and we attempt to share it. These communication acts, generally, happen on the spur of the moment or over the span of a few moments. How much style and/or substance goes into such acts?

My sense is many of us try to insert both elements into everything we communicate. I certainly do. Having said that, I confess that I fall short on both account much more often than I succeed. In fact, there are times when I speak that I know I am not hitting the mark as well as I would like. Yet when that happens I forge ahead and hope for the best. The fact I teach full-time at the univesity-level makes this confession all the more painful.  If I had to guess, I would say I am not alone in my self-assessment of my ability to successfully comebine style and substance while speaking. I suspect others view themselves in a similar manner.

With that, I have two generalizations: few of us feel as if we communicate as well as we wish and our ability to be both sustaniative and articulate when we do send out messages is also less than we would like. Given that commonality, it seems as if we should be as generous as possible in our assessment of others who fall short on both accounts much in the same way we feel we do. Whether it is presidential candidates or those not in the public arena, exhibiting style and substance simultaneously is not easy. Being more charitable in assessing others helps others communicate more effectively and enable us to be better listeners,

Monday, October 1, 2012

Ralph Potter

Ralph Potter will never be as famous as Beatrix Potter or Harry Potter for that matter. But in the world of communication, this former professor of divinity, now retired, certainly has his place in the sun. Potter came up with an interesting model for making ethical decisions called the Potter Box. It represents a process that persons, not just those in the communication world, should follow when facing some kind of ethical or moral dilemma. Specifically, the Potter Box is comprised of four mini-boxes, each of which speaks to certain questions a person should ask him or herself on their way toward determining a course of action to take. 

The four boxes within the Potter Box are: the definition box; the values box; the principles box; and the loyalties box.The definition box calls upon an attempt to define the situation as objectively and thoroughly as possible. The values box calls for the person involved to identify and compare whatever values might be involved. These could include such perspectives as being prompt, being thrifty, attempting to please others or being honesty. The principles box speaks to examining various ethical philosophies might be applied to the situation. For instance, what might Aristotle, Kant or even Confucius do in a similar situation? Finally, the the loyalties box calls for a review of obligations or loyalties one has to others. What courses of action do your top loyalties suggest?

After one has stepped into each of these four boxes, then they should determine the most compelling values, principles and loyalties that emerge. According to Potter, that will help one ultimately decide the best course of action to take. This process may seem a bit difficult and even intimidating, particularly as it calls upon one to have a good understanding of values and even be a bit knowledgeable about several of history's great philosophers. But, if followed, it helps one arrive at solutions to difficult challenges in a thoughtful and ethical manner: exactly the way the best communication decisions should be reached.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Complex World of the Writer

In the field of communication, everyone has a tough and challenging job. Achieving the goal of communicating successfully with others is no small feat. In the hectic climate in which we all live, getting a range of people such as a public to take any similar action or reach agreement on most anything is a time consuming and often complex undertaking that requires constant nurturing and sometimes overwhelming attention to detail. Having acknowledged this truism, I believe one member of the so-called family of communication professionals that deserves a shout out is the writer, the worker responsible for authoring the messages that sets change and actions in-motion.

The writer is one of those unsung communciation heroes who, upon being given the assignment of writing a communique, must contend with the challenge of doing far more than what they appear to be - at least on paper. To begin, they must conduct thorough research on the topic of their assignment as often what they are given is sketchy and incomplete. This usually entails talking to several sources in order to collect the appropriate information from which to write their article. There is also the matter of determing the ultimate destinations of the pieces. These could range from local media and a brochure to a social media outlet or a speech. Often, it should be noted, with multiple outlets comes the need to rework the original article to fit the style utilized by each.

Often what is written must be reviewed and approved by a number of individuals, including the writer's boss, the source or sources of information and possibley a press representative. It does not matter how well written a piece is. In fact, in all likelihood what the writer has composed is of high quality. Nevertheless, the other players in the mix still want to give that article a close look-see to ensure it is accurate, understandable and properly reflects the values of the client. If you are thinking jumping through this many hoops could take the writer a long time to complete their assignment. Perhaps. But sometimes they have to move quickly, thus adding to the challenge of their task at-hand. It is not always easy being a professional public relations writer, but few jobs in this field are more important. 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Bee in the Hand

One of my favorite memories of my late father goes back to one summer day when he collected a bunch of us neighborhood kids in our backyard and had us gather around a small beehive. My father slowly extended one of his hands toward the hive until several of the bees landed on his open palm. All of us stared in amazement as until that moment we likened bees to crazed kamikaze fighters whose only purpose for existence was to sting people like us. While I do not remember exactly what my father said to all of us, I do recall walking away from that experience with a respect for those critters and appreciation for their existence.

It was a magical moment for me and one of several that convinced me my father had magical powers. Now that I am older, I recognize he did not. However, at the same time, there remains a small part of me that is not so sure. My point here is that sometimes what appears to be an act of magic is really little more than an act of intellect, patience, steadiness and respect. Those were qualities my father had, particularly at that moment, and ones one finds in successful acts of sustained communication. Professional communicators do not strive to establish a meaningful or lasting connection with another public in a haphazard manner. Instead, they produce strategies based on solid research and planning.

The fact is professional communicators need to exhibit and practice these qualities because they are not magicians either. Granted, putting together a comprehensive outreach program that helps generate greater profits for a company, record-breaking ticket sales, or increases in membership may seem magical, but it is not. More than anything, it involves an array of not-so-fun tasks, including sweating over how best to phrases various messages, determining what specific publics to approach, coordinating the efforts of a supportive team, and putting together an appropriate budget to pay for everything. Come to think of it, maybe being able to do those things well is a bit magical after all.   

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Greater Discipline

Make no mistake, good writing does not come easy. As someone who does a lot of it and who I readily admit am not the most naturally talented person when it comes to putting pen to paper, I can personally attest to the reality that every sentence is a challenge. Sure, every so often I will knock out several coherent sentences in a row - perhaps even a paragraph or two - without having to go back and rewrite any of it. But that is rare for me and, I suspect, others as well. Sustained proper word choice is important simply because all of us are so dependent upon it. Not one day passes when we are not called upon to read something. They could be instructions from a manual, directions to a restaurant or the news on the Internet.      

Presently, I teach several writing classes to a number of students who are looking to eventually gain employment in public relations or the communication industry. Feedback I have received from a number of persons who currently work in that profession and who are in positions to hire students like the ones I teach. They are eager to meet up-and-comers and even hire as many as they can. However, their concern is that these prospective hires do not write as well as they should, particularly for persons who either have graduated or are about to graduate from college. That means people like me and the students we teach have our work cut out for us.   

Working with my current crop of students, I am struck at how innately talented so many of them are when it comes to writing. They show flare, sparks of creativity, and keen insight into how topics should be showcased. This, of course, is all good. But what many of them are not showing is the one ingredient that is as necessary to good writing as any: discipline. Far too many times they seem to race through a writing assignment without taking the needed time to properly clean up awkward word choices or grammatical errors. Consequently, their work is not as strong as it could or should be. I am convinced that instilling within them a deeper commitment to writing is as important to helping them become better writers than is the actual writing.   

Monday, September 17, 2012

Herd of Buffalo

Over the past few years I have developed a real fondness for hiking. Hiking is good exercise and represents a great opportunity to see some beautiful parts of the country in an up close and personal way. Earlier this year, for instance, my cousin and I traveled to Wyoming where we hiked to the top of Mountain Bow Peak, which boasts an elevation of  slightly more than 12,000 feet. Even though we did this in July, there was still snow on the ground at the top. I never thought I'd get to throw a snowball in July. Something else I never thought I would do is see a live herd of buffalo. Thanks to the beautiful state of Wyoming, I can now say I have done that.

Seeing those buffalo was a great thrill and a surprise. I remember turning and suddenly there they were. It is a memory I continue to cherish. Such a moment is not unlike connecting with someone you do not know very well. You meet and without warning you feel the two of you are in sync. Of course, when those "like-at-first-sight" moments occur, the trick comes in doing what is needed to sustain the good feeling. That takes effort. And this effort includes implementing solid communication strategies. While I appreciate how that makes establishing a friendship sound so mechanical, the reality is that creating a lasting connection with any one requires work.

Meeting another person and liking them requires little effort. That, I believe, is part of the thrill. Seeing the buffalo was a similar thrill because it was so unexpected and demanded very little of me. But if I want to educate myself about those beasts, then that is going to take some real effort. The same is true for any of us if we meet someone we like. Learning their interests, preferences, history, strengths and weaknesses, etc. takes time and commitment. But if that initial connection is going to last, then those are exactly the pieces of information we need to collect and learn. The more research we do, the better able we will be to devise communication strategies that help turn that initial moment into something more meaningful and lasting.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

A Spectator's Sport

Communication is all about relationships. Every time we say and/or do something another person is affected. This reality is all too obvious to think otherwise. Recently, for instance, a friend came to me to complain about an issue having nothing to do with me. But he knew I would be a "safe" audience as what he had to say would only be between the two of us. He talked and I listened. At the end of our time together he felt better about getting things off his chest. As for me, I felt better about giving him an opportunity to release some pent-up feelings that had been weighing on him for a good while. In that sense, he made me feel better. But I also feel troubled because he has a problem that has yet to be resolved.

So, even though the topic of this conversation had and has nothing to do with me, when it was over my thoughts and mood were altered. That occurrence is not unlike driving down the road and seeing the driver in the car ahead throw trash out their window. That action is about them but it definitely affects others. I mention these incidents because they illustrate how important it is to communicate with a strong dose of sensitvity. More often than we realize, people do pay attention to what goes on around them. Thus, to be unmindful that all we say and do affects others is to be insensitive, selfish and a poor communicator. Communication is not an act of isolation any more than it is an act without consequence.

For professionals, communication is an act of deliberation and purpose. Strategies are calculated. Publics are targeted. Communiques representing the overall strategy are enacted within economic parameters. But for the rest of us in our day-to-day lives, we tend to communicate in ways that do not reflect those qualitries. Unintended consequences are often one result. Should we "amateur communicators" now start being as precise as professionals try to be? Of course not. But it would not be a bad idea if we at least reminded ourselves from time to time that communication is, at the very least, a spectator's sport.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Standing the Test of Time

We humans do not have the best track record when it comes to determining what pieces of work or ideas will stand the test of time. Also, we do not always do that well in judging quality when it first appears. For instance, I recently started rereading Herman Melville's "Moby Dick." When that was first published well over one hundred years ago, it was judged to be of low quality. The same is true of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World."  President Lincoln's now classic Gettysburg Address was initially determined to be of little importance. The paintings of Vincent Van Gogh were ignored by the general public until years after his death. And these are just a few examples.

Collectively, these and other examples remind me of that great song by George and Ira Gershwin, "They All Laughed." In it, the authors wrote of such milestones as Rockefeller Center, the invention of the cotton gin and the initial flight of the Wright brothers as being acts first judged to be batty. The fact we as people were so wrong on these achievements and works, yet came to embrace them for being not only memorable but revolutionary reinforces the notion that eventually great quality cannot be denied. It does reveal itself. The power of great words, strokes of the brush or unique ingenuity is unstoppable. Thank goodness.

The same, I  believe, is true of good communicators: people who actively engage in acts of communication based on sincerity, accuracy, sensitivity, and respect. True, they may not always get that pay raise or job promotion, but these men and women do elicit the regard of others.  Further, they become the recipients of good will and trust. Further, while books may not be written about them, they do gain a wide reputation among their peers as being persons of integrity. My point is that those who communicate honorably should not be deterred by what I label flash-in-the-pan communicators who follow less than honorable paths to reach their goals. They do not and will not stand the test of time.  



     

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Being Grateful

Earlier in the summer our area was hit with a giant storm, leaving us and thousands of others home owners without power for days. To say the least, being without air conditioning during a very hot time of the year was not fun. About a month later our hot water heater went on the fritz, leaving us without hot water. The result was several days of quick but cold showers. that was not fun either. Electricity and hot water are two of the nicest niceties of life. Prior to this summer, I had taken them for granted because they were fixtures that seemed ever-present. But as a result of what happened, I no longer do that. Now every time I turn on a light switch or step into the shower under a stream of warm water, I whisper a quiet thanks. Shame on me for having to go without them before I started giving them the appreciation they deserve.

I mention these incidents as a lead-in to another "fixture" of life that I believe many of us take for granted: our ability to communicate. No, my ability to communicate verbally and in-writing has not disappeared. Thank goodness. But I live with someone who is rapidly losing theis ability to perform this most fundamental of skills. This person has Alzheimer's disease. Presently, she cannot write and has to struggle to put together even one complete sentence. Most tragically, she is still of sound-enough mind to know her communication skills are a shadow of what they used to be. Consequently, each day she feels an enormous amount of frustration and sadness at her current state.

The ability to sit down and write someone - anyone - an email, a posit-note or a letter is no small thing. At the same time, being able to physically connect with another person and exchange thoughts, information, and feelings adds a quality to our lives that, in my view, can only be matched by having air to breath. What would our lives be like without the ability to do either one of these things? For me, the word "unlivable" comes to mind. As I watch this person struggle every day to remain connected and engaged with the world around her, I find myself giving deeper thanks for still having the ability to do what she will soon no longer be able to do. It makes me want to better at it. 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Fact Checkers

Of all the groups in the news lately, probably the last one I thought I would be reading about these days is fact checkers. Traditionally, this group of men and women view themselves as being loyal only to what is true. Their desire is not to lead the news but rather help keep it honest. Additionally, their focus is on the nation's two major political parties, their primary spokespeople and major candidates. The fact checkers review information distributed to voters by the two parties, statements being made by their leading spokespeople, and speeches and interviews featuring their main candidates. The fact checkers then report to the public what information being disseminatd bythe two parties and their people is true, false or somewhere in-between.

At least on the surface, if ever there was a group that is pure of heart and neutral in intent, it is the fact checkers. These individuals, who primarily work for the media, only wish to keep the record straight and provide a needed service to the public so those of us who follow politics are not mislead regarding "the truth" about the issues of the day. After all, it is essential to the well being of our nation that we the people be a well-informed electorate. Who better to ensure that than objective fact checkers? These days, however, fact checkers are being criticized by elements of both parties as well as other members of the media for being either not-so objective or not as thorough and accurate as they are supposed to be. What's an electorate to do?

In concept, having fact checkers is a good idea. I have always believed having responsible media watch dogs is a good thing to have. On the other hand, isn't that what good reporters are supposed to do? If a politican lies, then should not that be noted in any news report on the official's speech or interview? Why do we need this extra layer of media bureaucracy?  Further, does the general public have any responsibility in this? By that I mean if we take our responsibility of being an informed electorate seriously, then shouldn't we be educated enough to know if a politician is lieing or giving out incorrect information? And then there's the matter of who fact checks the fact checkers? I confess to not having any meaningful solution to this any of this, but I can not believe I am the only who is uneasy about the state of our public discourse and the reporting of it. Where's the trust?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Talking Points

People who speak in public have different preferences. Some like to talk from specific texts where each exact word they say is already written. These formal speeches are tightly scripted with little to no room for the speaker to deviate from what he or she is going to say. Sometimes the words are before them on a teleprompter., Sometimes their speech is in a binder on the podium from which they speak. And occasionally, there are those who actually go to the trouble of committing their prepared speeches to memory so it appears as if they are making their remarks off the cuff when, in fact, they are not. The best example of that I can think of is the late General Douglas MacArthur. Finally, there are those who really do like to "wing it"and speak totally off the top of their head. That can be dangerous. 

Formal speech writing is a challenge and an art. Good speech writers deserve all the praise that comes their way. Just as challenging for writers is preparing talking points for speakers. This type of communique has to be specifically prepared for a specific speaker rather than a "one size fits all" format. For instance, some speakers who prefer working from talking points that are sketchy while others want them to be very detailed. An analogy would be a list of errands to run on a Saturday afternoon. For some, their list only needs to be: "grocery store, cleaners, pet store and service station." For others, their list is more detailed: "grocery store with a subset of bread, milk and ground beef; cleaners with a subset of shirts, trousers and linen; pet store with a sub set of dog food and cat liter box; and service station, with a sub set of motor oil, emissions test, and battery. 

Those preparing the talking points must work as closely with their clients as do those who prepare formal speeches. In either case, the speaker needs the crutch of pre-determined words from which to speak. At the same time, the challenge of the person preparing those words is found in accurately deciding how much latitude to give the speaker so the speaker feels secure enough in the parameters set for them, yet free enough to say what it is they are going to say in their own specific words. In short, writers of talking points have a delicate balance to strike, one that is contingent on how well they know their client and how well the two work together.  

Monday, August 27, 2012

Cyrano de Bergerac

A few entries ago I wrote of how many public relations professionals prefer not being in the spotlight, but rather working behind the scenes to ensure attention is directed toward others. Personally, I do not begrudge those who do seek attention or wish to make known their identities and perspectives in a public way. In many ways I envy their drive. Examples of such people are politicians and artists. Politicians, at least in part, are driven by a belief in what they say and support and desire to elicit others to join in their cause. Artists, too, have a deep-rooted need to express themselves in the public arena. As we know, some from both fields are more successful than others. Some are genuinely more gifted than others.

Regardless of the gift each possesses, however, they do need others to help them achieve their desire to be heard and/or seen. This brings me to one of the great plays of all time, "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand. Written in 1897, it tells the story of man who is as greatly gifted with a sword as he is with words. He falls in love with a beautiful woman, yet holds back from attempting to woo her because of his unattractive appearance. Instead, he becomes the voice of a handsome man who is not gifted with words yet who, too, is attracted to the woman. Because of this other man's good looks, she is drawn to him. With Cyrano as his "voice," the man successfully wins the hand of the woman, who is as captivated by what she believes to be his gift with words as she is his appearance.

Cyrano is, of course, a tragic figure. Looking at the coupling that he helped orchestrate, with sadness and irony Cyrano says, "My greatest victories were under an assumed name." It is this quote as much as any other that captures the essence of many public relations professionals, including press agents and speech writers. These behind-the-scenes types do what they do with little regard for public recognition or notoriety. They stand in the shadows as did Cyrano and help guide those desiring the spotlight to be worthy of the attention they seek. I do not see them as tragic figures in the mold of Cyrano. Rather, they are persons with their own unique drive that propels them to seek fulfillment outside the spotlight.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Being Flexible

My favorite flavor of ice cream if vanilla. I understand that vanilla is viewed by many as being bland, unexciting, and a snapshot of my not-so-exciting personality. While I concede the last point, I take issue with the first two. I am the first to agree that our world is blessed with many tasty flavors of ice cream. However, vanilla has been my absolute favorite ever since I was born and, I am sure, will remain so for the rest of my days. In fact, I feel so strongly about vanilla that it is difficult for me to appreciate there are those who actually do not like its taste. How could someone who enjoys a good ice cream from time to time not even like the taste of vanilla? It is like someone describing themselves as a music lover, yet saying they do not like Mozart.

Just as there are many flavors of ice cream, thanks to our innovations in technology, there is also a growing number of ways for us to communicate in today's world. We have a range of choices. They help give us a wide variety of ways in how we can reach-out or connect with others - if that happens to be our desire. And, as in the case of ice cream, people have their own preferences. In my case, my favorite is in-person with email probably being a fairly close second. But I know there are those who prefer other ways, such as the telephone or Facebook. In fact, I currently work with someone who feels the same way about twitter as I do about about vanilla ice cream.  

They tweet all the time about most anything. For them, it works and that is fine. But only to a point. If everyone tweeted even half as much as this person, then this would not be an issue. The fact is not everyone does. Consequently, this lover of twitter is failing to connect with others simply because they are not tuned into the same "flavor"as he. Not a day passes when I do not remind myself that we can not treat how we communicate in the same way as the selection of ice cream we make. Eating ice cream is about ourselves. Communicating is about others. It is all about being flexible and sensitive to the so-called tastes of others.    


Monday, August 20, 2012

Writing Muscles

In the course of my more than 400 entries on this blog, I have alluded to the fact I teaching public relations and communication classes at a college level. Approximately one week from now another semester of classes begins. Two of the four classes I will be teaching pertain to writing. In other communication-related classes I have certainly touched on writing, including its importance, the venues in which writing is particularly effective, and how those different venues require different styles. But I always covered that information on the assumption that my students knew how to write well. I might add that, sadly, this was not always the case. 

For the coming semester what I will be attempting to impart on the students will be very basic: many of the fundamentals of writing. I anticipate a challenge. I say that not so much as a reflection on the students who I have every confidence will work hard and strive to do well. The challenge is about me and how well I am able I am to instill within the students: (1) a lasting familiarity with the rules and guidelines of decent writing; and (2) an equally-lasting appreciation that writing well is not a some-time thing, but an act that needs constant attention and nurturing. To continue to be a good writer, then one must continue to write.

Among other things, one way I spend my free time is going to the gym. I go there not with goal of one-day of becoming Mister Universe. (That ship has long sailed.) Rather, I go there to try and keep my muscles active. This is important, especially if I want to have any chance of enjoying an active life when I enter my senior years. I believe we have writing muscles, too, that require just as much attention. Writing remains a vital way to communicate no matter the venue or technology we use. It does not matter that the great majority of us will never become great writers. But what is important is that we strive to be good ones.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Comfort Zone

In many ways, people are divided into two categories: those who stand in front of the camera and those who stand behind it. It is my contention that by the time we survive our teen years and enter into adulthood, we have a good idea as to whether we are one of those folks who enjoy the spotlight or being the center of attention versus being a person who prefers taking a more behind-the-scene posture in their personal and professional lives. As a result, with this self-knowledge, we gravitate toward those jobs and circumstances that support our preferences and keep us within our own comfort zones.

Generally, I would guess the profession of public relations is viewed as being for those who are more gregarious and who enjoy either enjoy being the focus of others or, at the very least, very close to where all eyes are directed. That observation has never been scientifically tested, so no one can say for sure if it is correct. I, however, tend to think it is not. In my forty years in the communication profession, it is my observation that public relations workers prefer doing what they can to keep the spotlight on others and not themselves. They write press releases for others, they arrange for others to be interviewed by the media, and they ghost write speeches and articles for others.

Public relations workers are the ones standing behind the camera, giving those in front guidance, support and information so they will shine and be impressive to others. Of course, all public relations workers work with others on a daily basis, so this is not to imply they are loners who do not enjoy engaging with others. I am sure they do. At the same time, it is my unscientific observation that public relations professionals are introverts who enjoy dabbling in an environment of extraverts. Assuming for a moment this is true, this suggests communicators are rather complex personalities who operate in a constant state of contradiction or inner conflict.    

 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Communication Overkill

I do not know the exact name of it, but at some point in our lives most of us have played the game involving a number of people who pass a message to each other. The game usually begins with participants sitting in a circle. One person then whispers a message of some sort into the ear of the person next to them. That second person then whispers the same message into the ear of the person next to them and so on. The message is eventually passed to everyone in the circle until it gets to the last person who says it out loud. Almost always the message has gone through some degree of alteration. It is always fun - and surprising - to see just how much the message has changed from what is was at the beginning to the end.

This simple parlor game serves as a stark reminder of how well we people communicate in terms of what we say and how well we listen. Granted, this will never serve as scientific evidence of our communication abilities but the game does present us with a good snapshot. I am reminded of this game as I and millions of others are subjected to the avalanche of messages in this year's presidential campaign. The two major political parties, their candidates and many spokesmen and women are throwing their talking points at us non-stop and will continue to do so for the next two and a half months. The question is how effective will their messages be? More to the point, how well are we or will we be listening?

It is one thing to have to contend with a single message but quite another to have to process multiple messages being given by multiple people via multiple formats and multiple channels of communication. Given this overwhelming dynamic, it is not surprising that people are either tuning-out all that is being said to them, claim to have already made up their minds about which candidates they are supporting and therefore are no longer listening to what others say, or are finding the whole election process to be totally confusing and off-putting.  If there is such a thing as over-communicating, then this is it. Sadly, the so-called communication experts for each of the major parties do not seem to be learning anything from this. They simply keep raising their voices rather than seeking other ways to communicate more effectively. That is too bad for all of us.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Festine lente

Recently, I came across a Latin phrase: festine lente. I was struck by how this applies to communication. (No, I cannot read Latin. But what I can read is the English translation of Latin.) In this case, this Latin phrase means "make haste slowly." In a time when so many of us seem to want instant change in virtually all phases of our lives where we feel change is warranted, I find wisdom in this phrase. The act of communicating, by definition, speaks to change. We communicate with another person, for instance, and things between and about us are no longer the same - even if that interaction is brief or without consequence.

 Communication also represents an accumulation of one's past interactions.  Granted, it may not always feel like it, but with each interaction or encounter comes an opportunity to build on what we know or have learned in the past and apply it to the moment. Ideally, this also helps us develop better skills to make solid connections with others. These connections do not happen instantly, but as a result of sustained communication efforts. They enable us to begin moving down a path that can and often does result in meaningful linkages or partnerships. This, then, supports the notion that effective communication or public relations is a long-term effort.

So-called instant connections are over immediately after they have been made. They are fun, exciting, and short-lived. They only have a shelf-life when effort is made by all parties to give wings to that bonding. That phase takes time and nurturing, two elements which help comprise the essence of effective communication. I would say that most, if not all of us, love the instant connection. Many of us would also agree for that moment to last requires a willingness to work, collaborate, and communicate in an open and respectful manner. This truism applies to personal as well as professional relationships.

Monday, August 6, 2012

New Definition

Earlier this year, the Public Relations Society of America announced its new official definition of "public relations." This definition, which they are billing as "a modern definition for the new era of public relations," represents the result of a year-long effort in which a multitude of practitioners and scholars provided input into not only what the definition should be but also what concepts regarding human interaction it should speak to. Many suggestions were made. Finally, a public vote was taken and the following prevailed: "Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics."

Overall, I like it. The primary reason for this is because it speaks to the importance of long-term partnerships as a primary objective of any public relations effort. It has been my long-time belief that the establishment and maintenance of a sustained relationship between various publics or entities represents public relations at its best. People can and often do come together on a one-time or short-term basis. The challenge is to build a bridge that is so strong and encompassing that people develop a lasting commitment to either each other or to what they have both believe. The result is a solid partnership or collaboration. What began as an interaction turns into a bond.

One interesting aspect of this definition, however, is an omission of the word "ethics" or any reference to ethical behavior. In their announcement of the new definition, PRSA explained this was intentional. They said an overwhelming majority of those who contributed to the definition expressly insisted that "ethics" not be mentioned. Unfortunately, they did not provide an explanation. However, PRSA continues to insist that it remains firmly behind the value of ethical public relations. In fact, it announced plans to include ethics in a values statement about the definition of public relations. I hope so. When it comes to interaction and collaboration, strong ethics is the glue.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Only Human

Those who work professionally in the communication field start off each day with at least one, if not two strikes against. Working with clients and carrying out various communication plans and strategies, their goal is all about control. Control the message. Control their client's talking points. Control media access to their client. Control the timing and staging of any public events. Control the timing of when messages are made public. Control who speaks to the public, including the media.  The list goes on and on. These professionals operate in an environment where control is the driving element. Unfortunately, we - and they - live in a world where control is little more than an illusion.

What adds to their uphill climb is the fact that these dedicated professionals are only human. Like the rest of us, they have only a limited amount of patience. . They can only go so long without adequate sleep. They can and do get distracted. They are subject to such emotions as frustration, anger, and bias. Bottom line: they are as imperfect as the rest of us despite the fact that so many of them are quite good at what they do.  Professional communicators, like the rest of us, have bad days and sometimes act in unprofessional ways. This does make them less than what they are. Rather, it makes them human.

I mention this in the context of a recent outburst by one of press people working for this year's Republican Party nominee for President Mitt Romney. While traveling abroad with the candidate, one of the professional communicators on Romney's staff reportedly told reporters to "kiss my ass." The press, not surprisingly, has been giving this outburst a lot of coverage. Granted, it was not that particular person's shining hour and, yes, what he said was a mistake. My guess is at this point his boss has probably given him a well deserved verbal talking-to. Given that, let's move on. I, for one, think we need to give his guy a break. His behavior was out of frustration and probably not like something many of us would have done had our roles been reversed. I just hope for his sake he does not do it again.  

Monday, July 30, 2012

Teaching Engagement

Much is being written and talked about how our education system needs to be improved. There is no doubt that education in America does need impoving. If our country is going to regain its international dominance in such fundamental areas as science and math, then we are definitely going to have to start implementing comprehensive adjustments. But as my primary focus in this blog is communication, I want to zero in on how improving the communication skills of students can and should be addressed at all levels of education, beginning in kindergarten. It boils down to one word: engagement.

Presently, education revolves around two concepts: passing along facts and then teaching students how to use or apply those facts in other classes and, ultimately, the so-called real world. A third leg to this stool needs to be added. Students should be taught how to share those facts with others. We live in a society where our ability to communicate with others is not nearly as strong as it should be. As I have written countless times before, there is too much "talking at" and not enough "talking with" that occurs. One key reason for this is that people are not as competent in the act of interaction as they should be. Consequently, they do not do it very well or often.

This can be addressed. Via creative classroom exercises and even tests, students can learn how to engage in interactions with others in ways that are non-threatening or argumentative. Teaching the art of respectful conversation may seem trivial, but given the reality of our day-to-day lives as we grow into adulthood, such a skill very much has a real-life application. This skill can be taught and reinforced throughout a student's entire education, including college.  Further, the good news is this can be applied to any subject matter, not just English class. More of us need to be able to communicate better. After all, we are dealing with so many of the same issues.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Regaining the High Bar

From time to time over the years I have been doing this blog I have decried what I see as a decline in the communication efforts of of our citizens. What continues to trouble me the most is as people interact there seems to be an increasing amount of what I call "talking at" that occurs rather than "talking with." Our desire or ability to listen and actually engage with others - even for a few moments - is eroding. I see this as contributing to a growing feeling of disenfranchisement among people that, in turn, is leading to a shift in what we consider to be most important in life: tangible achievement or gaining attention. Unfortunately, gaining attention seems to have the upper hand.

Ironically, one contributing factor to this is social media. This great technological advancement, in terms of communication as revolutionary as anything we have known since the invention of the telegraph, has become a great enabler to our current shift in life's priorities. What better way to gain attention or get noticed by more people than was ever before possible than via Facebook or twitter?  Even doing something mundane such as going out to dinner and then commenting on the quality of the food and restaurant generates attention, some from people one does not even know. This is definitely a sign of the times.  

Do not misunderstand. I see nothing wrong with the exchanges that occur via social media. What is of growing concern is how this seems to be giving people the false impression that collecting thousands of followers on twitter or friends on Facebook, for instance, represents meaningful achievement. It does not. Social media is easy. Achievement is not. Seeking to achieve represents a higher bar. For us to be the best we can be for ourselves and society, then that higher bar is the one we need and should shoot for. Those involved in the communication profession, either as scholars or practitioners, can play a key role in this. I will have more to come on this.



Monday, July 23, 2012

Look at Me!

I am a proud product of little league baseball. Even though it seems like it was over 100 years ago when I played for the Giants and, later, the Tigers, I do think back to those times with fondness. As the years passed from time to time I would watch the kids play a few innings and smile as the contended with ground balls, running bases and swinging the bat. The mere fact they were suited up and on the field  trying so hard to play well made them shine in my eyes. Invariably, during the course of each game at least one of the players from the field would wave to his parents as if to say, "Look at me!." The parents, of course, would smile and wave back.

The exchange of waves was heartfelt. It seemed to say, at least for a few moments, the game itself was of little if any consequence. What was important was the participation. To me, the wave between child and parents was a silent reaffirmation of this. Fast forwarding to the present, from time to time I skim Facebook and Twitter entries and see striking similarities. In this case, instead of youngsters waving from the field, it is older individuals who are waving from the Internet with messages that share their thoughts on movies, weekend adventures or how well they slept the night before.  People, inevitably, wave back with comments that either acknowledge what was just written or by adding their own opinions on the subject.

As wonderful and technologically-advanced as social media is, there is very much a strong "look at me" component to it that I am unconvinced adds much, if anything, to the game of life in which we are involved. Staying it touch with friends via the Internet is fine. Making new friends that way is fine, too. But as the popularity of this form of communication continues to grow while the level of exchange remains the same, I am concerned we may be making the mistake of confusing enhancing our visibility this way with actual achievement. The two are far from the same. This lowers the bar as to what is actual achievement, thus detracting from the quality of our society. Like those little leaguers, perhaps we should be paying more attention to ground balls, running bases and swinging bats.