One of the great things about gravity is that it never changes. What went up yesterday also went down. That will still be the case today and tomorrow, too. In fact, gravity is one of the rare topics in today's world that people do not seem to argue over or dispute. Truth used to be that way, too. It was considered by all to be actual fact - reality beyond question. Unfortunately, truth no longer seems to be what it used to. Perhaps a better way to put it is that truth is no longer perceived the way it used to be. More and more people of different backgrounds and different perspectives on the world seem to have their own truth as opposed to one that all share (other than about gravity).
This relatively new reality is the result, I believe, of a need people have not only communicate, but to receive validation, be understood and accepted, and, ultimately, to be influential or make a difference. This evolution of truth escalated during the Progressive Era (1890 - 1917). Muckrakers or what we might term investigative journalists ignited the change with their aggressive reporting in attempting to exposure corporate and government corruption. Understandably, many on the receiving end of these efforts did not appreciate the negative way in which they and their peers were depicted. As a result, they turned to other professional communicators - public relations practitioners - to begin showcasing their own truth about particular issues.
It is not as if these leaders wanted to hide the truth from the public. Rather, they wanted the public to better understand their perspective or version of the information before them. Public relations professionals began creating position papers, press releases and other communiques for public consumption all geared to showcase truth from the perspective of their client. In their quest to resent all sides of an issue, reporters began looking for other perspectives to include in their stories. Thus, facts alone no longer became the focus of attention. Instead, the competing perspectives did. Truth was no longer just truth. In fact, in many ways it seems as if now we are seeing it be replaced by opinion or perspective. This is definitely a topic worthy of further review.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Communicating With Purpose
Why do we communicate? One simply answer is because we can. Another is that we communicate because we cannot help ourselves. The same holds true for breathing. We breath because that is what we do and, besides, what is there for us to do? We smile. We grimace. We stretch. All those day-to-day actions are acts of communication. It is very definitely what we do. But, then, one make the same observation about animals. They, too, communicate some type of message with everyone of their routine actions. This is a commonality we share with the critters of the world. But it also something that helps distinguish us from them as well.
To site one example, in a recent interview on fundraising, researcher Penelope Burk discussed how today more and more donors are doing so with a specific entity. These people are earmarking money they contribute for specific purposes. On the decline, she says, are those who give money to, say, a university with no set of instructions, guidelines, or, more to the point, purpose. This, I believe, is a similar trend in the world of communication. People are sending out messages/signals with a more specific intent. The same holds true for entities seeking to communicate with various publics. There is purpose to their outreach as well.
This is a good thing. Given all the millions of messages put forth around the globe each day, ones that emit greater specificity seem to be the one carrying the most clout or weight. Those of us on the receiving end of the many messages need that as it helps us both better process or understand what is being communicated as well as decide whether the message is worth remembering and, ultimately, acting on. From a practical standpoint, as there is only so much time in the day, the more precise communiques can be, the better able we are to engage with others and determine our own actions. This is a basic but important point for crafters of messages to remember.
To site one example, in a recent interview on fundraising, researcher Penelope Burk discussed how today more and more donors are doing so with a specific entity. These people are earmarking money they contribute for specific purposes. On the decline, she says, are those who give money to, say, a university with no set of instructions, guidelines, or, more to the point, purpose. This, I believe, is a similar trend in the world of communication. People are sending out messages/signals with a more specific intent. The same holds true for entities seeking to communicate with various publics. There is purpose to their outreach as well.
This is a good thing. Given all the millions of messages put forth around the globe each day, ones that emit greater specificity seem to be the one carrying the most clout or weight. Those of us on the receiving end of the many messages need that as it helps us both better process or understand what is being communicated as well as decide whether the message is worth remembering and, ultimately, acting on. From a practical standpoint, as there is only so much time in the day, the more precise communiques can be, the better able we are to engage with others and determine our own actions. This is a basic but important point for crafters of messages to remember.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Workplace Parent
It is understood that effective public relations practitioners possess a number of qualities that range from being extraverted and detail-oriented to creative and personable. There is another quality or characteristic of theirs that one does not often - if ever - hear or see discussed. It is being parental. I recognize even seeing that word may raise eyebrows After all, one reasons, professional communicators are adults who are working with other adults. What does parenting have to do with any of that? Good question. The answer, in a word, is "everything." In working with clients and those they represent, professional communicators do tend to assume parental qualities.
One example is the PR rep who works with the chief executive officer of a corporation. Let us say this executive has an important interview coming up with a major media outlet. It represents exposure that could generate positive publicity for the company as well as the executive. Leading up to the one-on-one encounter with the reporter, the PR rep works closely with their boss, going over specific talking points, helping them prepare for what might be difficult or awkward questions, and even coaching them on how to sit once the formal interview is under way. Such points are not all that dissimilar from that which a parent would review with a child.
These things, of course, cover only those elements leading up to the interview. Depending how well the executive does in their sit-down with the reporter, the communicator shares in the pride and joy of the encounter or takes the teachable moments that have come from this experience so that future interviews might go more smoothly. They are their boss' teacher, cheerleader, advocate, counselor and protector. Any Moms and Dads reading this right now see similarities between how they are with their children and how professional communicators are with their clients? Of course, for such a dynamic at the workplace to occur, there must be a great deal of earned trust. That, as is so often the case in such matters, takes time.
One example is the PR rep who works with the chief executive officer of a corporation. Let us say this executive has an important interview coming up with a major media outlet. It represents exposure that could generate positive publicity for the company as well as the executive. Leading up to the one-on-one encounter with the reporter, the PR rep works closely with their boss, going over specific talking points, helping them prepare for what might be difficult or awkward questions, and even coaching them on how to sit once the formal interview is under way. Such points are not all that dissimilar from that which a parent would review with a child.
These things, of course, cover only those elements leading up to the interview. Depending how well the executive does in their sit-down with the reporter, the communicator shares in the pride and joy of the encounter or takes the teachable moments that have come from this experience so that future interviews might go more smoothly. They are their boss' teacher, cheerleader, advocate, counselor and protector. Any Moms and Dads reading this right now see similarities between how they are with their children and how professional communicators are with their clients? Of course, for such a dynamic at the workplace to occur, there must be a great deal of earned trust. That, as is so often the case in such matters, takes time.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Lighthouse Blues
Lighthouses have such a romantic air to them. (Others, I know, may attach a spooky aura but I am not one of them.) These structures stand steady and tall against the sea as waves descend, sometimes crash them. Inside, the lighthouse keeper keeps close tabs on weather reports and sea tides and takes necessary precautions to help guide incoming boats and vessels reach shore, particularly at night, to ensure they do so safely and without mishap. The keeper maintains a low-key, quiet existence, I imagine, going about his or her business with unflappable precision, yet with a contentment that theirs is largely a life of solitude and limited interaction with others.
For those who enjoy time alone and doing their own thing with minimal communicating with others, then such a profession is tailor-made for them. They have much "me time," yet do so in the name of keeping others safe. There is definitely wrong with that. Such a person with those kind of characteristics is perfect for a job as lighthouse keeper. This same person, however, would not be well-suited for a job in public relations. This particular professional does a great deal of interacting with others. In fact, their whole work day revolves around the concept of helping establish links between various publics and then devising strategies to help maintain them.
To succeed in public relations demands that a person be very interaction-oriented. Their behavior needs to be one of an extravert, the kind of person who even goes as far as to help others be more versed in networking. While they may enjoy occasional times of working alone at their desks, such moments are spent in the name of making connections. In short, while this is to say an introvert should not enter in the public relations profession, when such a person goes to work each day, they must be wearing their extravert mask. Unlike the lighthouse keeper, public relations practitioners are all about rubbing elbows with others.
For those who enjoy time alone and doing their own thing with minimal communicating with others, then such a profession is tailor-made for them. They have much "me time," yet do so in the name of keeping others safe. There is definitely wrong with that. Such a person with those kind of characteristics is perfect for a job as lighthouse keeper. This same person, however, would not be well-suited for a job in public relations. This particular professional does a great deal of interacting with others. In fact, their whole work day revolves around the concept of helping establish links between various publics and then devising strategies to help maintain them.
To succeed in public relations demands that a person be very interaction-oriented. Their behavior needs to be one of an extravert, the kind of person who even goes as far as to help others be more versed in networking. While they may enjoy occasional times of working alone at their desks, such moments are spent in the name of making connections. In short, while this is to say an introvert should not enter in the public relations profession, when such a person goes to work each day, they must be wearing their extravert mask. Unlike the lighthouse keeper, public relations practitioners are all about rubbing elbows with others.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Battle Over Control
It is no wonder that many see the professions of journalism and public relations as being at loggerheads. Given that, it makes further sense that those who work in each camp are often seen as being ones who work at cross-purposes. Such a perspective makes sense to me, particularly when one views the history of each profession. Even though both began and continue to represent a way to share information with the general public, the purpose that drives each of their efforts is what differentiates the two. Further, though both have existed for many years, public relations came into being as a formal profession as a direct off-shoot of journalism.
It all boils down to control. Stories as written and/or reported by journalist cannot be controlled. No matter how much the subject of an article might cooperate with a reporter, what ends up in print or on the air comes just as much as a surprise to him or her as it does to the general public. The fact reporters and their editors decide what ultimately is shared with the public is what gives the press the independence it needs to best serve our democracy. This does not always set well with those who are the subject of news reports as what is printed/aired might affect their reputation or business in a negative way.
Thus, in an attempt to better control what information or messages are disseminated to the public, professional communicators in the form of public relations practitioners came along. These men and women are versed in preparing well-crafted communiques to targeted audiences as a way of generating positive ties with the community. Additionally, public relation officers are able to work with members of the press to help reporters shape their articles in ways that reflect favorably toward their clients. On a regular basis, then, communicators from the two camps do battle over information. It is a matter of control.
It all boils down to control. Stories as written and/or reported by journalist cannot be controlled. No matter how much the subject of an article might cooperate with a reporter, what ends up in print or on the air comes just as much as a surprise to him or her as it does to the general public. The fact reporters and their editors decide what ultimately is shared with the public is what gives the press the independence it needs to best serve our democracy. This does not always set well with those who are the subject of news reports as what is printed/aired might affect their reputation or business in a negative way.
Thus, in an attempt to better control what information or messages are disseminated to the public, professional communicators in the form of public relations practitioners came along. These men and women are versed in preparing well-crafted communiques to targeted audiences as a way of generating positive ties with the community. Additionally, public relation officers are able to work with members of the press to help reporters shape their articles in ways that reflect favorably toward their clients. On a regular basis, then, communicators from the two camps do battle over information. It is a matter of control.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Migration
It has long been a fact of nature that birds exhibit a variety of migration patterns. Flying south for the winter, for example, is an illustration of this. Our feathered friends, of course, are not the only animals that make incredible journeys as part of their year-in and year-out existence. Such behavior is part of their survival mechanism in terms of mating rituals and quest to seek food sources. However, with the disruption caused by climate change, such behavior is being altered to the point that many members of the animal kingdom are currently trying to establish a new rhythm to ensure their existence.
In the communication field, people, too, seek out a means to ensure an ongoing ability to remain connected with others. Perhaps like animals, such an effort remains in a constant state of transition and adjustment as being able to interact with others remains a fundamental need shared by all. This brings me to the current state of Facebook and those who utilize it. When started, it represented an exciting and fresh communication tool enabling people to share and exchange information about themselves. Not surprisingly, its primary users were men and women of traditional college age and even younger. Those of an older age, generally, were not among Facebook's primary users.
A new patter has emerged. According to various reports, men and women in their 40s and beyond are beginning to be among the principle users of Facebook while their children are now moving onto communication vehicles and tools. My own theory for such a shift depicts a reality that older folks - parents - are constantly trying to remain connected with their children while the younger set is always looking to establish their own base free from the scrutiny of grown-ups. The result, at least here, is that once again one group is lagging behind the other. This suggests that while all of us wish to be connected, we prefer doing so with those of like-mind.
In the communication field, people, too, seek out a means to ensure an ongoing ability to remain connected with others. Perhaps like animals, such an effort remains in a constant state of transition and adjustment as being able to interact with others remains a fundamental need shared by all. This brings me to the current state of Facebook and those who utilize it. When started, it represented an exciting and fresh communication tool enabling people to share and exchange information about themselves. Not surprisingly, its primary users were men and women of traditional college age and even younger. Those of an older age, generally, were not among Facebook's primary users.
A new patter has emerged. According to various reports, men and women in their 40s and beyond are beginning to be among the principle users of Facebook while their children are now moving onto communication vehicles and tools. My own theory for such a shift depicts a reality that older folks - parents - are constantly trying to remain connected with their children while the younger set is always looking to establish their own base free from the scrutiny of grown-ups. The result, at least here, is that once again one group is lagging behind the other. This suggests that while all of us wish to be connected, we prefer doing so with those of like-mind.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Nervousness
All of us at one time or another have felt nervous. Perhaps we have a big presentation coming up before a group of people important to our company. Maybe we are about to take a test that will determine whether we advance to a higher level in school. The examples of situations that put us on edge are many. They all revolve situations where, on some level, we are being tested and the outcome is uncertain. Without question, it is an uneasy feeling that few, if any, particularly enjoy. After all, who wants to step into a situation where we might fall short, particularly in the eyes of others? Given that this happens to all of us from time to time, what is the best way to deal with it? What can we do about it?
Being nervous represents a feeling that comes largely from a fear or concern of diminishing one's self in the front of others. Such a concern is universal, understandable, can compromise one's ability to communicate, and, at times, inevitable. Depending upon the specific circumstance, this feeling can be so intense that it can even be debilitating. While I have no magic cure or preventive measure to offer up, I do have a few suggestions that might help put feelings of nervousness into a more manageable perspective.
Nervousness is neither good nor bad. It is akin to feeling cold when one steps outside in cold weather. The answer to that, of course, is to wear a heavy coat and gloves. Regarding feelings of uneasiness, collecting as much knowledge about the subject which one is about to address is a major help. Plus, learning as much as you can about the audience to whom you are going to share this knowledge is another key ally. The good news is that while the results or outcome of any situation may be unknown, what any of us can control is our level of preparedness. This can and does help the communicating we are about to do in any dicey situation as well as raises our level of confidence, helps neutralize our nervousness, and improves the chances of a positive result.
Being nervous represents a feeling that comes largely from a fear or concern of diminishing one's self in the front of others. Such a concern is universal, understandable, can compromise one's ability to communicate, and, at times, inevitable. Depending upon the specific circumstance, this feeling can be so intense that it can even be debilitating. While I have no magic cure or preventive measure to offer up, I do have a few suggestions that might help put feelings of nervousness into a more manageable perspective.
Nervousness is neither good nor bad. It is akin to feeling cold when one steps outside in cold weather. The answer to that, of course, is to wear a heavy coat and gloves. Regarding feelings of uneasiness, collecting as much knowledge about the subject which one is about to address is a major help. Plus, learning as much as you can about the audience to whom you are going to share this knowledge is another key ally. The good news is that while the results or outcome of any situation may be unknown, what any of us can control is our level of preparedness. This can and does help the communicating we are about to do in any dicey situation as well as raises our level of confidence, helps neutralize our nervousness, and improves the chances of a positive result.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Unintended Consequences
Is there anyone among us who, at times, who does not help falling asleep at bedtime? I think not. In recent years, one particular device designed to address that need has risen in popularity. I am talking about sleep machines. More and more you see them in motels and people's homes. Depending upon the particular device, soft music, soft rains, winds, and even animals calls are examples of the soothing sounds many of these machines emit. They must work because their sales continue to climb. Recently, however, I came across a study that suggests these innovative devices may not be all they are cracked up to be.
Researches at the University of Toronto are finding that sleep machines, if played too loudly, can put those on their receiving at risk. Specifically, these machines can cause hearing impairment. This, of course, is not good. Still, it is an example of how the road to progress is not always a straight line. At times, it can be several steps forward and then several steps back. The sleep machines and their impact fall under the broad umbrella of communication. They represent an effort to communicate a certain message - calm and tranquility - as a way of injecting feelings of comfort and safety into the mind of those on the receiving end of that communique.
It makes sense, of course. All of us sleep more soundly when we are relaxed. Yet it seems the message from the sleep machines is quite possibly not all it seems. In the present, it provides its listeners with calm while at the same time, puts them at future risk. The best kind of communicating does not carry with it any such kind of double-edged impact. Even when there is disagreement or controversy in a communique, ideally the message is straight forward and without hidden meaning. While I am not suggesting the makers of the various sleep machines foresaw the inherent risk in their creations, I do believe from a communication standpoint they could have been more sensitive to the fallout of their message.
Researches at the University of Toronto are finding that sleep machines, if played too loudly, can put those on their receiving at risk. Specifically, these machines can cause hearing impairment. This, of course, is not good. Still, it is an example of how the road to progress is not always a straight line. At times, it can be several steps forward and then several steps back. The sleep machines and their impact fall under the broad umbrella of communication. They represent an effort to communicate a certain message - calm and tranquility - as a way of injecting feelings of comfort and safety into the mind of those on the receiving end of that communique.
It makes sense, of course. All of us sleep more soundly when we are relaxed. Yet it seems the message from the sleep machines is quite possibly not all it seems. In the present, it provides its listeners with calm while at the same time, puts them at future risk. The best kind of communicating does not carry with it any such kind of double-edged impact. Even when there is disagreement or controversy in a communique, ideally the message is straight forward and without hidden meaning. While I am not suggesting the makers of the various sleep machines foresaw the inherent risk in their creations, I do believe from a communication standpoint they could have been more sensitive to the fallout of their message.
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