I said this last year, but it bears repeating. It’s OK to say “I don’t know.” In our world right now there are so many questions and so few answers. Not knowing is really frustrating. Especially when you’re a leader who is supposed to know. But … [Read more...] about “I don’t know” is OK. Really.
Doing the Kabuki dance
A media interview looks like a normal conversation, but it’s really a carefully proscribed Kabuki dance. Every participant fills a well-defined role. A spokesperson’s role requires discipline, charm, and tenacity. The spokesperson has a message to … [Read more...] about Doing the Kabuki dance
Weird little habits
Being a PR person can be hard. No one else is going to tell the CEO that she looks like she’s picking her nose when she touches it when she’s nervous. But the PR person has to tell her! Because a CEO who looks like she’s picking her nose every time … [Read more...] about Weird little habits
But I’m not an actor
Your face really matters when you’re doing an interview. If you avert your eyes or frown, you’re telegraphing something much more powerful than the words you say. But you’re not leading a company because you wanted to be an actor. So what do you … [Read more...] about But I’m not an actor
Your eyes matter!
Wanna look shifty and nervous on camera? That’s super easy. Just avert your eyes. When you don’t make eye contact with whoever you’re speaking to (either on CNBC or in your team meeting) you look like you’re hiding something. Let’s say you’re … [Read more...] about Your eyes matter!
Not too cold, not too hot. Just right!
Being too nice in media interviews is a liability. Being a brilliant jerk is a recipe for disaster. So what’s the happy medium? Treat the reporter as an equal - you are respectful, but you feel absolutely no obligation to answer questions that … [Read more...] about Not too cold, not too hot. Just right!
But don’t be a jerk!
In my previous post, I said don’t be too nice in media interviews. Nice is great, but being assertive is essential in a media interview. On the other hand, it’s easy to go too far. Maybe you are that brilliant jerk running this week’s super-hot … [Read more...] about But don’t be a jerk!
Be nice – but not too nice
You’re an authentic, open, relatable person. You love to listen. You are the boss everyone fights to work for. You are the leader every customer trusts. Being a good person is important to you. GREAT. But if you bring your “nice” mindset to a … [Read more...] about Be nice – but not too nice
Is this really a story?
So you’re converted to the power of stories. That’s GREAT! But how can you tell when your stories are really reaching your audience? If: Your audiences become emotionally invested and won’t let you stop until they hear the end of the story; … [Read more...] about Is this really a story?
Do I have a good idea?
I give a lot of advice on how to come up with great ideas and great messages. But how do you know when you’re there? You know your vision and message are on the money when: Your audiences listen to your message and ask for more content. You … [Read more...] about Do I have a good idea?
