The Media Coach 15th August 2023

Speaking Tip of the week - Rhetoric is important

Understanding classical rhetoric can enhance your speaking. Here are some rhetorical devices.

Procatalepsis Anticipating an objection to your case, and dealing with it in advance. For example "Some people argue that speakers should never speak for free, since it devalues their skill. However, there are a times when it make sense, as I shall now explain"

Anacoluthon A sudden break in the grammatical structure of a sentence. For example: "I drove up to my house, and noticed the lights were on, though I'd turned them off when I left -- are you still with me here?"

Paronomasia Punning wordplay, including homophonic or homographic puns, both of which are included in this example: "You can tune a guitar, but you can't tuna fish. Unless of course, you play bass."

Auxesis Exaggeration, often with sequential enhancement. Here's an example:"You found my phone? You are a gent, a prince, a god!"??

Media Tip of the week - How to behave on TV

Here's my advice:

Be honest If you or your company has erred, come out with your hands up, and admit your error. Far better for you to be upfront than to be discovered "hiding the facts". Use the opportunity to explain what happened, show that you are dealing with the matter quickly and efficiently, and detail what steps you are taking to avoid a repeat occurrence. Most importantly, say how you will treat any of your customers who have suffered as a result. You should show both empathy and authority.

Be direct Don't beat around the bush or use jargon. Imagine that you are talking to a fairly bright 12 year-old. If you over-complicate things, your message will be lost.

Be fair Nobody likes to hear people rubbishing their competitors constantly. If you have a better product or service than your rivals, list its merits.

Be positive In any circumstance, it is possible to make a positive statement.

Be presentable Clearly, the way you look is going to be important for television interviews, and may even distract the viewer from hearing what you say. However, even on radio or in print, your appearance may affect the way in which a journalist treats you, and even whether they trust what you say.

Be aware There is no such thing as "off the record". Journalists hearing this phrase will immediately prick up their ears, and will often find a way of working your secret into their report.

Be prepared Make sure that everyone in your company knows how to handle a media enquiry, and that anyone who may be called on to talk directly to the media has been properly trained and briefed. And whatever you do, rehearse - otherwise you may end up like the senior executives at the press launch of a people carrier. As the gleaming vehicle was driven onto the stage in front of assembled motoring journalists, the executives within discovered that they didn't know how to operate the child-proof door locks. Of course, that sort of thing couldn't happen to you, could it??????

Social Media Tip of the week - What do you like?

"Liking" a Facebook post is one way of indicating that you've found it interesting, even though you may be appalled by the content. Facebook has a few other emoticons you can apply too. But what about simply posting the things that you like? Maybe it's me (and I'm guilty of it too), but the majority of posts that I see seem to be complaining about something. It's as though people are defining themselves by what they don't like (a point made often by the great comedian Tim Minchin).

There's the issue of how you are being perceived by your Facebook friends. If they only ever see you complaining, or sharing shocking videos in order to make a point, they may decide to unfriend you. That renders your posts invisible to them in future, of course.

So why not try posting content that you like? It doesn't have to be pictures of rainbows or kittens (though if that's what you really like, go ahead), but might be a piece of music you love, a bit of sporting imagery, a great speech, or maybe even a blog you've written about great customer service.

I'm not advocating the "everything is wonderful" approach to life. I'm just suggesting that you take a look at your social media postings and think "am I being a bit too negative?". If you're not, well done. If you are, well, maybe it's time to tell us what you really like.?????