Media Training: Keep it Civil

The attempted assassination of former President Trump has consumed traditional media and social media ever since the shots rang out on Saturday. ?The news was about as serious as it gets. ?Still, there were those who didn't grasp that and it backfired.

• A fire chief in Pennsylvania resigned after posting what was deemed by local leaders as a very inappropriate comment about the?shooting. As a public figure how did he think this would go unnoticed??
• Actor-musician Jack Black announced he is canceling the rest of the Tenacious D tour with his performing partner, Kyle Gass. ?While on stage Gass joked about the attempted assassination. ?Black said he was "blindsided" by the remarks. Gass’ management company dropped him.

Making light of any serious matter can come with consequences. A couple of celebrities made news for all the wrong reasons recently and not everyone is laughing at how they handled themselves.

• Following his arrest for DWI Justin Timberlake made a few cracks about it at his concerts. ?He's fighting the charges and has apparently made a decision on how to address it with his fans. In a TV interview MADD's CEO urged the singer to use his platform to influence drivers who might consider hitting the road after drinking. ?That could be a powerful message regardless of the legal outcome of Timberlake's case.
• Ariana Grande is drawing heat from the family of one of the victims of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. ?On a podcast the singer said she once told a fan that Dahmer would be an ideal dinner guest. ?The victim's mother called Grande, "sick" during an interview with TMZ. ?Not sure anyone could defend Grande on this one. ?

If you are an executive, small business owner, or any professional who does media interviews and has a professional social media presence; you need to tread lightly on sensitive topics. ?A good rule of thumb is to keep it civil. ?Express yourself without embarrassing yourself?or alienating your audience. ?Others may be bombastic but you don't have to be to get your messaging across. The loudest voice may get the attention, but is that the kind of attention you want?

Every media interview or public appearance is an opportunity to showcase you and your business. ?But if you come off snarky or mean-spirited that says a lot about you to potential clients or customers. ?People generally opt to do business with people they like or admire. ?Their opinion of you can change for better or worse with just one interview or post. Managing your professional reputation begins with you.

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