Category Archives: Communications

50 Shades of Scandal

Posted in Communications, pr by

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2014 has been the year of scandal for Canada. From the Canadian Senate scandal and everything Rob Ford to the current Jian Ghomeshi sex scandal. Canada is no longer the quiet neighbour.

While the Ghomeshi scandal has raised important discussions regarding sexual harassment, consent and sexual violence; so much has come to light in the past few weeks that it seems like eons ago that Ghomeshi posted his initial statement on his Facebook fan page announcing to his fans that he was fired from CBC because his private life was to risqué for them. Of course now our focus is on the multiple accounts of alleged assault, but his statement really stuck with me, or rather parts of it stuck with me. Yes it was eloquently drafted by a PR/crisis management firm, but what I can’t get out of my head is not his 50 Shades of Grey bedroom tastes, but this line:

“To recap, I am being fired in my prime from the show I love and built and threw myself into for years because of what I do in my private life.”

As a PR professional who worked in media for many years, what immediately came to mind was how naïve that line was. It worked well as a rallying cry to garner initial sympathy and support; but the hard reality is, as a public figure you’ve basically relinquished your right to a true private life. Tiger Woods lost millions in sponsorship deals when his private life very publicly exploded, so why did Ghomeshi think he’d be different? As a public face of an organization, you are a representation of its brand; and if your actions are no longer are in alignment with the brand, then it’s time to part ways. That’s just business.

I’m not saying that public figures shouldn’t be allowed to have a private life or privacy. But it does seem to be the cost of fame. Once you’ve put yourself in the spotlight; it’s going to shine everywhere – especially into those deep dark corners that you’d rather keep hidden. Suddenly everything is on display for public consumption in the form of entertainment news, tabloid magazines and gossip blogs.

We are a hungry society. We move from scandal to scandal, consuming every siliceous detail until we’ve outright bored ourselves; then we move on to the next big thing. It is then that a scandal has ‘blown over’ and people can start to bounce back. Think of where Robert Downey Jr was 15 years ago. Look at Martha Stewart… Of course now that legal allegations are in play, what’s to come of this particular scandal remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, regardless of the outcome, this too will eventually blow over.

Here’s some tips to channel your inner Kerri Washington if you or your clients are ever caught by the short and curlies:

Make a Plan BEFORE a Crisis Hits:

  • Develop a crisis plan by identifying the top threats and plan out in advance how they will be dealt with.
  • Establish a crisis communication team, which at a bare minimum should include an official spokesperson, a public relations advisor and a lawyer.
  • When dealing with sensitive situations, write down everything! A written record of what transpired is the best way to protect you and your clients.

When The Shit Hits The Fan:

  • Response time matters so implement your crisis communication plan within the first 48 hours.
  • Control the flow of information by establishing a spokesperson and a means for disseminating information early on so you can shape the story.
  • Evaluate available strategies to address the problem and take action.
  • Know your answers before the questions get asked. ‘Winging it’ is NOT part of an effective crisis management strategy. Identify the questions out of your worst nightmare and decide how you’ll address them.
  • Don’t ignore the elephant in the room. Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it disappear; in fact, in most situations it makes it worse.
  • While you are confronting that elephant have key messages in place. Address any mistakes. Emphasize that you have a plan. If you can’t comment for legal reasons, say that. Express compassion for any victims involved and display a commitment to correcting the situation.

Fashion Fun Friday: The Tan Suit

Posted in Communications, Fashion by

I’ve said this before, and I’m saying it again… What we wear makes a tremendous impact on how others perceive us. This point was proven in spades this week with President Obama and his #TanSuit which exploded over Twitter yesterday – to the tune of over 14,000 tweets at the time of writing this blog! Here’s a few that stood out:

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From being compared to an insurance salesman to the creation of parody accounts @BarackTanSuit, @ObamaTanSuit and @Obamas_Tan_Suit within 10 minutes of his speaking, Obama’s choice to wear the light-coloured suit while discussing the military conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine underminded the seriousness of the subject matter. Twiterverse’s reaction to the tan suit is now the subject of much discussion with media outlets such as CNN, Time and the Washington Post.

While funny, these comments are a strong reminder that the suit really can ‘make the man’ and what we wear matters. The impact of Obama’s message was overshadowed by his tan suit. Here’s something for you to consider the next time you are getting dressed: If the President of the United States’ message got lost among the tan suit chatter, how will your message fair?

 

Picture Perfect Tuesday: Kilmainham Gaol

Posted in Communications, photography, Picture Perfect Tuesdays by

I seem to be on a bit of a morbid roll with Picture Perfect Tuesdays, but sometimes the most amazing shots come from sad, lonely places. Like this image of the “death row” at Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Ireland.  During its operational years (1796 – 1924) Kilmainham played an important part in Irish history as “home” to many leaders of Irish rebellions.  Of course, today its a museum.

Shot in Ireland at Kilmainham Gaol.

It’s like…um, you know?

Posted in Communications by

From daily clothing decisions to how our hair is styled, most of us put some thought into how we present ourselves.  We do this because we know that first impressions – whether conscious or unconscious – based on physical appearances. A strong handshake and smile can show confidence and receptiveness. Eye contact conveys confidence and trustworthiness.  How we present and carry ourselves is part of our personal brand. Did you know that how you speak also affects your brand?

Think back to someone who you thought was intelligent and confident… until they opened their mouth. Our choice in language plays an active part in how others perceive us and using verbal fillers such as “like”, “ah”, “um” and “you know” work against us. We’ve all been guilty of using them. They conveniently fill that little gap in conversation when we’re nervous or need a moment to shape our thoughts. How can such a small thing like saying like really, um, like affect what people think? We like all totally do it… you know?conversation-157

Those little fillers say a lot. In fact, they are formed out of habit, so ingrained in our way of speaking that sometimes we don’t even realize how much we’re using them. So much so that when you’ve made an effort to banish them, they sometimes creep back in. A few years ago, I was inspired at a communications training session to become more articulate by removing these pesky point detractors. The speaker, my then boss and company president, pointed out that defaulting to verbal fillers reduces communication effectiveness as they makes the speaker appear unsure. Whether you’re making a presentation, pitching to the media or having a conversation with your boss, the last thing you want to do is come off as confusing, nervous or unsure.

A paper on eliminating verbal fillers when public speaking from the University of Carolina, notes that “the silence that occurs when the speaker is processing the next bit of information he/she wishes to talk about may seem to last forever, but in reality, it is only a couple seconds.” Seconds! Think on that the next time you are having a conversation, giving a presentation or speech; embrace the pause, take a breath and continue with your point.  You might slip back now and again; and that’s okay. We’re all like… like human… you know?

Picture Perfect Tuesday: Doorway to Salvation

Posted in Communications, photography, Picture Perfect Tuesdays by

This image was taken at St. Michan’s Church located in Dublin Ireland. This old church was simple, yet beautiful.  Interesting fact about St. Michan’s Church, underneath it are five long burial vaults with mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families and apparently one crusader.

Door at St. Michan's Church, Dublin Ireland