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TMI is a reality

While it obviously depends on the unique nuances of each situation, I’d make the argument that it is entirely possible to share Too Much Information (TMI) with your audiences, damaging your relationship and causing more harm than good.

Case in point – I was in a meeting with a client earlier this month, in which CIG had been asked to form a communications strategy to inform stakeholder groups of a policy change that would affect each and every one of them. The good news was we’d been brought in early – the policy decision hadn’t even been made yet! The bad news was rumors were rampant throughout the organization.

We were asked to help spread facts (which were few) and dispel myths (which were many). The client’s initial thought was the best way to dispel rumors was to be seen as very transparent. In doing so, they’d be seen as acting transparently, which would help to accomplish two goals:
1. share that no decision had been made, and
2. communicate the basket of alternatives that was still under consideration.

We agreed on the first point, but recommended against the second. Why did we take a position against communicating?

Our position was that it was better to share that no decision had been made and provide a rough timeline for when the new policy was to be approved and when it would likely go into effect. Providing TMI about possible outcomes would only serve to worry, confuse, and otherwise rile up a group of people who honestly didn’t need to know details of what might become policy.

We kept our powder dry and saved our breath; reserving it to help inform stakeholders of the outcome and ramifications of whatever decision is eventually made. In doing so, we kept from providing TMI, which helped us focus on our future messaging vs. defending the thousands of “what if?” questions that would doubtlessly have come in if we’d shared too much.

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Posted by Matt Wittern on 07/28 at 11:39 AM
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Simple survival tips for public speaking

For most people, the thought of public speaking sends shivers down their spines. According to national surveys, fear of public speaking surpasses the fear of illness, flying, terrorism and often the fear of death, among Americans.

So what if I told you there was a way to make it easier – a way to ensure your presentation goes smoothly and leaves your audience wanting more? Interested? Can you believe that all of this can be yours if you follow two simple words?

Hold on to your hat, here it is… Be Prepared.

Yep, it’s that simple. Being prepared and knowing your game plan before going into your presentation can relieve loads of stress and actually lend itself to an enjoyable experience.

Apple recently demonstrated what happens when even the top dogs aren’t prepared. When Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, gave a presentation introducing the new iPhone 4, I’d venture to guess he didn’t take much time to prepare. Otherwise, he probably would have had a backup plan for when his technology failed mid-presentation.

So how does one prepare for a presentation and avoid the awkwardness that was Steve Jobs’ presentation (which even led to a nice slam against Apple when Jobs asked the audience if they had any ideas how to fix the problem and someone yelled out “Verizon!”)? Here’s my sure-fire list of steps to follow in order to be prepared for any presentation:

1. Know your audience and know what they expect from you. Don’t walk into a room assuming you know who will be sitting out there. Before your presentation, determine what exactly your audience wants to hear about and who will actually be listening.
2. Know how much time you have – don’t run over and always allow time for questions and answers. Know when to end your talk.
3. Know what you are going to say and practice your presentation several times. Make sure when you are practicing that you are using your audio-visual equipment so you know how to work it before the day of the presentation.
4. Special Step for to Steve Jobs – When using audio-visual aids to enhance your presentation be sure all necessary equipment is set up and in good working order prior to the presentation. If possible, have an emergency backup system readily available.  Check out the location ahead of time to confirm the seating arrangements, whiteboard, blackboard, lighting, location of projection screen, sound system, etc. are suitable for your presentation.
5. Provide handouts – this way your audience can focus on what you are saying instead of trying to take notes. Handouts are also important if you have a complete audio-visual meltdown. Participants can still follow your presentation by hard copy.
6. If and when all else fails, remember the most important step is to be able to adjust and adapt. If you have prepared possible “what if” scenarios and have ideas for how to handle them, you will be comfortable enough that you can handle any crisis without getting overly anxious. Being prepared allows you to roll with the punches while keeping a smile on your face!

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Posted by Laurie Meza on 07/28 at 11:21 AM
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Develop the plan, work the plan, then ditch the plan (if you have to)

Like most public relations professionals, I am a planner. In PR, planning is the foundation for everything we do. It helps us think strategically, anticipate roadblocks and develop smart tactics for our clients.

That’s great for PR. The problem is I can’t seem to turn it off in my personal life. I like to think that a plan can help me anticipate life’s twists and turns as well. The summers of 2009 and 2010 have taught me a valuable lesson that also translates into our business – a plan is a great tool but flexibility is key to the best outcome.

Last summer at my house was labeled “The Craptastic Summer of 2009,” which started when my 5-year-old little girl was hit by a car while playing in our neighborhood. She spent most of the summer recovering emotionally and physically, and when she was better, she went to acting camp. There, she shared hats with other children (costumes, of course) and developed a wicked case of head lice that she spread to her sister. We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

So, my family looked forward to this summer with great excitement. I, of course, decided we needed a plan. My oldest daughter and I made a list of all the fun things we wanted to do while the weather was warm – swim, play in the fountains, see a movie in the park, have a sleepover, go camping, etc. There. We had a plan. What could go wrong? Well, in a timeframe of about three weeks, my grandpa passed away unexpectedly and then so did our 10-year-old puppy.

We were sent in a tailspin once again. But this year is different. Our life’s downs will not overshadow the ups. After two summers of unexpected sadness and frustration, I have learned a very important lesson in flexibility. A plan does not equal control over situations. It is a roadmap with twists and turns, and it needs constant adjustment to fit changing needs. This week, we are taking some time to mourn our family dog, but next week, it’s back to swimming and ice cream and making great summer memories.

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Posted by Kristi Estes on 07/21 at 02:43 PM
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I am a planner. In PR, planning is the foundation for everything we do. It helps us think strategically, anticipate roadblocks and develop smart tactics for our clients.

Posted by online dating sites  on  01/10  at  06:24 AM

We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

Posted by develop  on  01/19  at  05:30 AM

We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen

Posted by Poker sites for us players  on  01/24  at  01:47 AM

There, she shared hats with other children (costumes, of course) and developed a wicked case of head lice that she spread to her sister. We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

Posted by Web Design  on  01/28  at  12:57 AM

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