Media Relations Matters

The Mehrabian Myth

Tue, 27 May 2008 16:19:06 -0400

Sue and Eric discuss body language during presentations and broadcast media interviews. They begin by discussing what is perhaps the most misquoted statistic in human history, which can be found on pages 43 and 44 of Albert Mehrabian's book, Silent Messages, which was published in the early 1970s. The 55-38-7 myth.

There are two goals that a presenter or spokesperson needs to achieve: convey a message; and convey his/her personality. Each of us achieves those two goals every day of our life in relaxed conversation. Sue & Eric's premise, therefore, is that relaxed conversation is a presenter or spokesperson's best style.

Bottom line? Teach your spokespeople to be themselves in a relaxed, natural way.

Mayor David Miller

Wed, 7 May 2008 12:19:03 -0400

In this episode, Eric and Sue discuss the media relations acumen of Toronto mayor David Miller, particularly during a recent strike by Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers.

They agree that Mayor Miller seems to do many things right. He focuses on evoking specific attitudes, opinions and behavior with his media relations activity. Everything he says supports the business. He answers questions clearly and concisely, not necessarily "bridging" in a formal sense, but seamlessly reaching specific audiences to make his points.

Dealing With Bloggers

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:39:19 -0400

Sue and Eric discuss media relations practices with respect to bloggers. The discussion begins with a decision by an organization to ignore a blogger's request for information, saying that "they don't deal with non-traditional media."

From there, the discussion examines a case in which Eric, while chair of IABC's international accreditation council, had the opportunity to respond to a potentially damaging story from a blogger. Sue and Eric make the point that having an existing channel of communication available (which is already providing value to stakeholders) is an important strategy for dealing with the blogosphere.

Bottom line? Media relations for bloggers is very similar to media relations for any media outlet, with one major difference.

Media Muzzling at Environment Canada

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 19:28:51 -0400

Eric and Sue discuss an edict that came down from the Honourable John Baird, minister of Environment Canada. In an age of democracy, is it reasonable for the minister to stop scientists from talking to reporters, as a means of controlling the department's message and ensuring there are no "surprises" for the minister?

Tell us what you think. Send us an e-mail at media relations matters (all one word) at rogers dot com.

Collecting Information on Journalists

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:15:18 -0400

In this podcast, Sue and Eric ask: How much information is too much if you're gathering information on a journalist for a client or executive briefing?

The issue arose as a result of Eric's participation during first-tier judging of IABC's Gold Quill awards competition in the media relations category.

Have you ever gathered information on a journalist and provided that information in a client briefing? If so, where would you draw the line? How much is too much?

Let us know by sending an e-mail to media relations matters at rogers dot com.