The MediaCoach

Hi John,

So the UK has decided which way to jump over the EU, but alas I don't know the result yet, so let's carry on as normal, eh? In fact that's probably what we'll do anyway. Only one thing is guaranteed, and that's whatever the outcome, a whole load of people won't be happy with it, and will decide to complain. Let them get on with it.

Meanwhile, back in the world where we can actually do something about things, I'm about to re-open my online speaking course - 20 steps to a brilliant speech. If you're looking to improve your speaking, or have a big speech to make, then look out for the announcement next week.

Martin Laschkolnig is one of Europe's top business speakers and a European Parter to Jack Canfield. Hear his fascinating business insights in the Media Coach Radio Show. There's also a fabulous song from The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco.
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I'm delighted to see that one of my favourite film critics - MediaMaster Tommy Edison - is back on the circuit. I've often enjoyed his reviews because of his unusual perspective. Tommy is blind. Being unaffected by the visuals and CGI, Tommy relies on the soundtrack to form his impression on the film. He comes up with extraordinary insights about character, plot and storytelling in general. Here's a video about his return to the review chair.

A top Russian TV presenter's mistake about the status of the annexed territory of Crimea has made him the butt of social media jokes. MediaMug Dmitry Kiselyov was presenting state TV's flagship weekly news programme Vesti Nedeli on Sunday, which included a report on the annual Aviadarts military aircraft competition, this year being held in Crimea. When the piece ended, Mr Kiselyov introduced the next report with the words: "And now back to Russia..." Oops. "Kiselyov, you have 24 hours to explain this," threatened a Twitter account parodying Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. I suspect Mr Kiselyov will be fine, as long as he avoids Mr Putin for a few years.

ADVICE FROM OLD BILL

William Shakespeare gives Hamlet a speech (Act 3, Scene 2) which provides advice to those about to go on stage. It's become known as "Speak the speech". His advice holds good today. Here are a few extracts:
"Speak the speech I pray you as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue"

How you deliver is of crucial importance, which is why you must rehearse a speech out loud. You need to ensure that you are comfortable with the phraseology, and that you know how to pronounce any technical terms.
"Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance, that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature".

Stagecraft, or the way in which you use movements and gestures, can add power and passion to a speech. There's no need to be too "theatrical", but using gestures to emphasise your words will give them greater impact.
"And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them, for there be of them that will themselves laugh, to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too"

Humour is essential, but beware of laughing at your own jokes. Some people, including me, tend to work "deadpan", but whatever your style, don't start laughing before the audience does (unless you're Billy Connolly)

WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO THE MEDIA?

I'm often asked this question, or a variant of it: "I've been asked to do a media interview. What should I say?" Since the request has probably arisen because you are an expert on the topic the reporter is interested in, the answer is "just tell them what you know". Of course, there's a bit more to it than that. You need to plan your message in advance.

Here's a checklist to run through before you decide the message you are going to deliver. You should be able to answer "yes" to every point:

If you're not sure, or if the answer to any point is "no", then you need to re-think before the interview. Discuss the message with trusted colleagues, and look back at what was said in previous interviews. The answer may be to stick with a previous statement. If you lack confidence in any of the above areas, you risk embarrassment. Conversely, if you know your stuff and your message works, your confidence will increase.

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS FROM FILMS

My daughter is just home from university after her first year studying film. We've been talking a lot about films, so I thought I'd pick five films and see if they can offer lessons for using social media (OK, this is a bit contrived, but just go with me here).

1) The Shawshank Redemption - Persistence. It took Andy Dufresne two decades to tunnel out of his cell. You don't need to wait that long for results on social media, but don't expect overnight success.
2) Pay it Forward - Helpfulness. Young Trevor McKinney decides to do favours for people without any expectation of reward. That approach works really well on social media.
3) Rain Man - Loyalty. Charlie Babbit looks after his brother Raymond. Be loyal to your connections and followers. Don't keep connecting and disconnecting.
4) Field of Dreams - Belief. Ray Kinsella believes that "if he builds it, people will come". I think there's a bit more to it than that (you have to tell people), but if you don't believe in what you're doing, people won't come.
5) Friends - Friendliness. OK, it's not a film, it's a TV series, but these are my rules. On social media, treat people as friends, and you will thrive. Treat them simply as customers, and you'll end up on your own.

If your dad works in Hollywood...

You may need a little help.

The information in this ezine may be freely re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line - "This information was written by Alan Stevens, and originally appeared in "The MediaCoach", his free weekly ezine, available at www.mediacoach.co.uk."