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5 communication quotes from ‘the mother of media psychology,’ Dr. Joyce Brothers

by at 12:24 pm Leave a Comment

PBDJOBR EC017She has been dubbed “the mother of media psychology.”   

Dr. Joyce Brothers, a licensed psychologist who passed away on Monday, has been described by CNN as having “a reassuring and calming demeanor” that boosted her self-titled local talk show to syndication in the 1960s.

Dr. Brothers’ affable personality and willingness to talk about taboo subjects such as marriage, relationships, and families made her a household name for decades. Remember, this was a time when married couples on TV were sleeping in separate beds. The word ‘pregnant’ wasn’t uttered on television, either. 

According to NBC News, “Her television show would soon make her a pop culture fixture. She made nearly 100 appearances on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. Her frequent public appearances propelled her to become one of the most admired women in America, appearing on Gallup’s list of most admired American women.”

Here are five insights on communication and media from Dr. Joyce Brothers:

  1. “There is such a thing as bad publicity.”
  2. “Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.”
  3. “If Shakespeare had to go on an author tour to promote Romeo and Juliet, he never would have written Macbeth.”
  4. “Anger repressed can poison a relationship as surely as the cruelest words.”
  5. “I invented media psychology. I was the first. The founding mother.” (1989)

Years ago, not everyone jumped on the media psychologist bandwagon.

“Dispensing advice on public airwaves didn’t please all of her colleagues,” reports CNN. “Some members of the American Psychological Association asked early in her media career that her membership be revoked because they didn’t think dispensing advice outside a one-on-one setting was appropriate.” However, the APA’s website says that media psychology became part of the organization’s structure in 1986.

Admittedly, I’m a bit troubled thinking that this wonderful talent paved the way for today’s sensationalist personalities like Dr. Phil and Dr. Drew Pinsky. 

But as we recall Dr. Brothers’ intelligence and accomplishments, we also note that she was fun. In the 1950s, Dr. Brothers was a TV game show contestant, winning more than $134,000 in prize money.  She made several cameo appearances in movies, including a parody in The Naked Gun. On the small screen, she was featured on Happy Days, The Simpsons, and Entourage.

Rest in peace, Dr. Joyce Brothers. You were a gifted media pioneer with talents that stretched across print, radio, television, and movies.

 

(Image via)

Filed Under: Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Interviews, media, News, Television, Women Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Secrets to pitching major news media

by at 10:24 pm 4 Comments

safe dialHow do you gain trust and influence with reporters at big time news outlets?

Joe Connolly receives hundreds of pitches and press releases every week. He’s The Wall Street Journal Business Correspondent for CBS Radio in New York.

Like Connolly, I have been on the receiving end of pitches from businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. Some days you don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

In a recent interview, I asked Connolly to share some dos and don’ts when pitching stories. For example, Connolly admits he has a hang-up with the word ‘announce.’

“If the release says ‘so-and-so is pleased to announce,’ I don’t read any further. I don’t want self-serving. The headline and lead have got to ring true.”

The secret sauce

You may be surprised, but Connolly suggests that anyone writing a news release start two-to-three months in advance. “Follow your local paper, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, television and radio until you see or hear something about your industry. Look for things that you think are really good, really on the mark, and really accurate.  Then call or e-mail that reporter saying you saw the article or interview. Tell them, ‘I’m exactly like XXXX, you might be interested to know we are also doing such and such…’”

Connolly goes on to remind us about the importance of complimenting reporters. “They are just like anybody else. They want to get positive feedback and they’ll think, ‘Wow, this is a really sharp person.’  A lot of my frequent contacts are people who reached out to me because they heard me talking about something that rang a bell in their industry.”

The best opening line for a phone pitch 

Like so many other reporters, Connolly’s pet peeve when getting pitched on the phone is in the opening line. “If I answer the phone, don’t ask me how I am.  Just say, ‘Hi Joe, this is xx from X Company, are you on deadline?’ That’s the best opening line of all. I just think that’s the greatest way to open a call with a reporter.”  Note to self: Connolly prefers e-mail pitches.

The final tip

For important media, call and pitch the story yourself. You are the business owner, says Connolly. “Whatever you do, don’t have a summer intern call around with news releases. That is an insult unless they are calling a 23-year-old reporter who is starting out.”

Send your pitches to Connolly@cbsnewyork.com.

PS: I invite you to take a peek at my new Kindle book, The Badass Book of Social Media and Business Communication. It’s packed with tips and insights on creating news, blogging, communication, and more!

Filed Under: Communication, Interviews, media, News, PR, Press releases, rapport, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10 PR and social media cheers and jeers from the Boston Marathon tragedy

by at 10:10 pm 2 Comments

boston marathon croppedMoments after the two initial explosions that rocked the finish line at Monday’s Boston Marathon, social media, bloggers, and traditional reporters took to various networks to ‘cover’ the unfolding story. Another opportunity for citizen journalists.  

I have watched the live coverage, video clips, tweets, and news broadcasts and have been struck by the following:  

Cheers to the people who immediately cancelled their automated tweets and postings.

Cheers to the ‘real’ PR pros that didn’t bother to call newsrooms, send releases, or pitch stories that have no obvious connection to the marathon. 

Cheers to people on Twitter who quoted their source or offered a link to a new development. Information without a source flies in the face of journalism. Well, it used to be that way. 

Cheers to people on the scene who used disclaimers when posting graphic visuals.

Cheers to the reporters who were running in the marathon for jumping into “media mode” amidst the chaos and fright.

Jeers to the chat organizers who plan to “carry on” as usual tonight.

Jeers to people posting non-related motivational quotes on Twitter. Really? 

Jeers to those playing up the Sandy Hook victims angle. Yes, there were relatives near the finish line and yes, the victims were remembered at the start of the marathon, but these folks have had enough. Leave them alone. 

Jeers to the reporters who complained on line that their assignments were changed at the last minute and they had to travel to Boston. 

Jeers to people tweeting about the Jodi Arias trial.  

Anything you would like to add?

Prayers and blessings to everyone affected by these senseless acts.

(Image via)

 

Filed Under: Journalism, media, News, Press releases, Social Media Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

7 communication gems from the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher

by at 5:31 pm Leave a Comment

Margaret ThatcherLong before the Iron Chef was the buzz, the world had the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher.

The first woman to serve as prime minister of Great Britain passed away today after suffering a stroke.

Margaret Thatcher is being remembered around the world as a pioneer for women and politics. Some have called Lady Thatcher divisive and influential, noting her communication style and leadership. 

The Guardian, a London Daily, described the 87-year-old as “the most dominant British prime minister since Winston Churchill in 1940 and a global champion of the late 20th century free market economic revival.” 

Thatcher, a conservative and close ally of President Ronald Reagan, served from 1979 until 1990. She was the longest-serving prime minister of the postwar era.

Here are seven quotes that capture the essence of Mrs. Thatcher’s philosophy, values, and communication.  

1. “Of course, it is the same old story. Truth usually is the same old story.”

2. “In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” 

3. “You don’t tell deliberate lies, but sometimes you have to be evasive.”

4. “If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time and you would achieve nothing.”  — May 3, 1989, commenting on her 10th anniversary as prime minister.

5. “To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say: You turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning.”  —At a Conservative Party conference, 1980

6. “I don’t mind how much my minister’s talk, as long as they do what I say.”

7. “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.” —1979

Finally, actress Meryl Steep who portrayed Margaret Thatcher in the Oscar-winning movie, The Iron Lady, said today: “She was a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit.”

 (Image via)

Filed Under: Interviews, Leadership, Margaret Thatcher, Politics, Women Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Entrepreneurs: 4 ways to use press releases for publicity

by at 9:52 pm 3 Comments

car 003One of the most confusing parts of a small business owner’s marketing plan is the press release. While virtually all entrepreneurs understand that marketing and publicity are essential to business success, how and when to write a press release is baffling.

In the social media landscape, many wonder if press releases are still relevant. As a former radio news reporter and news director, I say, yes they are relevant. But ONLY when used to announce something that’s newsworthy. 

Therein lies the confusion. How do you know what’s newsworthy? What do reporters and bloggers look for and cover?

Here are four press release strategies for small business owners:

1.      Avoid self-promotion. Remember that in the word “newsworthy” is the word “new.” When writing a press release or a pitch, be sure you have a fresh angle on a story, trend, or issue. Your announcement must be timely, relevant, and compelling to the public. It must fit with the reporter’s niche or demographic. Sales pitches are for the advertising department, not the newsroom. Hire a PR coach or read books on how to write and frame your story. Many of my blog posts cover this topic. Discover how you can help reporters and editors. The key is to build relationships and become a trusted resource. Before you begin writing a press release, ask yourself, “Who cares?” If your announcement doesn’t impact the public, you’re on the wrong path.

 2.      Keep your news antennae up. News is about people. People love great stories. You have great stories right under your nose but you’re busy running your graphic design company, staffing firm, or retail shop. And of course you’re consumed with learning social media. Take your ear buds out and pay attention to what’s happening around you.  What trends can you comment on? Is your company celebrating an anniversary? Have you recently expanded or gotten a small business grant? How have you helped a client to succeed? Do you have an interesting hobby or talent that’s out of the ordinary?

3.      Think multimedia. Reporters expect to see more than words; they want images, action, and video. They want to hear something. Have you considered using a flip cam to record your press release or pitch? These tools allow the reporter to get to know you by hearing you explain your story and watching your body language. Think about how a Pinterest board can visually tell your story. We live in a creative space. Stand out by inviting news decision makers to connect with you on an exciting and deeper level.

4.      Write tip-sheet style releases. To build your credibility, help people solve their problems. Position yourself as the expert in your industry. People have a pain and you have the medicine that will ease their discomfort. The tip-sheet format (like this list) is effective because it’s reader-friendly in our crazy, busy world.  The bullet points allow readers to skim the content and glean nuggets of information. Our cognitive bandwidth is more limited than ever. Brief tips are usually appreciated. 

Once you have a few press releases, think about how you can repurpose them into blog posts, short video clips, and content for e-zines. Minor tweaks to the format can easily create new content and marketing pieces.    

The bottom line: Your presence affects your prosperity. Don’t be the best-kept secret!

PS: If you want lots of tips like the ones above, you’ll want to see this! Hot off the Press: My new Kindle book, The Badass Book of Social Media and Business Communication.  It’s packed with hundreds of pointers and strategies on PR, news interviews, pitches, writing, blogging, and social media.

Filed Under: Business trends, media, PR, Press releases, Public Relations, publicity, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 reasons email interviews stink

by at 3:20 am 4 Comments

 Audrey Hepburn

When a reporter or blogger is looking for a source, it’s important to recognize there are significant disadvantages to participating in an email interview and not a typical phone interview.

Are e-mail interviews the lazy person’s way to get information? Many media requests listed on HARO (Help a Reporter Out) stipulate interviews will be conducted via e-mail.

It seems a growing number of people skip the human element of exchanging pleasantries and instead hide behind their keyboards. For me, it’s simple. I prefer to talk rather than type. You?

Sure,  in our busy worlds, there’s a certain convenience to receiving information electronically. But e-mail interviews lack a critical communication dynamic that’s present when a reporter takes the time to speak with a source.

Without dialogue, the art of give-and-take doesn’t exist at a deep level.

Nudging our curiosity

We must also recognize the role that our natural curiosity plays in the interview process. Even if 10 rounds of e-mails are traded, the content will never match that of a human conversation.

The reason?  E-mail deprives a reporter or blogger the opportunity to spark their own curiosity and possibly uncover new insights and content. Nudging our curiosity is essential in developing content and learning new things. Curiosity and education go hand-in-hand.    

E-mail interviews detract from the fundamental news-gathering process because they:

Lack the human exchange and conversation that gives life to interviews.  I have interviewed thousands of people, from homeless individuals to presidents. Each was conducted in-person or on the telephone. And each response within a conversation typically sparked a follow-up question or slight tangent that I, as a trained journalist and news reporter, could never have anticipated. This is why scripted Q&A doesn’t compare with live interviews. E-mail misses our communication nuances, speech patterns, and vocal vitality. These live exchanges—fueled by a natural curiosity—improved the quality of information I had been gathering that simply cannot exist in an e-mail interview.  

Fail to capture the essence of the source that’s being interviewed. Based on the perspectives I have shared above, we now turn to the actual writing of the story. When a reporter or blogger is finished gathering material and is ready to sit down and write, I wonder if they can truly capture the essence of a story in the same way a counterpart could who spoke with a source.   Yes, any reporter can miss the mark and fail to truly “get” the story. But why increase the odds?  

Keep people from using their communication skills. Typing responses to a series of questions limits our verbal communication and rapport building skills. We have all sent and received electronic messages that were misconstrued in some way.  In phone interviews, tone of voice, rhythm, pacing, pauses, and enthusiasm help reporters grasp a story and the person behind it. Human to human. Some reporters even prefer to Skype with sources, as the visual adds an additional layer of valuable communication. Skype and in-person interviews allow the reporter or blogger to observe a source’s body language, which is a significant factor in our verbal and nonverbal communication. 

Do you agree or have an experience to share? Your comments are welcome.  

PS: Want to learn tons of tips and ideas for pitching news stories and working with the media? Order my new Kindle book, The Badass Book of Social Media and Business Communication.

Filed Under: Bloggers, Digital, Interviews, media, News, rapport Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 secrets to successfully pitch a Mediabistro editor

by at 3:28 pm 5 Comments

Patrick Coffee is the Editor of PRNewser, a daily blog published by Mediabistro.com.  Coffee and his team write about news, trends, and announcements in PR. He is based in New York.

Here are highlights from our recent conversation: 

On contacting him:  I get lots and lots of e-mail pitches every day. They come from most of the major PR firms, especially in New York City. Occasionally I’ll get phone calls, but it’s very rare, and that’s a good thing. I personally want e-mail. The more often someone calls me the less likely I am to run their story.

On subject lines: The most important part of an e-mail pitch is having an effective subject line. It has to get my attention without pandering or telling me, ‘I must read this.’ Writing subject lines is a subtle art form. It’s similar to Twitter, where there’s a limited space to get your message across. In terms of tone, convey to me there’s something interesting for me in the e-mail, without being too pushy about it.

On the e-mail pitch: The message has to be very clear and interesting to me.  Make it clear to me why my readers would be interested in the story, why does it stand out?  E-mail pitches should be personalized, beyond just copying and pasting my name and a greeting. A certain degree of personalization in the first couple of sentences is a very good idea. Tell me why you thought of me for this story and the people who may like this story. What is appealing about it? I always appreciate a quick summary of what the entire story is about in just a couple of sentences.

On building a community through blogging:  A lot of my readers come from my Twitter feed.  I tweet a lot and that attracts readers. For anyone who blogs, there has to be some degree of interaction. Everyone loves when someone responds to something they say. I’m not a big fan of people begging for attention. If you write a blog you’ll take some satisfaction knowing that people are not just looking at what you do, but that they are thinking about it and that they are responding to it in their own way. You can encourage that by retweeting what they have to say and following them back. 

On PR and social media: A lot of people in PR are very familiar and comfortable with social media. One concern is they are too comfortable. When working to promote a client or your own brand, you have to be disciplined in your message. It gets too casual sometimes, like with automated messaging. You want to be sure people know there’s a live person behind your account.

Final thought: Always think multimedia.  

PS: Do you want hundreds of tips on news pitches, PR, blogging, and content development? Get my new book, The Badass Book of Social Media and Business Communication. 

Filed Under: media, Mediabistro.com, Pitches, PR, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

8 classic quotes from New York Mayor Ed Koch

by at 3:54 pm Leave a Comment

kochThe beloved former Mayor of New York City, Ed Koch passed away early today.

He may be gone, but he leaves behind a trove of sound bites and quotes for us to enjoy. 

Koch was a three-term mayor in New York (1978-1989), a time defined by near financial ruin, government corruption, and AIDS. He was an author and activist. He even appeared on The People’s Court.

A man who often asked people, ”How’m I doin’?,”  Koch has been described as acid-tongued, feisty, and pretentious. He was an iconic New Yorker. 

I remember Ed Koch’s press conferences and interviews being laced with ‘ah’s’ and ‘ums’. These are the cardinal sins of Toastmasters and professional speakers.

But for Ed Koch, his vocal habits weren’t sinful. They defined him as being real. Mayor Koch spoke his mind. There was nothing tricky about him. Koch’s press conferences showed him without a jacket, sporting a wrinkled shirt, and rolled-up sleeves. Watch out.

Maybe you followed him on Twitter @Mayoredkoch

Here are some classics to shed light on how Mayor Koch communicated and lived:  

1. “I know many writers who first dictate passages, then polish what they have dictated. I speak, then I polish. Occasionally I do windows.”

 2. “You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it’s good for one’s self-respect to be a punching bag.”

3. “Tone can be as important as text.”

4. His advice to young people: “Enjoy what you’re doing or don’t do it. That doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult or won’t challenge you, but if you are involved in something that’s causing you to say, ‘Why am I doing this?’ then you’re in the wrong business.”

5. The Mayor, who had never married, was asked by reporters about his sexuality. His response: ”My answer to questions on this subject is simply, ‘F— off.’ There have to be some private matters left.”

6. Koch’s spokesman George Arzt remembered Hizzoner’s sense of humor. “I got into the car and said I couldn’t believe how a kid who grew up in Williamsburg was now sitting next to the mayor. Then the mayor said: “Oh shut, up. Everybody comes from somewhere.”

7. In one of his last interviews, Koch told Vanity Fair Magazine: “At age 88, I wake up every morning and say to myself, ‘Well, I’m still in New York. Thank you, God.’”  

8. In 1983, Mayor Koch bought a burial plot at the Trinity Church Cemetery. It was the only cemetery in Manhattan that still had space. Koch, who was Jewish, told the Associated Press: ”I don’t want to leave Manhattan, even when I’m gone. This is my home. The thought of having to go to New Jersey was so distressing to me.” Soon after he purchased the burial plot, Mayor Koch had an engraved marker placed at the site. It has the last words of slain journalist Daniel Pearl: ”"My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, I am Jewish.”

 Rest in peace, Mayor Koch. 

(Image via)

Filed Under: Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Leadership, media, Self-Confidence Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The revolution of people who report the news

by at 3:17 pm 1 Comment

miracle-of-the-hudson-plane-crash_625x352Today marks the fourth anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

It’s also the day that citizen journalism and Twitter transformed the way news is covered around the world.  

In 2009, the U.S. Airways flight that “Captain Sulley” was piloting hit a flock of birds, disabling the plane’s engines. Captain Sulley and his crew managed to safely land the aircraft on New York’s Hudson River. Images of 155 passengers standing on the wings of the plane awaiting rescue on that frigid January day were splashed across the media and Internet. 

And this was the day a man named Janis Krums (Yanis Krooms) made the news media and ordinary citizens come to realize that the world no longer needed a professional news crew to report breaking news.

On January 15, 2009, every person in the world was given a press pass. 

It’s the technology, silly

Krums was on a ferry when Flight 1549 crashed on the Hudson. When I interviewed him about the famous picture he took moments after the crash, he told me others on the boat were taking pictures with their cell phones, so he took a few, too.

But it was Krums who knew how to use his technology and tweet the picture. His 300 Twitter followers helped the picture to go viral, bringing citizen journalism to a new level. Krums notes that he didn’t send the picture to any media outlets; he merely tweeted it to his followers. 

“At that moment, I saw the value in what it was, but I didn’t see the value of what it could become,” said Krums. ”I don’t think anyone could see that it could be spread around the world the way it was.”

Since that day, Krums has been labeled “the most famous citizen journalist of modern times.” 

The responsibility

During the past four years, we’ve seen the challenges that come with news that breaks real-time on Twitter and social media. We are grappling with the general public that uses their technology to capture breaking news. The problem is that most don’t understand the true responsibilities that come with a press pass.  

Consider these examples:

  • The capture of Osama Bin Laden
  • The Newtown, CT school shootings 
  • The Gabby Giffords shooting in Arizona  
  • Elections 
  • Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters
  • The deaths of celebrities including Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston

 

Each of these has forced us to rethink the power of the Internet and the (hopefully) well-intentioned citizen journalists. People who are inexperienced in fact-checking and accuracy have brought a new layer to breaking news. 

Misinformation when reporting developing news stories is dangerous. 

As Krums told me, news will be reported, no matter what. ”The way it’s being reported is continuing to evolve. Traditional journalists will always be second on the scene from now on, especially in the developed world. That’s because more people have iPhones, smartphones, and video capability. If you have the ability to spread the message, you have the power.”

Let this serve as a reminder to each of us, including the mainstream media, that fact-checking and accuracy must be the priorities in covering the news. 

Anything less can not and should not be tolerated. 

(Image via)

Filed Under: Journalism, media, News, Social Media, Technology, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The fine line between news and humanity

by at 4:54 am 4 Comments

“I didn’t read the paper today, but I saw the Post.”

That’s been a long-running joke in New York and New Jersey about the quality of The New York Post. I’ve been reading the paper since the early 1970s, before it tanked.

Call it crap, fodder, entertainment, a joke. But people still buy the rag sheet and it gets published every day.   

Another Day at Work

So what’s an editor to do when a freelance photographer comes back to the newsroom after snapping a picture of a man who was pushed onto subway tracks by a stranger? As the victim tries frantically to climb off the tracks, the train is barreling towards him.

Click. Click. Click. 

The photographer, R. Umar Abbasi, has to decide in a split second: Try and help this desperate human being or do my job. 

His choice made the front page of the paper on December 4th. (Photo via). And the decisions of both Abbasi and his editor have been blasted by many.  

Front Page News

How could another human being watch this horrific chain of events unfold and not try and help?

The man on the tracks who was killed, 58-year-old Ki-Suck Han, was someone’s father, husband, and co-worker.

Was his life worth something more than a cover story? Who are we to judge? 

Opinions from trained photojournalists, editors, and media consultants have been mixed. 

Verena Dobnik, a reporter for the Associated Press writes:   

“The moral issue among professional photojournalists in such situations is ‘to document or to assist,’ said Kenny Irby, an expert in  the  ethics of visual journalism at the Poynter Institute, a Florida-based nonprofit journalism school.

He said that’s the choice professional photographers often face in the seconds before a fatality.”

 Dobnik’s story continues:

“Another professional reluctant to reach conclusions was veteran photographer John Long of the National Press Photographers Association, where he is chairman of the ethics committee.

“I cannot judge the man,” he said. “I don’t know how far away he was; I don’t know if he could’ve done anything.”

However, both Long and Irby said that as a photographer, ‘you are morally obliged to help’ — if possible, rather than take a picture.”

The People’s Court

Social media has been buzzing with comments and opinions from the public.

On Facebook, Scott Freeman of Newtown, PA, posted:  ”I hope the editor of the NY Post burns in hell. Publishing a front page picture of a man left to die to sell papers is classless, cruel, and inhumane. What happened to humanity?”

For the record, there’s been no comment from the editors at the Post. 

Did the rag sheet go too far this time?  

(From my personal archives)

Filed Under: Journalism, media, News, Social Media Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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