Sticky messages – those memorable sound bites, analogies or stories that resonate and “stick” in the mind of an audience – emerge one of two ways: as the result of hard work in message development sessions, or they can just happen organically. Read more
CommCore Blog and News
Nike and Vick: Redemption or Commercialism?
It’s often said that America loves a comeback story. But the announcement by Nike on the eve of the 4th of July weekend that it has re-hired NFL quarterback and convicted felon Michael Vick to a multi-year contract has a great deal of risks. Read more
NBC’s Pledge Gaffe
Any reporter and editor has been there before – letting something slip through on the air or in print that came back to bite them. But NBC did it in spades this past weekend – its editorial processes failing twice – in its coverage of the U.S. Read more
Weiner and Gottfried and Johnson…Oh My!
Though ex-Congressman Anthony Weiner is the limelight star right now, let us not forget a few notable others who committed social media faux pas that handicapped their images and careers. Gilbert Gottfried, Larry Johnson, and Ashley Payne, among others, made mashable.com’s
Read more Jokes Are Risky – Even With the Dalai Lama. Just Ask Karl Stefanovic
As media and communication coaches, we often warn that telling a joke in a presentation or interview is like a forward pass in (American) football – there are only three possible outcomes, and two of them are bad! Read more
LEADERSHIP AND CONTROL IN A COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Scott Van Camp, editor of PR News, recently posted a blog by a former Bausch + Lomb communications executive on empowering line communications staff by ceding control of some communications to them. Read more
Ten-Hut! There’s a Soldier on Board…
Apparently, Delta did not at first hear that announcement. This week, news (via YouTube) broke that soldiers returning from Afghanistan and other deployments were charged for bags when checking in on Delta airlines – up to $200 for their fourth bag. Read more
A Tale of Two Crises
Rep. Anthony Weiner’s social media and telephone sexual innuendo escapades were the major news issue on Monday, and remain in the headlines today. It’s one more example of public officials behaving badly, lying about their behavior and thinking that somehow in the “gotcha” world, no one will find out. Read more
Oprah’s Lessons Live On
Before ending last week after 25 years on the air, Oprah’s talk show made celebrity and newsmaker interviews a staple of afternoon TV fare. Her high-profile show not only provided entertainment and information to millions of viewers; it also offers up a number of stark lessons on preparing for an interview.
What Makes a Leader
May-June produces the annual crop of graduations speeches. I had the pleasure to listen to former President Clinton at the New York University graduation at Yankee Stadium on May 18th. Clinton, as always is interesting and provocative. Read more