Tag Archives: Political Communication

How To Present On Video

Video has been utilized more and more for communications that just a few years ago we could only imagine taking place face-to-face. Whether you are with a large enterprise or have your own shop, learning how to present on video is a critical next step as you strive to advance your career and/or close business in the current communication and presentation environment.

(I know, I know… just when you thought you had face-to-face down!)

While there are many similarities to in-person presentations, there are significant differences. Being aware of and practicing them will assure you’re always ready to deliver your expertise confidently and persuasively.

Here are a few of the differences and the solutions around how to present on video:

  • Problem: Video is inanimate. It doesn’t give you any visual feedback like smiling back at you or laughing at your jokes.
  • Solution: Pretend the camera is a close friend or loved one. If this seems impossible, try taping a photo of that friend next to the lens and talk to it.
  • Problem: I don’t know where to look.
  • Solution: You look into the camera lens. On a webcam it’s usually a little green dot of light. Try to keep in mind that is where your audience is not above, below, or to the side. Even if there are others on camera, too, looking at them instead of the lens will impede your ability to connect.
  • Problem: The video shows my ceiling (or floor).
  • Solution: When you’re using a laptop with a webcam, it should be positioned to face you straight on. You may need to prop up your video on some books or boxes and adjust the level of your chair so that the lens is about eye-level. There are laptop stands, too. Adjust the screen (and lens) so you no longer see the ceiling or floor.
  • Problem: My energy level drops.
  • Solution: Keep your facial and vocal energy high. Also lean a little bit forward. Everything else can (sort of) relax.
  • Problem: I don’t know what to wear.
  • Solution: Solid colors are best and they should stand out against your background. Plaids and prints can become distorted.
  • Problem: I hate the way I look on video.
  • Solution: Everyone does, even my Oscar-winning clients! This is because we aren’t accustomed to seeing everything reversed. You have to train your eye. The more you watch yourself, the easier it will become.

I promise that by following these steps and practicing you will not only be recognized for your video presence, but your skill with the video technology.

The Power of The Personal Story

Have you been watching the Democratic candidates for president? If it’s too soon for you to tune in, I get it. Kind of like that Christmas window a D.C. friend of mine spotted in September! It feels awfully early. But most have learned the power of the personal story.

I’ve been watching since it’s part of what I teach and get contacted by the media about. And, I admit, I’m always fascinated by how candidates tell their personal story. Telling one’s personal story is only one slice of the persuasion pie, but I’d say it is a major slice, a little bigger and a little more important than the other slices.

Continue reading The Power of The Personal Story

Bad Publicity vs. NO Publicity: Presidential Campaign Lessons

We’re finally down to two. The last ones standing. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. And one will become President of the United States.  

After all the primary debates and most recently, the conventions, the campaigns have begun the slog toward Election Day. On the one hand, you have Clinton, who cannot seem to get out of her own way when it comes to dealing with the screw-ups of the past and Trump, who has not encountered a criticism he should not respond to. It’s reported they are the most disliked candidates in history.

And there are still 3 months to go!

So, is it really true that the only bad publicity is no publicity? Is it better to be talked about than ignored, regardless of what’s being said?

It’s complicated.

Let’s start with Hillary Clinton. In her case, bad publicity has a decidedly negative impact. The reason why goes something like this: Bad news sticks when it 1) undermines the core argument you make about yourself or 2) supports the core argument the opposition would have people believe about you.

Clinton promotes herself as experienced, knowledgeable, a steady hand, a hard worker. Therefore, it’s logical to assume a knowledgeable, experienced person would know that using a personal email server for state and often highly confidential business could create significant problems. So the actions contradict her message. (NOTE: I am not judging, only observing.) They undermine what she’d like us to believe about her and give ammunition to the opposition in their efforts to derail her candidacy by sticking her with the “poor judgment” label.

But what about Donald Trump? Have his choices undermined his candidacy? Not yet. Trump promotes himself as a business expert, strong, and not politically correct. Furthermore, he has trained the public over many years to expect little from him in terms of behaving within the usual boundaries of polite discourse. One powerful result is he is not held to that standard. He is vulnerable, of course, but he’s been very successful so far at protecting himself from news that could undermine his claims of business prowess, such as his tax returns. This also cleverly plays right into the political incorrectness theme and keeps him in the news because although it isn’t required, it’s traditional for candidates to release their returns for public evaluation, so pushing back against tradition fits.

There is one advantage for Hillary Clinton: Bad news that has come her way in recent days has not stuck because Trump is sucking up all the media space.  

So what’s the answer? Is it true that the only thing worse than bad publicity is NO publicity? Right now, if you’re Hillary Clinton, the answer is no and if you’re Donald Trump, the answer is yes.

Like I said, it’s complicated.