Tag Archives: Preparation

Propaganda And The Future Of America

Most of us aren’t delving into policy statements posted on candidates’ website. We should, but, we’re not. We’re also not reading in-depth reporting in the major papers. The fact is, most of the information we use to decide whom to vote for comes from TV – appearances, interviews, ads, and debates.Propaganda.

That’s why it’s absolutely critical to understand what the candidates are doing communication-wise so we don’t get tricked into voting for someone just because they seem like they’d be fun to have a beer with. Here are some of the things to look for:

1. Repetition. This is also known in my field as message discipline. Repeating a message over and over trains people to believe it. Be skeptical.

2. Folksy humor. A sense of humor is always a good thing, but just because someone is good at the down-home metaphors and sayings, doesn’t make him or her qualified to be president.

3. Entertainment factor. Similar to #2. The more entertaining a candidate is, the more likely we are to give him or her a pass when it comes to policy. Don’t.

4. Slogans. These are simple and repeatable. Some are inspiring. Some make you want to shout them out loud. They’re meant to make you feel good, like you have some power. But you don’t and they’re basically empty.

5. Personal Story. A.K.A., “back story,” this is the up-by-the-bootstraps story a candidate has to tell. In the communication circles, it’s known as the “hero journey.” Recall George W. Bush in his pickup truck with his dogs in tow clearing brush vs. John Kerry windsurfing off Nantucket. Even though Bush hails from political royalty, who do you think people felt was more like them?

6. Delivery. Refers to how candidates look, sound, move, and travel. If they are great speakers, they have a huge advantage in getting votes. It’s why I’m astonished when a candidate gives a poor performance. But, just because a candidate is a great speaker, doesn’t mean he’ll make a great president. Look beyond this.

These are just a few of the tricks of the trade. The more informed you are about them, the more you’ll be able to get to the truth about who these people are and what they can do for you and the country.

Caitlyn Jenner Gave A Remarkable ESPY Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=112W8q8XXKw

I’ve written about Caitlyn Jenner before and now I am compelled to write about her again having just watched her remarkable ESPY speech.  It was just about perfect. Here’s why.

It was well-written. Someone – maybe Caitlyn, maybe someone else – put it together with rhythm, which means it had a clear narrative arc and was interspersed with stories that kept us engaged. I loved the stories about her former life as an elite athlete.

It was well-rehearsed. Boy, Caitlyn Jenner was prepared. I think she might have been reading from a teleprompter, but let me say this: If so, she had practiced it, most likely changing the words as she read through it so they’d feel right and sound like spoken language.

It was well-delivered. I’d have advised her to use her hands more, but watch her posture, head movement, facial expression, and stance (she was stuck at that mic). Listen to her voice – very expressive, rate and pace conscious, solid projection. BTW, she did not force her voice to become higher or feminize it in any way. This is always a conundrum for trans people because the speaking voice doesn’t necessarily change with the body. Voice training can help, but male and female vocal characteristics are immutable and it can often sound odd.  As a voice expert, this was a courageous and unusual choice all by itself.

It was emotional. And consistent with the award she won. Coming so soon after she first announced her transition, Caitlyn Jenner is still a mystery to a large contingent of the sports world, which trends homophobic and macho at best and absolutely hateful and worse toward trans people. She set them straight, saying in essence, “have at me, boys, I can take it.” But also implying, “Don’t fuck with trans youngsters. I’ve got their back, I’m running interference for all of them and you know I can do it.” Perhaps not with athletic prowess any more, but with this new platform. And I loved her shoutout to her family and kids.

It was perfect.

What Mastery Actually Looks Like (And What It Doesn’t)

It’s been an interesting week in the world of mastery. Wimbledon, the Women’s World Cup, and “In Performance At The White House” – Gospel edition.

Furthermore, I had an interesting conversation with a prospective client yesterday and he directed me to a popular TED talk that spelled out, he said, what he was looking for. Ultimately, the client didn’t have the budget, but I was curious about the TED talk, so I watched.