The other day I suggested that it might be wise, in our hour of greatest anxiety, to turn off the (expletive) news. Today, I am suggesting you turn it back on for a bit.
Let me explain.
Stealing ideas has always been an honored practice in my previous life as a graphic designer. The belief was that there were no new ideas, just modifications and updates of old ideas.
I think that is mostly true. If you have a totally new idea that you are sure that no one has ever thought of and you are sure you can sell a million of them and get rich, you are most likely mistaken. The reality is that others have probably thought of it first, tried it and it didn’t work.
Sorry. I know that the eyeglasses windshield wipers idea sounded like a real winner.
I have always looked to others for inspiration. In graphics, I mined creativity from tags on high-end clothes at fancy shops, greeting cards and fabric stores (they have amazing ideas for color combinations) to name just a few. If I was designing a brochure for a very conservative product, I would often check out the brochures at my bank.
The point is people have already done all the heavy lifting for you. Learn from them. Modify. Make it yours.
So, we come to how to be an effective presence online. The answer is simple.
Check out the national evening news.
Whoa there. I know there are a million objections to this crazy advice…
But they have fancy background graphics and sets.
But they have a control room full of technicians with satellites that can instantly switch from a super cool set in New York to Main Street in Lander, Wyoming.
But they have beautiful people…
There is still a lot to learn.
Check out the anchors and the field reporters. How do they stand or sit? How do they address the camera? How close or far away are they? How are they lit? Do they smile a little, a lot, or all the time? How do they sound? How fast or slow do they speak? How much or little do they say? What do they do with their hands?
There is a lot to learn. After all, these companies have done endless consultant studies and focus groups to figure out what works.
Learn from their research, try it for yourself. Record, watch, edit and get better.
Then checkout Ted Baxter on YouTube for a few old-school laughs.
Be well,
Tom
PS – We’re still open. Every day, I sweep the sidewalk, open the front doors and bake the pizzas. Come on by for the best handmade presentation coaching in town. Just like in the old country, except better.
Try our introductory quarantine special — a free 45-minute discovery call to see if we can help you get better — either for remote or in-person presentations. When it’s time for you to get back in the game, you’ll be ready.
