Practice

Last week, I spoke to the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus. It was a great group. The members are passionate about their communities and offering attractive business meetings sites and memorable tourist destinations.

As we discussed working with reporters to get their stories out, I asked them to role-play several scenarios. One seems far-fetched to some audiences--but unfortunately, not to this one. The hypothetical situation goes like this: two of your top executives have been murdered by an estranged husband of an employee. A visitor to the office carries a concealed weapon and returns fire, killing the suspect. As the person now in charge of the office, what do you say to reporters?

Most groups get the idea that they should express compassion and concern for victims' families, and many recognize the visitor for heroic efforts. But most people don't want to think about horrible things happening to them. However, domestic and workplace violence happen too often in our country. It's like the ice storm we had in Texas a few days ago. I'd prefer not to have to ever deal with it, but we've got to take precautions. And by thinking for a few minutes about what you will say in a crisis, and how you can protect your workplace, you may save a life at most and save face at the least.

Welcome to Soundbites

There's nothing like an ice storm in the southwest to propel you to get things done that you've been planning to do for years. Ricardo Guzman first mentioned that I should write a blog in 2003. I had no idea what he was talking about.

Then when Kim Snider Financial and blog expert started telling speakers at the National Speakers Association how great blogs were last year, I said, "I'm really going to do this!" That was February. OK, so it took me a few months. Thanks, Kim, for your advice.

Here's what you can expect from this blog... although things may evolve... topics on how newsmakers are doing well or could've crafted their messages better. Plus Ideas for authors, speakers and trendsetters who are dealing with the media. Since I have a monthly "Media Savvy e-Tips" e-newsletter offered on my website at The Soundbite Coach, people who want suggestions that way can still get them; this will be more interactive.

Hey, there's more on the to-do list. Stay warm.