While everyone likes to get positive publicity to promote their product, service, book or event... most people are interviewed on the worst day of their lives. You know the story: the house exploded, the investor took their life savings, the plane with the child crashed, the bank robber grabbed your spouse as hostage... you get the idea.
Sometimes you won't be that close to the victim, but because you are a company or community leader, you will be asked to comment on the bad news to lend perspective. Let me encourage you to do this, if asked. You can offer grace and honor the memory of the fallen/victimized/terrorized.
Last week, a son and his mother were killed in a car crash. Not a big news story in most cities, but a minister was interviewed, and he handled the questions so beautifully. His soundbite went something like this, "He was a wonderful teenager, dedicated to helping people in other countries. He was the kind of young man you'd like to have for your own son."
The minister didn't need the publicity in a week of grief and funeral planning. But by being available, he helped grieving friends. He also told a city about the special young man who died.
We've heard lots of soundbites this week about celebrites who've passed on. But sometimes, the most important soundbites will be the ones you deliver in small settings that are never broadcast. Be available. Be gracious. Take every opportunity to comfort the grieving.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment