PR Media Consultants®
Public Interest Media Since 1968
Speaking Truth to Power
| by Paul Richards |
| INTRODUCTION: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated.” Thomas Paine, “The American Crisis,” Number 1, December 23, 1776 |
| SPEAKING
TRUTH TO POWER: 1. You have a right to your opinion and an obligation to society to express it. 2. Trust yourself and your feelings. You know, better than anyone else in the world, what you need to say. Ask yourself what is most important. Listen to your inner voice. 3. Be proud of the perspective that you bring to the table. Don’t apologize for being intelligent or for seeing things differently. 4. If you speak clearly from your heart, you will reach viewers and listeners. Use informative personal stories to help them understand why this issue is important to you, as a mother or father, senior citizen or young person, business owner or union representative. 5. Speak honestly. Make sure your language accurately reflect your convictions and ethics. Keep your presentation relaxed and easy. 6. Keep it simple: Don’t use jargon! Abbreviations and acronyms are banes to reporters and others trying to understand your position. Your dependence on jargon may impress your comrades-in-arms, but heavily specialized language turns off most reporters, listeners, viewers, and readers. |
| SPEAKING
TRUTH TO POWER - HOMEWORK: 1. Do your homework. Identify what points most need representation at the public meeting. Successfully identify from one to three seed ideas you will plant in the minds and hearts of your target audience. 2. Well before the meeting, distill your message into effective talking points, slogans, and/or soundbites that others will remember. Let your words reflect the reality that you feel. Seek help regarding the best way to say something, especially from those with good senses of humor. 3. PRACTICE what you want to say with friends, family, tape recorders, video recorders, or even a mirror. Are your words informative? Accurate? Colorful? Concise? Do they sound conversational? Does your presentation resonate harmoniously or discordantly? 4. Time yourself. Make sure your presentation fits within the established framework of the meeting. Don’t rush! Keep your delivery compellingly natural. |
| SPEAKING
TRUTH TO POWER - JUST BEFORE YOU SPEAK: 1. Do what you need to put yourself in a positive state. For example, close your eyes and take five deep breaths. 2. Envision your values and hold them gently in your heart. For example, you may be speaking for pure water, clean air, ancient forests, respect for all species, wilderness and roadless areas, renewable energy, sustainable economies, healthy jobs, multiculturalism, or peace. If you see these things, you can help others see them. 3. Remember the point(s) that you want to stay with the readers, listeners, or viewers. Mentally rehearse your presentation just one more time, then relax! |
| SPEAKING
TRUTH TO POWER - AT MEETINGS: 1. If you’re testifying at a hearing or meeting, show up early. If there is a sign up sheet for speakers, sign up early. Introduce yourself to people as they come in. 2. Do a quick reality check to make sure your comments fit within the time context and format of the meeting. 3. When it is your time to speak, be clear and convincing. Eschew obfuscation! 4. Be brief. Use short sentences. 5. Stand tall with good posture and body language. Keep gestures easy and relaxed. Don’t wag your finger or point. 6. It’s OK to use notes or even outlines. But, look at them only occasionally. Don’t recite from paper. 7. Keep your presentation relaxed and comfortable. 8. With your testimony, establish civilized dialogue as the matrix for the meeting. Don’t let insulters and bullies set the tone for any meeting. If necessary, remind those conducting the meeting and those attending of the imperative of respectful communication. 9. Ignore distractions caused by others while you are speaking. If necessary, pause and wait until the distraction is nullified. 10. Don’t be intimidated. Be confidant in your knowledge. 11. People are drawn to positive energy! Never be negative at a public meeting! If you’re in a bad or disempowered mood, change it before you speak. Remember something funny. Be happy in bringing your message to others. 12. Should anyone turn hostile, stay centered, positive and calm. Maintain your focus and clarity. 13. Look for creative win/win scenarios. People are tired of old scenarios of hackneyed insults and polarized public meetings. Be a communicator and bridge builder. 14. Make yourself available for questioning. If you don’t know an answer to a question, don’t bluff. Just stay on message. 15. When the official meeting has ended, stick around and schmooze with elected officials, agency staffs, reporters, and other attendees. Record names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses that will help you communicate with these people in the future. Give out your name and contact information. |
© 1983 - 2005
Not to be reproduced without expressed written consent from:
PR MEDIA CONSULTANTS®
Public
Interest Media Since 1968
P.O. Box 422
Boulder, MT 59632 USA
Ph: 406-225-4235
Fax: 406-225-4235