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Media Coaching Tips for Anthony Weiner - Twitter Photo Scandal
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 by Susan Harrow. All rights reserved.
 If
I was Anthony Weiner's media coach I would have told him not to
follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods by handling the press
poorly with vague and ridiculous sounding non-information. It
amazes me that he either didn't have a proper media coach or was
left on his own to handle his "situation" given that he's a
quick witted and sharp-tongued guy. Whatever the media training
strategy, or lack thereof, the result could mean the end of his
congressional career. Here is my media coaching advice to
Weiner.
1. Don't deny the obvious.
How can you not know your own weiner? In or out of underwear
I challenge any man not to know his own organ intimately. The
married representative Anthony Weiner, denied sending a
photograph of his "bulging briefs" to a 21-year-old college
student from his @RepWeiner Twitter account last Friday. Mistake
number one: Stating he couldn't be 100% sure that it was a
photograph of his manhood! Don't ever deny the obvious when it's
literally in your face.
2. Don't joke about a serious allegation.
Anthony Weiner took what could be a career take-down as a
lark. He tried to downplay this serious situation lightly by
responding with defensiveness mixed with wit and humor. Rather
he should have had a sound bite strategy to prove that the photo
was not his particulars, and proof positive that he didn't send
it.
It won't be so funny if he's stripped of his high-profile
position. Weiner not only should have been prepared with a
response about the personal photographs he keeps of his privates
that could have been manipulated, but also why he has Twitter
connections with a porn star, and comely college co-eds. When
you're on the spot take it seriously and carefully plan for
every worst-case scenario question. Make sure to role play the
most inappropriate, personal and intimate questions so you'll be
prepared for the worst in order to do your best.
3. Don't pull a Mel Gibson.
Weiner inflamed an already ignited media by calling a
CNN producer a "jackass". We don't expect a legislator
to be as hot headed as actors like Mel Gibson, known for his
media tantrums and name-calling. We expect dignified behavior.
Always keep your equanimity no matter how ill-mannered the press
or any one else is. Even though you're not a representative of
congress you represent yourself and your business.
4. Don't let your reputation lapse.
Mark Twain said, "A lie can circle the globe in the time it
takes truth to put on its shoes". Weiner's team should have
immediately begun an investigation to prove that his Twitter
account was hacked in order to preserve his integrity. His proof
should include the kind of serious tweets he's known for on
issues that are important to him to show that he's not the kind
of man who would send a photograph of his largess to a college
co-ed. The New York Daily News reported, "the nano-second it
takes to send a tweet, Rep. Anthony Weiner's political career
has short-circuited."
Overall the public is not just questioning whether or not there
was a Twitter hack-in, they are questioning Weiner's character.
Would it shock us that such a man would do this? That's the
bigger question.
Whenever an allegation, untruth or rumor is spread about you or
your company you must take instant action to quash it. Anthony
Weiner said he was going to do an "investigation" but hasn't. In
a situation like this you must state what action you're going to
take then follow through. Once you take action keep the media
apprised. It's essential to get your side of the story out to
traditional media outlets as well as through social media so you
can help truth put on its shoes before that lie can circle the
globe.
Share this with your friends who want to
become experts in their industry - or anyone you think it would
help. We all want to serve and get our gifts out into the world
to help others and you'll be doing your part.
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Susan Harrow, CEO of
http://prsecrets.com, is
a top media coach, marketing strategist and author of
Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul® (HarperCollins),
The
Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah, and
Get a 6-
Figure Book Advance. Clients include Fortune 500 CEOs, bestselling authors and entrepreneurs who have appeared on
Oprah, 60 Minutes, NPR, and in TIME, USA Today, Parade,
People, O, NY Times, WSJ, and Inc. |
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