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This is Social Media at its best; serving the community.

A few weeks back, I viewed a presentation from Clay Shirky (twitter: @cshirky) on how our original media filters (book publishers, limited broadcast outlet decision-makers) are going away.

Now with user-generated content, 200+ channels broadcasting 24/7, and an expanding blogosphere, we are left with a combination of information overload and faulty filters.  We have too much information, and no way to clearly find newsworthy content.

Although this is an ongoing problem, there are benefits to our new information-sharing society.

The world wouldn’t see these images, learn details, gain perspective without the technology or sociological behaviors of our new methods communication.

Many embedded deep within social media circles take a trendier-than-thou attitude toward mainstream news-gathering organizations, while the major networks and print journalists still struggle to find their social networking niche.

But we are seeing a partnership with this past week’s protests in Iran.

Social Networking provides many voices; Mainstream media lets the voices be heard – loudly. The Iranian government blocks large ‘official’ news-gathering organizations from reporting within the country, but technology has turned the embargo into a sieve; updates and images seep from millions of hand-held mobile devices.

The waves of photos, text messages, microblogs are passed through cable boxes and satellite feeds to the rest of the world – and !viola! – you have social networking partnering with mainstream media.

A new trend, right?  The demise of traditional journalism?

Not. So. Fast.

There is a danger to treating Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and random blogs as your reporting staff:

• Are you getting all sides of the story? User-generated content is more likely to be subjective; a gripe, complaint, praise or promotion. Raw emotion: yes. Complete facts: no. Objective, ethical reporting: you can never be sure.
• Segmented reporting population. Is Grandma on Facebook? Uncle Ed on Twitter? How many 65-year olds are using social media? Right now, we are still in a stage where technology (like youth) is bestowed upon the young. We are not being provided a full cross-section of society through new technology. This will change…wait about 20 years.

There is a place for both.

The individual has an unfiltered voice, able to call ‘foul’ when news goes unreported or misinterpreted.
The general public (should) have an objective, experienced body to filter and promote what is newsworthy…newsworthy to the general public.

The danger is when one group relies completely on the other.

Communications 101 communications, Social Media, TV News, Twitter

No matter all the new formats, technology and tactics we use, the most effective communication is still face-to-face.

We interpret emotion, intent, emphasis when interacting with another living, breathing human being.  You can’t get any of this through the written word (I wrote this with confidence and a strong conviction, but I have to write it to let you know).

Sales folks would rather get ‘a foot in the door’ than be forced to send another e-mail.

Politicians spend months (even years) at county fairs/town hall meetings/fundraisers/diners to sit face-to-face with potential voters and make a personal connection.

And yes, at times, we have to get our own courage up to (despite our parents’ warning)….talk to strangers.

Networking events are still popular because they work. People make real connections.  Be it selling your company, your product, or yourself, networking presents a communication opportunity.

At the same time, networking also provides anxiety, second-guessing and an overall confidence withdrawl. I recently attended a networking event, and at times each one of us held the ‘lost puppy dog look’ in our eyes, straining for a conversation to come to us instead of being able to spark one.

This Forbes.com article (also available In Pictures) gives some advice on the simple, but scary act of saying ‘Hi.’

Communications 101 communications, networking, Personal

The American Bar Association reports 1,162,124 active lawyers in 2008.

Still not enough to match the number of results I found Googling “Website Lawyer Jokes”.

As part of a few video projects I’m working on, I think I interviewed half of them this past week.

I must commend this profession.  Oh – this has nothing to do with cases, depositions, or billable hours – but a side effect of those attempting to convince judges & juries.

These folks can communicate.

As part of the video shoots, the legal eagles had to read off a TelePrompTer and answer impromptu interview questions.  In both situations, they excelled.

Each showed three key attributes to delivering a compelling and clear message in public.

1. Preparation. Each of these folks knew what we were talking about ahead of time, so they walked into the video shoot with their thoughts organized.  Note: We only asked them questions regarding topics they were familiar with (Before an interview, I always tell corporate clients “I’m only going to ask you questions you already know the answers to.”)

As for the TelePrompTer, each reviewed their scripts ahead of time – many altered the scripts to better fit their speaking style, using language each felt more comfortable delivering.  They were engaged in what they were reading and understood the difference between “reading a TelePrompTer script” and “performing from a TelePrompTer.”

2. Practice. When your job puts you in front of an audience, eventually you’ll get used to it.  Now, you may never enjoy it, but your comfort level will rise.  Judges, juries – and at times the media – all present opportunities to get your message across.  Each lawyer was not intimidated by the camera, lights, crew, and especially not the interviewer!

I must add, these were successful lawyers, so they’ve taken their comfort from years of delivering results for their clients.

3. Confidence. Yes, lawyers have egos.  Each walked in to our set with self-confidence I rarely see in an interview subject; most of the other 302 Million Americans aren’t used to being interviewed, let alone by a 5-person video crew.

Their confidence made each relaxed, therefore still comfortable chatting with a perfect stranger.

Preparation.  Practice.  Confidence. Three elements to make you a better public presenter, without enduring the years and debt of law school.

However, I can’t ensure you’ll avoid being the subject of a humorous website.  Though if a site exists – and you think you’re being slandered - I know a few people you can call.

Communications 101 audience, communications, interview, TelePrompTer

Social Media is like exercise.  Virtually everyone knows it’s a good thing, but many never start and some aren’t sure what’s right for them – or go about it the entirely wrong way.

Recently, I read an article in Federal Computer Week about the government’s slow acceptance to Social Media. 

Well, maybe the first step is admitting you need to get in shape…or at least get in to the current decade.

OK, so like an exercise program, please consult someone who knows what they’re doing FIRST.

My Social Media Personal Trainers are folks who routinely cover and follow social media and networking trends: JD Lasica, Rohit Bhargava, and Pete Cashmore.  Their blogs provide an insight to the popularity and proper use of Twitter, personal and corporate blogs, video sharing sites, and how best to attract and retain an interactive audience.

As a relative novice, here’s what I’ve learned so far about successful social media techniques:

1. Social Media isn’t about you.  Share what you have with others; provide something to the group.  Advice, experience, stories (even if they are not yours, you can pass along items of interest).

2. Keep It Simple (Stupid).  The common theme appears again!  Where ever your experience, knowledge, or access lies – stick to those topics.  Hoping from topic to topic make you a “Tom of all trades, master of none” (not someone worthy of keeping tabs on).  When I want nutrition or exercise advice, I’ll read John Berardi or Mark Sisson, while JD Lasica pops on my screen for social media and Web 2.0 knowledge.  I don’t know if JD can help anyone avoid rotator cuff injuries.

This has a bit more weight when utilizing business-based or corporate-sponsored social media. 

3. Don’t Stop.  Constant activity and updates help to create interest and enlarge your “web presence”. What’s a “web presence”?  If someone ever “Googles” you, a strong “web presence” leads to a greater possibility you will appear on those search engines.

4. Make it Interactive.  Sharing works both ways; ask questions, solicit responses and comments, use polls. “Interactivity” means the end user also participates (hence the term “social” media).  Sharing those comments allows you/your blog to - if visitors feel it’s worthy – become a conduit for opinions and ideas.

As for the federal government?  Maybe a tip from Rohit Bhargava’s blog will help; begin a social media GOA workout program.  It’s a bit better than “sweatin’ to the oldies”.

Communications 101 communications, Federal Computer Week, JD Lasica, Pete Cashmore, Rohit Bhargava, Social Media, Twitter, Web 2.0