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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

Looking for a job?  You’re not alone.

Besides the tried and true methods of networking, pavement-hitting, and diligent effort, part of your job search may involve the customary resume and cover letter.

Although a cover letter can’t offer a firm handshake, answer questions or display confidence, it does let prospective employers form an opinion about you – beyond your CV.

By the way – check out VisualCV, a free service taking resumes beyond text.  They just surpassed one year in business, receiving some great attention.

My reason for writing this is a recent cover letter I received for a video producer. 

This was the third paragraphed (it was bolded):

“My strengths are in leadership, ideas, creative vision, performance-elicitation, and building relationships with clients.  Wherever I have been, my clients come back again and again.  They enjoy from me a passion for realizing their needs, effectively and enthusiastically communicating a creative vision to meet that need, and then the best part, giving me feedback that their product, idea or service is moving.”

OK, since the paragraph was bolded, my eyes immediately went here first – as did the three others who viewed this.  Only after studying the letter for a bit did I glance at the first two paragraphs (containing actual years of experience and objective).  My opinion was created before I even knew this person’s name…it isn’t a strong opinion.

Performance-elicitation? Yeah, we all stopped at these words too.  We think they mean they can successfully direct talent.  In my view, the more syllables only equate to someone’s access to a thesaurus.

Other parts to the letter we found interesting:

1. “My desire is to continue my career in the southeast” – EFX Media is located in Arlington, Virginia, about three miles from Washington, DC.  This person was writing to us from Central Florida, much further south and east from us.

2. “Beautiful Arlington and EFX present an exciting and dynamic invitation for my resume.” – My desk currently faces a window; I have clear – although not exciting – view of a not-so dynamic collection of I-beams, cranes, and concrete from the construction site next door.  Beauty must be in the pen of the beholder, because my eyes can’t find the beauty here.

And the most shocking…. was the letter’s lead sentence:

3. “I am a 20-year professional in the field of communication, specifically media production and advertising.”  Here is someone I’d be interested in hiring!!! However, the impression the rest of the letter left us was very underwhelming.

Simple things to keep in mind when crafting a cover letter.

Personalize it.  This person did, but obviously without any research.  Arlington is nice, but unless you know I have a vista graced by the warm glow of the evening sun, beware of the the superlatives.  Personalize it by doing some research specific to the company’s client base and history; include any relatable or common experience (show an employer you are accomplished in the areas they operate).

Make it clear.  The above candidate listed five different job titles they were seeking.  Clearly communicate the job you’re seeking.  If I happen to have multiple openings, what category would I put this resume?

Read it aloud before hitting send.  Realize this is your lone voice, representative, and impression.  Be cautious with your humor and careful with your words. (performance-elicitation?)  

Get the facts right.  Did I mention this was addressed to the person who held my position before me?  Make a phone call; find out exactly whose receiving your resume.  Get the name, gender, title and address correct.  Getting in wrong appears and careless.  I will not hire anyone who appears not to care about they job they’ve applied for.

I can be harsh, because the economic climate allows me to be picky.  You should be just as critical.

Communications 101 interview, presentation, writing

To those about to be interviewed...we salute you!

So you’ve been picked, by reason of your expertise, hard work, or short straw, to be the one staring at the un-friendly end of a camera.  How do you avoid looking clueless, sloppy and nervous (even though you will be nervous) to thousands of viewers?

This is final of a three-part series.  The earlier posts touched on your brain and your appearance.  This section will hopefully help you keep your cool.

KEEP YOUR COMPOSURE 

Slow Down!  The slower you talk, the easier you are to understand.  By slowing down, you will also avoid tripping over your own tongue (although it is funny to watch the “professionals” stumble on words like “jurisprudence”; I’m sure you’d like to say it right).  Your mind processes words and thoughts quicker than your mouth.  Slowing down allows your face to catch up to your brain.

Not So Loud, Partner!  Microphones will pick up your voice.  Normally, microphones will be clipped on your clothes about 6 inches away from your face or held by a close-talking interviewer.  Think of the microphone as the audiences’ ears – so don’t scream; we can hear you fine.

Look At The Person Talking To You.  If you are supposed to look directly into the camera – then do so.  If not, don’t worry about it (or the folks running it – they’ll keep quiet and stay out of your way).  Talk back to whoever is talking to you.  Remember, it’s a conversation, and the more you appear to be having a normal dialogue, the more viewers will relate and be comfortable with both you and your subject matter.

Keep It Brief.  Unlike your efforts to read all three parts of this topic, viewers don’t concentrate deeply on what they watch.  Keep to the facts.  An acronym often used in television newsrooms is K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid!).  Unlike the written word – which can always be read over and over again- an audience cannot re-listen to spoken word.  Have you ever been part of an audience watching a video and had the opportunity to playback a portion of the presentation?  Realize anything over-complicated will get lost by an audience (see: Kerry, John circa 2000).

Don’t Worry.  The interviewer will not display your naked baby pictures, nor will they ask about your favorite boy band.  You are there to provide information.  the more receptive, relaxed and informed you are, the easier your information will be to understand.  If you show any signs of articulation, and know your subject, you could easily be requested for more interviews.  But make sure you bring your baby pictures when you return; we can’t always take it easy on you.

Communications 101 interview, presentation, television

To those about to be interviewed…we salute you.

So you’ve been picked, by reason of your expertise, hard work or short straw, to be the one staring at the un-friendly end of a camera.  How do you avoid looking clueless, sloppy and nervous (even though you will be nervous) to your audience?

This is the second of a three-part series.  The first part touched on preparing your brain, while the third part will focus on your poise.  This section is for the narcissist in all of us.

Image isn’t everything, but…

You can never be underdressed for a videotaped interview (unless it’s ‘laundry day’, and the tuxedo you bought for that awards dinner is the only garment staring back at you in your closet).

Men: Solid-color ties or simple pattern ties (the audience should watch you – not the ‘Cartoon Network Neckwear Collection’).  Avoid button-collar shirts (leave those to your teenage son for his college’s ‘Rush Week’), plain collars or tab-collars appear more professional.

Women: Business attire in solid colors.  If you’re wondering ‘is this too low-cut’ for TV, the answer is Yes.  Accessories are fine, but keep to solid colors or light patterns.

Jewelry: Keep it to a minimum; anything dangling may distract the viewers. If you’re wearing a broach or tie clip, small and subtle, please.

Makeup: It’s a reality.  Television anchors and reporters are actually human.  We just hide all the blackheads and scars with makeup.  A tip for those who frequently face the camera: get some simple ‘base powder’ (gents: tell the person at the make-up counter why you need it – they’ll help you).  Television lights are so bright, no matter your skin color, untreated skin will shine and appear pale (picture how you’d look at mile 20 of a marathon).  To avoid looking like you’re battling the flu, lightly put the makeup on.  If you aren’t routinely in front of the camera, don’t be surprised if the producer or camera operator suggests a bit of powder.  Take them up on the suggestion.

So, you’ve done your homework, and now look the part.  Keep watch for the third part of this series on some tips to help you keep your cool…but here’s one piece of advice to help you relax: for the most part, no one’s going to ask you a question you don’t know the answer to.

If you’ve been accepted to be on “Jeopardy”, well…that’s another blogpost. 

Communications 101 interview, presentation, television