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Posts Tagged ‘speaking’

Media Tip: 5 Interview Strategies When Confronted with Negative Information and Why

14 Mar

Interview Strategies

In an interview when confronted with negative statistics, an interviewee appears to be dishonest in merely refuting negative claims, as if listeners should take their word for it, ignoring all other reports or claims.

Audiences are not fooled by a spokesperson with a vested interest who is apparently determined to not acknowledge what could be either the obvious or well-substantiated fact.

Strategy:

  1. Prior to any interview, prepare. Read, study and role play questions.
  2. Review your case, points, topic thoroughly from all sides, and every conceivable angle.
  3. Consider the current conditions in your market, the latest news and developments.
  4. Public opinion, polls and independent research weigh heavily, and should also be reviewed.
  5. Have a well-developed statement and/or platform upon which you can solidly base your presentation and all responses.

If the information or conflicting claims an interviewer poses are diametrically opposed to your data, be prepared to present reliable findings and explain…

  • Ignoring an interviewer’s question, statistics and information presented leaves unaddressed soundbites hanging out there in the air.
  • Presumably you are the expert on the topic, and if you cannot answer the questions to the audience’s satisfaction you are losing ground by the millisecond.
  • If you choose to ignore any and all claims, you and your company appear to be blatantly out of touch with your consumer base, target market or reality.
  • “No comment” responses never worked. Be ready with a fact-based, truthful answer, unless you have something to hide. Which, if you answer like this, is left totally up to conjecture.
  • View the interview as an opportunity to clear the air, answer questions, correct misinformation, clarify key points, to educate.

Why am I writing about this? I know, it seems like “everyone” already knows this… apparently not, as I recently saw a (non-political) interview and could not believe how ill-prepared the interviewee was. He exhibited needing to apply all of the above strategies. Because he was not ready for the interview, and would not acknowledge even being aware of the negative statistics that we, the audience were familiar with — weakened his position.

If it is not possible to present findings to support a counter argument through documentation, acknowledging familiarity with the general consensus is a minimalist step in the right direction.  Taking it further, acknowledging the negative points (if relevant and potentially correct — or totally incorrect) gives the impression the interviewee is well-versed in the topic. By the simple fact that an interviewer is asking you about an issue or situation, the opportunity is freely presented to explain and discuss what is being done about the situation, to correct the problem, improve the product.

This can be a great PR opportunity, if you choose to allow it to be…

 
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Posted in Intentional Visibility, Media Tip, New Media, media

 

Becky Cortino Interviews Renowned Jollytologist Allen Klein, Applied Humor Therapy Visionary

18 Feb

Becky Cortino interviews Jollytologist Allen Klein

On February 22, renowned Jollytologist Allen Klein, applied humor therapy visionary discusses his compelling journey and new book Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying: Embracing Life After Loss, with AATH Laugh and Learn Teleconference host Becky Cortino, in a 60-minute interview. The interview will be conducted live at NOON ET (GMT5). Attendance is open to Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) members and nonmembers interested in attending this extraordinary event.

Klein got into this unusual line of work after his wife died of a rare liver disease at the age of 34. He saw how humor helped her, and those around her, cope. He also saw how humor helped him get through that loss. He now teaches others how to find some in trying times. Those audiences include people in 48 states as well as Israel and Australia, and clients from IBM to the IRS.

Klein is the immediate past-president of The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, an international organization with nearly 600 members whose purpose is to advance the understanding and application of humor and laughter for their positive benefits.

Klein is also an award-winning speaker and best-selling author as well as the recipient of a Toastmasters Communication and Leadership Award and a Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. (Fewer than 800 of its 4,000 members have this honor.)

He is also a 2007 inductee into New York City’s Hunter College Hall of Fame Only about a dozen people are selected from the thousands of the past graduates for this distinction.

Klein’s first book, The Healing Power of Humor, is now in a 31st printing and eighth foreign language translation. It shows readers how to use humor to deal with everyday trials and tribulations. His second book, The Courage to Laugh: Humor, Hope, and Healing in the Face of Death and Dying, documents how people have used humor to triumph over tragedy.

And his most recent book, Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying, shows readers how to embrace life fully again after a loss. It incorporates the five steps of going from loss to laughter: Losing, Learning, Letting Go, Living, and Laughing.

He has also authored thirteen other books, including Quotations to Cheer You Up, Up Words for Down Days, The Change-Your-Life Quote Book, WorkLaughs, ParentLaughs, and TeacherLaughs. And his writing has appeared in four Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Klein has a master’s degree in humor (from St. Mary’s College in Minnesota—and that’s no joke!) And he is well suited to his subject. Years before becoming a “Jollytologist”, Klein was nicknamed the “King of Whimsy” because he designed all the children shows at CBS television in New York City. Among those productions was one you probably remember—the Captain Kangaroo show.

Although no longer working in the light-hearted world of children, Klein still believes that adults need to take a lesson from them and lighten up. To help adults do this, Klein is both the editor or The Mid-Month Mirth Memo e-zine and founder of International Mirth Month (every March).

This teleconference interview will be conducted live at NOON ET (GMT5). Attendance is open to Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) members, and nonmembers interested in attending this extraordinary event. Registration is required, and allows access the recording.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and may be completed by:

Email: staff@aath.org

– OR –

Call TOLL FREE: 888-747-AATH (2284) – OR – 949-715-4681

COST: AATH Members : FREE // Non-Members: $10

# # #

AATH Laugh and Learn Teleconference Host Becky Cortino is a professional Integrated Marketing Communications Consultant who assists clients in effectively expressing their message through New, Social and Traditional Media through her consultancy Express-It Media Fusion. She is also a published author, speaker and producer of numerous multimedia programs on the topic of Applied Humor Therapy.

Download or share this press release online, by clicking this link (here)

 

Now Broadcasting from the CinchCast Studios: Monday Media Musings, Tuesday Tips and Marketing Moments!

11 Nov

Catch my latest gig, broadcasting from CinchCast Studios, as I offer short sound bytes on Media, Biz Tips and Marketing Ideas!

Follow Beckycortino on Cinch

Also available through an embedded player on this site: http://www.beckycortino.com/clips/

 

AATH Teleconference Series: Fun with a Purpose and Mary Kay Morrison

18 Oct

"Fun with a Purpose" and Mary Kay Morrison

I am thrilled, honored and excited to be a host of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor Association (AATH) teleconference series!

AATH is a very interesting organization, because by its diverse membership, it represents a broad array of various Applied Humor therapies and modalities, as well as the incredible research and efforts that support this important concept.

When asked if if I would serve as a host, I was pleased, because this is a wonderful opportunity to not only spotlight some incredible forays into this aspect, learn more about a new angle or some cutting-edge information, but also to actually have the privilege of interviewing some truly amazing people!

Join us for the AATH October 19th Laugh and Learn Teleconference: “Fun with a Purpose” and Mary Kay Morrison.. Mary Kay radiates the “humergy” she advocates, fueled by an authentic passion to discover essential links between humor and cognitive research.

She has focused her efforts in this aspect for over 20 years, walking her talk through:

  • Keynote presentations and leading breakout sessions internationally
  • Creating, developing and teaching the revolutionary AATH International Humor Academy
  • Serving on the AATH Board of Directors and 2010 Conference Chair
  • Encouraging children to read funny books, as Funny Lit Project Education Advisor


This one-hour information-packed program will cover these topics:

  • Adding humor in education, exploring the inherent benefits in that setting.
  • Exciting and impactful programs Mary Kay is currently developing.
  • Advance 2011 program details for the newly-established AATH Humor Academy.


Teleconference offered live: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at Noon ET / 11AM CT / 10AM PT

From the comfort of your phone – Can’t make the call? You can access the recording!

Registration is required  for access/live call details…

Email: staff(AT)aath.org

Call: 888-747-AATH (2284) – OR – 949-715-4681

COST: AATH Members : FREE // Non-Members: $10

About AATH: Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor Association

 

Unexpected Elements are Good

04 Oct

From my friend Terry Starbucker on Leadership and how the “unexpected” is essential in being effective…

Effective Leadership: Make a difference, by sharing your passion in a fun and interesting way within context.

As an added value to this already-great vid: Thinking about it, the “Unexpected” is always good!

More to come on this…

 

Becky Cortino Presents on Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare at AATH 2010 Conference

27 Apr
Becky Cortino AATH 2010 Conference Presenter

Becky Cortino AATH 2010 Conference Presenter

 I just returned from California, where I was honored to be a featured speaker-presenter at the 23rd annual Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference in Disneyland April 22-25.

With my many years in the aspect of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting, the Tribute to Norman Cousins, was especially meaningful. A true visionary, he is credited with being the forerunner in this aspect, first treating his painful health condition with doses of humor long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful therapy.

My presentation topic was based on my AHeart4Clowning book series: Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group — Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote! It was gratifying to present to a wonderful group of interested participants, encouraging them in their efforts of applying healing humor in the healthcare setting. Throughout the conference, it was great to network and share with others in this field! I really enjoyed hearing about other programs and the free-flow of shared ideas.

This is one of the best programs I’ve attended in this aspect. The focus of the AATH Conference is on theory and application of healthcare, education and business, offering continuing education, networking, and fun for professionals using humor and laughter to enhance work performance, support learning, and promote healing.

Held in April as part of the global celebration of Humor Month, the AATH Conference draws participants from around the world. For more information about AATH, click this link (here)

I am available and currently booking speaking engagements on a variety of topics, and would welcome the opportunity to connect with you and discuss your program. Please contact me using this online form (linked here)