Bimboism is rampant in today's media climate where those who do get
their fifteen minutes of fame squander it with empty words and idiotic
antics. Think about how much of YOUR time is wasted when you watch TV,
listen to the radio or read newspapers or magazines. How long do you
stay with a story if it's not pertinent to your interests or if the
interviewee is dull? With so much competition for your attention it's
easy to move on to the next best thing.
If you don't want to become the next bimbo and instead touch the hearts
and the minds of the nation, here are three things to avoid.
1. Give a fatty bone.
The quickest way to lose interest is to ramble. When you can't make
your point succinctly your audience tunes out-literally. They change
the channel or they shift their attention. To keep your audience jazzed
respect their time by getting to the point of what they want to know.
Give them value every second you're speaking. Shave off any unnecessary
fat and get to the bone, the real core of what you have to give.
2. Be professorial.
In my experience people who have the highest degrees are the biggest
bores. They speak with the jargon of their industry or training using
long sentences and obscure ideas. Simplifying is the key to
communication. One of my favorite clients, syndicated technology
columnist and national correspondent for KCBS news Larry Magid, is an
exception. He can take the most complicated ideas and turn them into a
Zen garden. He puts each word stone in the right place at the right
time to create order, simplicity and understanding. Follow Larry's path
to your own garden by taking the big idea down to its roots. Refuse to
be high fallutin' by making your knowledge inaccessible to the masses.
3. Praise the Lord.
Preaching will set people hellbent against you. I don't know about you
but when someone tells me what to do I automatically rebel. Whenever
you're attached to an idea and try to push it on someone it's natural
to resist. When you have an agenda people sense it. If you're
unattached to the outcome your audience will be more receptive to you
and your ideas. Allow them to make their own choices based on the
information you impart. Tempt them with heavenly insights and offers.
Susan Harrow, top media coach, marketing strategist and author of Sell
Yourself Without Selling Your Soul, The Ultimate Guide to Getting
Booked on Oprah, and Get a 6-Figure Book Advance. Find out what pushes
producers' love and hate buttons-and how they determine whether to book
you on
their show or not: tinyurl.com/cys5j