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Choose Words Wisely
August 23, 2011
Lori Lewis chooses her words wisely.
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"This new form of communication could have some utility." - Guglielmo Marconi in 1899.
Today we benefit from a new form of communication in this social space ... a 24/7 two-way dialogue between brands and consumers. Both the consumer and those representing the brand can say whatever they want, whenever they want, so it's up to us to choose our words wisely to make an impact.
It shouldn't be too hard for us since radio was built on the power of words ... "theatre of the mind" ... creating lasting impressions. We all have moments where we remember when someone on the radio said something that still resonates with us today -- often years later.
So let's merge those skills we've used to create moments on-air with what will resonate today online.
"Radio is the theater of the mind; television is the theater of the mindless." - Steve Allen.
Let's not diminish the magic of words just because we're on our digital and social properties. Too often, we use these incredibly powerful tools hastily, and miss an opportunity to truly connect.
Find what your audience cares about and be open to where they want to go. Then create those lasting moments, just like you have done so well on the radio. We have no idea of the potential we could be realizing online if we choose our words wisely and put people first.
You may have already seen this video as this week's Merge was printed earlier this year.
This is the power of words:
Pretty impactful, huh?
Every time you compose a status update, text, or tweet, or you create an index page on your website or design an app, ask yourself these questions:
* Are you conversing (and not just pushing out information)?
* Are you evoking some type of emotion?
* Are you showing more than telling?
* Do you have your listener in your mind (or is this about your station's agenda)?I hope to see you at the NAB Radio Show coming up Sept. 14th-16th in Chicago. Fred Jacobs and I will be tweeting from the event using the hashtag #NABShow.
We will be choosing our words wisely.
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