Writing Your Script

"Why did Britney sound weird?" It was a question from my wife Nora the day after the big concert. That particular year we were excited to have none other than Britney Spears hosting the event.

The show was just beginning when Britney arrived at the venue. I was in the production office. In walked Johnny Wright, Britney's manager at the time who asked me for the script Britney would use for the show.

This was news to me. There was no script, but I assured him one would be sent to her dressing room as soon as possible.

I sat down and wrote out a bullet-point list of talking points for the show -- show name, acts performing, the charity partner and so on. The script was rushed to Britney and I moved on with other show issues.

In a few moments, I received another visit from Mr. Wright, explaining that I delivered was not adequate because Britney needed a full layout, not just bullet points. So in the midst of the pre-show madness, I sat down and tried to sound like a pop diva and wrote out the best script I could.

I starting typing, "Yo! What's up New York! Welcome to Z100's Jingle Ball! Are you ready to party?"

I didn't think about it again until the comment from Nora a full day later. In the madness of organizing all the other show details, I had missed Britney's hosting debut, but I did manage to find a video clip online.

Now, I can't be certain that she used the script I wrote at all, and it was probably just a huge coincidence, but to my surprise she did open the show by saying something like, "Yo! What's up New York! Welcome to Z100's Jingle Ball. Are you ready to party?"

I think I owe Britney and pop culture an apology.

Who's writing your script?

Are you caught up in following what everyone else says is right to make an impact in social media? ... or is your own unique voice driving what is right for you to be social?

There are many people who are so talented at writing a great script, or being an armchair quarterback about what it takes to be successful in this space.

But only your experience, your strengths and your unique voice can determine what strategy is going to connect for you.

If you haven't discovered the best fit yet, try this.

Take out a piece of paper or click on that blank document icon on your computer.

Now ask yourself the question, "Where do I shine when being social?" Then start writing.

It doesn't have to be complete sentences. It may be words, thoughts or ideas ... but dump everything on the page that feels like a fit, a strength, an advantage and so on for you.

Once you have exhausted every thought, go back and review everything. Strike out the ones that seem like a stretch or don't really fit. Rinse and repeat until you have the words that feel absolutely right for you.

Then, go review the 2011 CMO's Guide To The Social Landscape and see how your unique social sweet spot matches up with each site.

It's not perfect, but it's a step toward having the freedom to be famous at what you're best at (being you), and connecting it through an outlet that won't ever make you sound weird.

Fortunately for Britney, she just came in at #1 on a chart naming social media's "Top 10 Most-Loved Pop Artists," according to Amplicate, which culls online opinion from over 80 million users of Twitter and Facebook, among others.

It seems she found her social sweet spot, too.