Brooke Thacker

The official (**And Currently under construction**) blog of Brooke Thacker, former 9News Reporter - current Media & Presentation Coach.

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My #Family in #Hawaii working on their #startup video. #Repost @tlajola with @repostapp. #videoProduction ・・・ #Kickstarter Video In The Making. #elevatestructure Director: @keithkandell Mua: @lenatagawa Feature: @brooklynhawaii It's going to be sick!! Follow @elevatestructure

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The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (Subtitle: How to make a journalist mad)

Just as Clint Eastwood was searching for gold in the 1966 classic Spaghetti Western that shares the title with this blog post – seeking out good advice for media training can be a challenge as well.

I am preparing for a conference this summer. During my planning I like to put myself in a student’s position and do a simple Google search for Media training.

Talk about good, bad and ugly!

From what I can see, for every 2 pieces of bad advice, there is one shining piece of gold for you to glean.

Here is the good:

“Prepare for an interview.”

Why yes, great guidance!

Here are examples of the bad and the ugly:

“Do not do agree to an interview on a topic or with a media outlet that won’t generate business for your company.”

This person explained you should not waste your time on small publications/websites/newsrooms. Bad advice.

The opportunity, and that is EXACTLY what it is, to be interviewed does not come along often. Every interview gives you the chance to:

1.    Practice your answering skills

2.    Improve your presence on-camera

3.    Build credibility*

Number three is very important, probably the most important! I can tell you, as journalist with 15 years experience, when I am seeking out an expert in a particular field I am doing a simple online search to see if you have ever been interviewed before. I am looking to see how you answered questions, how often you have been interviewed and what is your overall point of view on a topic. Are you educated? Are you impartial? Are you opinionated? Are you experienced?

If you have been a part of several stories, even with smaller media outlets, it makes you much more enticing to me because I will not have to hold your hand through our interview. I can see you are “media savvy” and you understand how reporters work.

NEVER turn down an interview. Smart leaders know this and you should too.

Now, my favorite, the ugly:

“Suggest questions for the reporter to ask you.”

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You’re funny.

If you want to make a reporter not like you, Do this!

I ask the questions, you answer. You certainly do not tell me how to do my job or you are on the blacklist and believe me, reporters talk about the looney tunes we have interviewed and we will avoid you like the plague.

NOW, you absolutely can suggest additional material for me to go over. Reporters LOVE that.

“You want to talk to me about X? Great, see you soon. And in the meantime, I don’t know if you are familiar with Y & Z but can I e-mail this information to you? I think it would help you in your report.”

GREAT Advice! 

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly 1966 Produzioni Europee Associati

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Such a good film. Preview to upcoming blog post and no, it is not about a family get-together with your in-laws.

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How to be a Wedding Emcee: 2/2

Subtitle: When it all hits the fan!

Remember those worstcase scenarios I told you about? You do need be prepared to fill time in case those events happen. (Can you see me pulling from my Anchor days?)

For example: A tech problem occurs, music is non-existent and the DJ, or person in charge of music, is working to fix it. What is an emcee to do?

A)  Do Nothing. It will be fixed soon enough. Just ignore the awkward silence.

B)  Let the guests know there is a technical malfunction & the music will be back soon

C)  Reach into your bag of tricks

 If you guessed C, you’re right!

This is the time when a good emcee has something prepared. For my day I had the following in my back pocket.

1.   I did research on the historic venue we were in and was ready to educate the guests with a schpeel – which could have lasted from :30 seconds to 2:00 minutes.

2.   I had 1 “Get to Know the Bride & Groom” game that could easily fill 10-15 minutes.

I did not have to use any of these but I was ready if needed.

Here’s why A & B do not work.

A)  Do Nothing – this is dependent on the problem, when it happens and how long it lasts. If your music goes out in the middle of eating. You’re right give it a few minutes, you might not have to do anything. No worries.

But... If the music goes out in the middle of the YMCA – Buckle Up! Because it is about to get uncomfortable. You could give it about :30 seconds (which will FEEL like an eternity) and by that point YOU, THE HOST, need to step in with something.

B)  Let your guests know the Problem – Again, depending on when this happens during the evening. In the middle of the YMCA you can address it, but BRIEFLY! Don’t dwell and move on to your game. “We were partying so hard – We Broke the Music!”

Ultimately, Your guests should NOT know when something bad is going down. It makes them feel uncomfortable. 

My favorite Food Network celeb & cookbook writer, Ina Garten says your guests should never see you sweat. You should stay relaxed, which will in turn make your guests relax, which means they will enjoy themselves. You, as a host, can stay relaxed through practice, planning and PLENTY of preparation.

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How to Be a Wedding Emcee: Part 1

 “Less is More”

Repeat.

“Less is More.”

Again.

“Less is More.”

Now as a rhythmic repetitive yoga mantra: 

“Less is more less is more less is more less is more.”

Eventually your brain will start to believe this.

There is a lie out there. The Lie is: I need to talk A LOT to be a good speaker.

No, No, NO!

If someone tries to tell you this lie, run away! Run far away and FAST! This person wants you to fail!

Still believe the lie? Alright…

You can NOT tell me you have sat through a presentation, a speech or a wedding toast and thought, “Boy, I sure do hope they ramble on a little bit longer.” To Ramble On is only good when Led Zeppelin is involved.

I was recently honored when a bride and groom asked me to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for their reception. Now, to be completely honest I am actually a little bummed when I am asked to do this. Yes, I know, I just said I was honored and I was. But I take my role as “hostess” very seriously. I practice, I prepare and I plan for worst-case scenarios because bad things happen at weddings, we all know that. So I am not simply a guest. I am working at this wedding. Bummer, but I was still happy to do it.

Here’s the snapshot of an Emcee’s role: (When done correctly)

-The majority of what you will say will be at the beginning of the reception. “Welcome” – Wedding Guest FYI (ie: What to anticipate, Bathroom location, open bar closes at 11pm etc. This should take less than :60 seconds to say) – “Bridal Party Introduction.” – “Bride & Groom!” – “Time to eat.”

-Communicate to guests when something is about to happen: First dance, Special dances, Best Man Speech, Maid of Honor Speech, Cake Cutting, Garter toss, (insert other typical wedding reception events here.)

-Before you announce ABOVE events, make sure key players are in the room; Parents of the bride and groom, photographer, videographer.

That’s about it.

Really, it’s that simple. Notice I didn’t include: Make Funny Jokes, wax poetic about your own life or beliefs on marriage, recite a poem.

Why? Because It’s not about you! You are merely the Air Traffic Controller, guiding guests and wedding party on their magical evening together.

So if the lie is creeping into your psyche, if you are worried about what to say or making things longer - DON’T! Keep it short and sweet and move on! Everyone will think you are the best Emcee ever!

Here’s an example: “Ladies & Gentleman if you could please turn your attention to the head table, as we hear from the Best Man, Joe Blow.”

DONE! Really, It’s that easy. You get the guests attention, you tell them where to look, you introduce. Do not buy in to these other blog posts about giving some epic back story about the relationship between the groom & best man, that’s the best man’s job. If the groom asks you to say something that is one thing, but in most cases... don’t.

Part two: More on how to prepare when it all hits the fan.

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A sneak peak of an upcoming post: Lessons from a Wedding Emcee. 

I was honored recently when a couple asked me to be their Mistress of Ceremonies/Emcee for their wedding. Tips/Tricks/Lessons to come.

In the meantime here is one way NOT to lead a reception. As shown by Adam Sandler in 1998′s The Wedding Singer.

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#Repost @snowmass with @repostapp.
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Sweet shot from @motorun86 enjoying the view above the clouds at #Snowmass.

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Lessons from a Communications Coach: 

"How you gon' win, when you ain't right within." ~Lauryn Hill

Nope, it's not grammatically correct but you get the idea. You will not make any progress on the outside if you do not work on the inside.

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What James Beard & Julia Child can teach you about Public Speaking.

I recently found a second-hand copy of Julia Child’s, My Life in France. I love food and I love France, I knew I would like this book.

If you are not familiar, the book is Child’s autobiography which tells the back story of how she came to be the iconic TV Chef as we know her today. I am sure you know all about her resurgence in popularity from the recent book and movie Julie & Julia.

But how does this relate to presenting? I will tell you.

James Beard is an icon in the culinary world; some consider him the Auguste Escoffier of America (Google “Escoffier” if you do not know who I am talking about). Even if you are not a foodie you have probably heard of the James Beard award; a highly prestigious accolade given out to the best of the best in the culinary world. We have a few of those chefs right here in Denver.

Another fun fact about James Beard, he hosted the first cooking program ever to be featured on television. “I Love to Eat” was on in 1946 on NBC. Even with a good title – that gets right to the heart of the program - the show did not last long.

In her book, Julia explained what made Beard’s show not so great. Keep in mind these two were VERY close, personal friends. According to Julia, Beard’s knowledge in the kitchen did not come across well on camera. Here is an excerpt from her book.

“Jim Beard had done some experimental cooking shows sponsored by Borden’s Elsie the Cow, but although he had trained as an actor and opera singer, he came across as self-conscious on television. He would spend long silent periods looking down at the food and not up at the camera; or he’d say, “Cut here,” without explanation, rather than, “Cut it at the shoulder, where the upper arm joins.” Unfortunately, his shows never drew a large audience.”

Julia certainly did not have the same problem. What she did RIGHT were two things; first, she learned from the mistakes of others. Second, she practiced and prepared.

“We broke our recipes down into logical sequences, and I practiced making each dish as if I were on TV. We took notes as we went, reminders about what I should be saying and doing and where my equipment would be…” Child explained.

I am not saying Beard did not do the same thing as Julia, he may have prepared twice as long and worked twice as hard to be camera ready… but for some reason, his presentation did not translate well to his audience.

In addition to practice and preparation another reason Julia was good on camera, she included her audience (always keeping them in mind) in her thought process. She is not over-thinking it to the point of making herself frantic; if she stumbles over a word she kept right on going; very conversational, very real.

When I ran across this section of her book, I felt I had to share to MY audience so you could know – just because someone is an expert in their field, it does not mean they are an expert in sharing that information with others. 

Beard and Child, courtesy of JamesBeard.org - James Beard Foundation website.

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Coaching a client on another Continent AND 8 HOURS AHEAD has its own set of challenges. Thank goodness for the #Interwebs #PresentationCoach #PublicSpeaking #Global

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I just left a #Sketch parking lot with this heavy plastic bag & my car is going to smell like smoke for a WEEK! It must be #HatchChili season! #foodie #peppers #denver

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Because being #cheap & #sentimental can be a good thing! My 20 year old #PSC #babydoll dress is back in style - floral prints & all. Wore on my 1st day of #highschool wearing to #church today. #fashion Man I'm dating myself.

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“They’re really smart but man, they’re clueless.”

Subtitle: As Cher from Clueless put it, A big old Mess

You think you have it all together but you could be the one who is holding yourself back from advancing in your career. Let me explain...

The title of this post was, roughly, what my husband said to me after attending a recent conference. One of the benefits/disadvantages of being married to a former Reporter and current Coach is getting advice and criticism. 

My husband had a presentation to give at a national conference. His allotted time was 20 minutes, with five minutes for question and answer, so he had 15 minutes to speak.

He and I went over his report; what would work best in the allotted time, who was sitting in the audience and what would be realistic for a Power Point presentation. He also went through his speech, I took notes, gave advice on what was good and what could use improvement.

My husband must have been channeling me during the conference because he basically said… The people who presented were very smart, experts in their field, they had years of experience with their topic. The problem was… they could not pass along that information in a way that was relevant, cohesive or interesting. Therefore, they appeared as if they did not know the subject they were speaking on. Ouch! (See the Clueless connection?)

“They needed your help,” he said.

Have you witnessed someone like this? Can you relate to what I described? This is actually more common than you think. Presenting/Speaking is an art and skill and it takes practice… a whole lot of practice, guidance and an attitude of wanting to improve.

I wish I could give you specifics on what these folks did wrong so you can learn from it, but since I did not see it with my own two eyes I can’t.

I can tell you this, if you fall into this category of being an expert on a particular topic and you wonder if something is getting lost in translation - you have come to the right place.

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"Man, they're Clueless!"

Remember this scene from 1995's Clueless? My goodness I love this movie, it is also the perfect Metaphor for my next post. 

"She's a Full On Monet."

"What's a Monet?"

"It's like a painting, see? From far away it's okay, but up close it's a big old mess."

I bet you know a few people who fall into this category.

My post is coming up later today: Smart But Clueless

http://www.screenr.com/srf7

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I turned down the bucket but gladly made a donation within my 24 hour window, on CCFA.org. Have you made a donation? My #IceBucketChallenge

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What's in your Tool Box? Vicks? Altoids? Maybe some DERMAdoctor? 

Nothing like Real World experience to laser focus your mind on what you need to succeed. Recently I was the emcee for an Awards luncheon for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, I have done it for several years now. While I was getting ready I realized I have a tool box of items I bring with me every time I present. You can find these items in your home, medicine cabinet and your local mall. Take a look & see if you need to add these to your arsenal to succeed at Speaking.

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Part 5 of 5: You think you can wing it!

Subtitle: “No, no… hmm-mm, not like that you’re not.”

(see link below)

Will Smith & Kevin James in 2005 movie, Hitch.

I don’t know about you but my first day of High School was a little intense. As a freshman I was excited, I was nervous, I was clueless as to where my classrooms were… as I said Intense. By the first day of senior year – Cake Walk! Could do the “first day” of class in my sleep… heck, I think some of my classmates did.

The first few times you try anything new, it’s rocky. Even if you have a natural knack for it, chances are it will feel rough and you know you can do better.

As you read in an earlier post, you don’t want to over-think things and working with the media is not as hard as some believe… HOWEVER you can’t, CAN NOT go into a situation blindly. If you underestimate it and decide to fly by the seat of your pants thinking “It will all work out,” you will learn a very hard lesson.

I do not know why some people would do an interview with me without doing any prep work ahead of time, it happened all the time. Believe me, journalists can smell the unprepared from a MILE away.

Plan, Prepare and Practice, Practice, Practice. I always tell my clients, “It is better to sound scripted and rehearsed, than to improvise and be a hot mess.”

Speaking of Hot Mess, the inspiration for my subtitle from another Coach. (1:00)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bH0OXsmsbQ