The Flack

Every other Friday The Flack highlights changes and trends in the news, examples of communications practices and content we at BYRNE PR thought you might find useful. 

We hope you enjoy, and we always welcome your feedback.

Better Communication Through Neuroscience — With face-to-face communication extremely limited this year, the potential for miscommunication or misunderstanding has increased. But, fear not – neuroscience research has uncovered specific ways to fine-tune your message and make sure it is understood as you intended. This sharp article from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania will show you how to improve your communication in 15 minutes.

How to Use Fickle Social Media Trends for Lasting Business Benefits — Generally, chasing trends is not a good business strategy, but you still need to pay attention. It is important to watch trending topics on social platforms like Twitter and Facebook and be ready to pounce on opportunities when they arise. One reason to pay attention is a concept known to behavioral economists as “availability bias.” Read more about it in this excellent article by Melina Palmer of The Brainy Business podcast.

“Influencers Are Being Taken Advantage Of” And They’re Turning to Unions — Social media influencers are more prominent than ever. But they are solo practitioners who don’t have the advantages of other professions such as the support of labor unions. But that’s beginning to change. Earlier this year, fashion blogger Nicole Ocran and influencer expert Kat Molesworth teamed up to launch The Creator Union (TCU), the UK’s first union for digital content creators. In the US, an industry trade group named the American Influencer Council was launched this summer. To read more on this growing trend, check out this piece from The Guardian.

David Crosby Half-Apologizes for Dissing Eddie Van Halen — Being uninformed is usually a bad idea. Being famous, uniformed and too hasty in replying to tweets is always a bad idea. Last week, following the death of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, a fan asked David Crosby his opinion. Crosby responded by tweeting, “Meh.” This caused outrage from fans, eventually leading Crosby to apologize. In his apology, Crosby mentioned he did not realize Van Halen had died, causing more outrage. 

“Toobin” Takes on a New Meaning — At times life can seem like nothing more than a series of Zoom calls. We’ve provided several articles and tips about conducting effective video calls, but here are two basic concepts: 1.) Always assume the camera is on; and 2.) Keep your pants on. Apparently prominent legal analyst and CNN correspondent Jeffrey Toobin missed the memo.

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Careful, that’s a hot mic:

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman Offer Their Thoughts on Flyovers

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flack

noun

: one who provides publicity

flack

verb

: to act as a press agent or promoter for something

The word flack was first used as a noun meaning “publicity agent” during the late 1930s. According to one rumor, the word was coined in tribute to a well-known movie publicist of the time, Gene Flack.

The Flack highlights changes and trends in the news, examples of communications practices, and content we at BYRNE PR thought you might find useful.

We hope you enjoy, and we always welcome your feedback.

Americans Feel Overwhelmed by the News. Here’s How They Adapt — Americans are feeling overwhelmed by the volume of news and are often unable to sort out the facts and determine what’s most important. A key reason for this confusion involves the mixing together of news and non-news items on social media and online sites. Those surveyed say they adapt in various ways — from picking a few trusted sources to abandoning news altogether. These findings and more come from the latest Gallup/Knight Foundation study, American Views 2020: Trust, Media and Democracy.

Reading Too Much Political News Is Bad for Your Well-Being — Americans are consuming more news than ever — especially when it comes to politics. Turns out, this may be bad for your health and your relationships. In his column in The Atlantic, Harvard professor Arthur Brooks explains why this is happening and offers some helpful recommendations as we head into a busy month of news.

“Never Use Four Words When Three Will Do.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Writing — Ruth Bader Ginsburg served for 27 years as a Supreme Court Justice. She was known as a precise editor who took time to teach her law clerks to improve their writing. This quick read outlines the three strategies that made Ginsburg a great writer.

Body-Language Expert Breaks Down Fiery Trump, Biden Presidential Debate — Peter Drucker once said, “The most important thing in communications is hearing what isn’t said.” And that proved to be true in last week’s fiery debate between President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden. Body language expert Traci Brown breaks down the shrugs, finger pointing and word errors and explains what they mean.

10 Ways to Interact with the Audience During a Presentation — Presentations can be among the most intimidating and nerve-wracking assignments during your career. But presentations also offer opportunities to demonstrate communication and leadership skills. And interacting with your audience is a great way to keep their attention and drive home the key messages you need them to remember. In this quick article, executive speaker coach Doug Neff outlines 10 ways to interact with any audience effectively.

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An Obit Worth Reading:

Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Jr., Grandson of the 10th President, Dies at 95

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flack

noun

: one who provides publicity

flack

verb

: to act as a press agent or promoter for something

The word flack was first used as a noun meaning “publicity agent” during the late 1930s. According to one rumor, the word was coined in tribute to a well-known movie publicist of the time, Gene Flack.