poseycorp helps innovators become great communicators. (Sometimes by sending out helpful stuff in a newsletter.)
ISSUE 172
Truth and narratives
“Reality is a fiction with an unlimited budget.”
-- Hernan Diaz, Trust
Hernan Diaz’s Trustis one of my favorite narratives about narratives. It’s a brilliant unwrapping and unraveling of one powerful man’s attempt to shape the story of his life and accomplishments.
In the (many) years that I practiced public relations, I saw companies selectively parse the truth to create advantageous narratives. I saw other companies whose truths were ignored while narratives were created about them. I learned that perception is reality. I also learned that every company is a complex organization with good actors and bad actors.
Nonetheless, I reject the premise that all PR-created messages are “spin” devoid of authenticity. When you are on a podcast telling the truth about how much you love the work your team did, are you engaging in spin? Or are you authentically sharing your delight?
Sometimes, when we authentically share our delight, it makes the company’s reputation better. Does authentically told, truthful good news then become spin? And therefore become a bad thing? Nope. Good news is good news. Sure, sometimes that good news sits within the context of larger bad news, but it’s still good news.
I’ll always believe that authentic, truthful, good stories about great work deserve a place in a company’s narrative. I’ll always love helping spokespersons prepare to deliver those stories with enthusiasm.
“What a gift you are, Lisa!” said a thrilled PR leader after a session with her executive that was a true turnaround.
If you’d like great results, schedule a conversation with me! It’s easy! Reach me at inquiries@poseycorp.com.
Not sure how to crush your next presentation? Persuade that difficult customer or team member? Navigate tough questions from regulators, press, your boss? How about some pragmatic, actionable communications advice?
If you are a startup founder, an intrapreneur at a company, or a leader looking to grow, consider Office Hours with Lisa, a great way to get bite-sized, personalized communications coaching. Because your business must scale and you must scale with it. Because it’s the great communicators who create change!
