Sparking Creative Thinking

Some days, I just don’t seem to have an original or creative thought. I agonize, collaborate or postpone the assignment.

But now I have a new approach, which is to ask lots of questions. According to Jeffrey H. Dyer, lead author of a study about great CEOs, which appeared in a recent issue of the Harvard Business Review, great CEOs “ask a lot more questions than your typical executive.” He was quoted in The Strategist’s winter issue.

As I reflected on some of the great leaders for whom I’ve worked, the advice makes sense. They always ask probing questions and accept nothing at face value.

Now I use those same questions when I’m trying to be creative or when I’m getting ready to present. I ask “Why?” “Why not?” “Why now?” and “What if?”

Those questions are just the spark I need.

Americans Continue to Increase Media Time

It’s good to know I’m no longer a nerd. I was growing worried since I frequently (okay, almost always) watch TV, work on my computer (writing this blog, perhaps?) and check my BlackBerry all at the same time.

Apparently I’m not alone.

Nielsen’s fourth quarter Three Screen Report, a regular analysis from Nielsen’s Anytime Anywhere Media Measurement initiative, reveals that the typical American continues to increase his/her media time, watching each week almost 35 hours of TV, 2 hours of timeshifted TV, 22 minutes of online video and 4 minutes of mobile video, while also spending 4 hours on the Internet. 

In addition, Americans now spend 35 percent more time using the Internet and TV simultaneously than they were a year ago – now spending up to 3.5 hours each month surfing the Internet and watching TV at the same time.

I’m not revealing how closely I’m in line with these findings. What I do know is that I still need at least one night a week where I shut off the electronic devices and read a good book (I love turning the pages and not on a Kindle) or writing in a journal with a pen (yes, they do still exist).

How wired are you? And do you take time to shut off your electronics?

SPJ Digital Media Handbook Now Online

I have three interns working for me this semester. One of them graduates in May with a degree in multimedia – a field that didn’t even exist when I attended college.

Today, if you don’t have multimedia skills or know how to manage those with such skills, it’s going to be difficult to find a job or advance.

In my day-to-day work, we take photos from the field and create mini scrolling slide shows. They look like a short video. It’s easy to do using Windows Movie Maker.  Creating online publications is easy, too, thanks to software, such as Publisher. We post videos that we created using a Flip Cam to our YouTube channel.

My point is that so many things that once required a large capital outlay and investment in time, can be accomplished cost effectively and with only a short investment in time.

So how you do you get started if you don’t know anything about this field? SPJ published “Digital Media Handbook, Part 1” online (of course!).

You can download it for free as a PDF.

What will you create?

Writing a Memorable Speech

Writing your own story is difficult. Now try telling a story in the voice of another person. That’s speech writing, and it’s a fine art.

I was cleaning out files and came upon my notes taken when speech writer Megan Rooney spoke at a VPW meeting. She has written for First Lady Michelle Obama and for Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton.

She noted, “Most people don’t have a distinctive voice. It’s really about clarity purpose and organization.”

So how does one achieve that? She gave three tips —

1)      Put your message in a story. Make it personal, if possible.

2)      Keep it simple. Use signposts, such as “here’s what I’m going to say.” Include facts. The key is to find the dazzling ones and use them.

3)      If possible, try to be a little dazzling.

Once you have done that in your speech conclude with a call to action.

What have you done to make your speeches memorable?

Speedy Voice Mail Slows Communications

I’ve resisted ranting on my blog. But this past week I’ve received several voice mail messages at the office in which the person speaks so quickly that I don’t get their name or phone number and then they disconnect.
 
Sorry folks. I don’t have time to replay your message repeatedly to figure out your name and phone number if you are going to speak at the speed of sound (pun intended).
 
An easy fix is to SLOW down when you leave your message. I do want to reply — even if it’s a cold sales call. You might be calling with a product or service on the very day I determine I need it. But if I can’t make out the phone number, it’s the delete key for you.
 
Another fix is for you to repeat your name (you could even spell it) and your phone number. That way I can fill in the missing blanks. 
 
Even better, use both options.
 
So slow down. It’s not a race. And you aren’t going to win if I can’t understand how to do business with you. 
 
I’m looking forward to your call.