Cool Customer

It is not in my nature to let others see me sweat; it’s just not how I operate. It’s partly my nature, but mostly my job that has turned me into a “let’s look at the bright side” kind of girl. You’ll never see my eyes tearing up as I run from the room—I save any tear shedding for when I go home. I’m the person sticking their finger in the dam while versing others on what great craftsmanship the structure has and how wonderful the men and women who constructed it all those years ago must have been. That doesn’t usually leave time for me to freak out about the impending doom that lies ahead.

Being in PR, as I am, one realizes quickly how important it is to not only be the voice of reason, but to look the part in the face of disaster. I often liken those in this field to a hybrid of an actor and a magician. They call you to look this way at something bright and shiny, all in an attempt to distract you from the disaster the other way. PR professionals are also the people who expertly craft messages when bad things happen and coach those who will be delivering them in front of a captive audience. Next time disaster hits, (which, lately it seems to happen daily) take a good look at the individual delivering the news. Watch their eyes, hand gestures; facial expressions and tone; all while remembering that each was very carefully orchestrated. You aren’t supposed to notice, that’s what makes it so fascinating.

There’s a distinct difference between who writes the message and who delivers it---they aren’t usually the same person. Any CEO, spokesperson or leader is often just the messenger, not the wordsmith. People forget this, because consideration is never given to the possibility of individuals scheming behind the scenes. Sure, the President is saying it, and obviously approved of it, but someone else stayed up late the night before, drinking Red Bull and proofreading until the early hours of the morning.

As someone who has always loved to write, sometimes it’s easier to write knowing that you aren’t the person who will ultimately deliver the message. There’s just not as much pressure involved when you realize you don’t have to speak those words—you are just the artist crafting them behind the scenes.

If you were to ask my co-workers if I’m constantly repeating anything, they’d say:

It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it

No matter where you go and what you do, you are a representative of this organization

I’m fairly certain I annoy everyone with my unnecessary repetitiveness, but I think the world could benefit from (and avoid a lot of undue drama) if they just remember these things. People often forget that words do matter—and they do hurt. Whoever came up with the “sticks and stones” adage, in my opinion, just wanted to come up with a catchy phrase to convince the playground bully that their feelings weren’t hurt. I say, you aren’t fooling anyone.