Remember to say please and thank you
When your friends describe you, does the word “nice” ever make an appearance? I remember when I used to go to camp as a young girl, we used to do an activity where we’d go around the cabin and share things we liked about each person, most likely intended to help us see a positive image of self. Regardless of why we did this activity, one of the frequently used adjectives was the word “nice.” At the time I remember thinking, “Well everyone’s nice, so how does that set me apart?” In reality, you’d be surprised at how much being nice can set you apart.
Do you use the words “please” and “thank you” very often? When working with the media, being nice and including the words “please” and “thank you” can make all the difference in the world.
Whether you’re communicating via phone or email, journalists tend to be short and quick in their replies as they are extremely busy. On top of developing, researching and writing stories at a fast pace to make their deadlines, they literally have hundreds of people asking them for coverage every day.
So how can you make their life a little easier? Be a pleasure to work with!
- Be nice. Did the reporter snap at you? Shake it off and move on. Did you make a mistake and the reporter is offended? Apologize and ask if there’s something you can do to remedy the situation.
- Include the words “please” and “thank you” in your conversation or email – especially if they confirm coverage. You don’t have to fall all over yourself, but incorporating these words into your correspondence shows the reporter that you know they’re doing you a favor.
You’d be surprised at how many people don’t remember their manners when working with the media. Being friendly and appreciative never hurts, and usually puts others in a better mood, which ultimately makes your job easier, too!
Photo Credit: vistamommy