Smart Moves

Also in my PR Communication class, we each had to come up with a video encouraging high school seniors to check out UGA. We could take any approach, and my group decided we had had enough of boring, interview-type videos. So we trooped all over campus in ragtag Wizard of Oz regalia and filmed a Dorothy goes to UGA video. Click the link, watch it, laugh at my dance moves, and help me get extra credit for the most views!

Click this!

Today, I had one of the most humiliating experiences of my life. And, no, it did not involve my dance moves.

In my PR Communication class, our professor informed us we would be holding a press conference. Building off of our PAG project from Tuesday’s class- where our entire class worked as a team to create a background, media analysis, talking points, public statement, and RTQ for the public relations disaster that is currently AIG- three students would be chosen as representatives for AIG and the rest would serve as journalists.

No one wanted to be in the hot seat, obviously. Knowing my incredibly long history of having very bad luck, I knew I would be picked as a representative. So I was not surprised at all when my name was called.

Needless to say with five minutes notice, we were not prepared. And it was brutal. I was actually scared of some of my classmates. Questions were fired rapidly, all eyes on me, and all I could do was stare back.

What is interesting is, most would think I would be good at this. I have been spinning stories my entire life. If my sister and I got in a fight over Barbies, with both parties equally guilty, I would flip the story so convincingly she would get in trouble and I would get the Barbie. I can always think of answers quickly.

So, what was the difference? Knowing your subject and audience!

In previous spin cases, I knew what my parents or teachers or friends wanted to hear. I knew exactly what I did wrong, how to leave that out, and what not to say to tip them off.

Preparation is key. Learning from this experience, I will post this weekend some of the tougher questions, how I answered them, and how I think they should have been answered. 

I never want to feel unprepared again. And I am committed to assuring I never do.