[youtube]https://youtu.be/KCHezNfu3Wg[/youtube]
- Don’t rant. Watch the above video about former head football coach Jim Mora. The video is entitled, “ESPN First Take – Jim Mora Rant: “Saints’ Season Is Not Over.” It is not positive when people characterize your response to an answer as a “rant.” Imagine the reactions from clients, employees and the media if a business executive answered a question in such fashion.
- Don’t let temperament overshadow. Your tone and temperament, when viewed poorly, can overshadow your efforts to educate the public with your key messages. Temperament was a topic in this election year’s first presidential debate.
- Don’t be awkward. When you answer a question with a rush of adrenaline, you risk creating an awkward and uncomfortable environment for those watching and surrounding you.
- Don’t entertain too much. You’re not playing the role of a reality TV star. Viewers should consider you interesting. However, that’s different from viewers considering you entertaining due to high-octane emotions.
- Don’t be the conversation. When your tone turns into the topic, you instead of your key messages become the conversation.
- Don’t risk reputation. When your temperament is in question, people will hold this against you. Ask former presidential candidate Howard Dean.
- Don’t confuse passion with emotions. Showing spirit and passion is different from a rant or emotions the public might describe as out of control.