Staging Communication

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's "The Origin of the Species" in which he introduced his theory on evolution. To this day, the theory he set forth continues to generate debate and emotion. Though its evolution has not had nearly the thunder-clap reaction as Darwin's theory about the human species, the social science of public relations nevertheless triggers a great deal of attention as people from all walks of life deal with the day-to-day challenge of communicating effectively with others. One aspect of communication that continues to fascinate is the periodic need we all feel to stage what it is we want to say. One of the earliest examples of communication via a staged or media event was the Boston Tea Party. It was staged by the American Rebels as a way of showcasing their attitude about the so-called British tax policies. This historic event, of course, has become legendary in the telling and retelling of it.The rebels felt it was not enough to simply state their protest and reasons for it. This had been tried and did not elicit the public or British reaction they had hoped for. A staged event was the next strategy. A handful of men, some dressed as Indians, gathered, dumped tea into the Boston Harbor, and jump-started a national uprising the likes of which has never been seen before.

It is not, of course, governments or their leaders or even Hollywood publicists who also recognize the significant role staged events can play in showcasing a particular message or facilitating communication. All of us on a personal level stage events to better communicate with others all the time. Guys take gals to a fancy restaurant to propose marriage. People set candles at private dinners to help accent the serving and create a more intimate atmosphere. Young kids act all the time to showcase their feelings about something they disagree with or take exception to. There are, to reference a cliche, as many examples as there are stars in the sky.

All this is to say that staged events are not necessarily bad things if done well and produced with honest intent. They help communicate information in an effective and visually pleasing manner that can and often does resonate with audiences for a long time. Unfortunately, they can used to mislead and deceive. This is why they must be carried out with the utmost respect and regard for all to whom they are intended. Staged events, as it is with all vehicles of communication, can not and should take the place of the truth. They must be designed to showcase reality, not invent it.