Today's Frankenstein

It was 102 years ago when the famous - or should I say "infamous?" - novel, "Frankenstein," was published. Written, of course, by a young Mary Shelley, the novel, much like the Creature itself, has very much taken on a life of its own over the years. These days I have been re-reading this classic piece of literature and have been finding it to be as impressive as the first time I gave it a look-see. I cannot help but wonder what the author would think of the many ways in which her original vision has been depicted both on television and, of course, in the movies. I can only hope she would be amused and pleased.  

Looking at these present times, particularly as they apply to communication, I can see how we have created our own Creature. Social media is a perfect example, of course, but so, too, are more traditional vehicles of communication like television and radio and the print media. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein created the Creature with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, his creation became a monster that turned his life into a nightmare. While I would not characterize the vehicles of communication that many of us utilize these days as a "nightmare," I do see how they have been and are being used for ill.

Any time a person or government official uses them to deceive, hurt and/or squash others, then they are being no different or better than Frankenstein's monster. People, including leaders, have their own agendas and at times those agendas are not in the best interest of others. Instead, they use their giant megaphones to feed their own thirst for more power. We see this every day. At the same time, thankfully, we see examples of folks making use of our impressive communication tools to improve the lives of others. Selflessness versus selfishness. A struggle that has been going on for centuries. These days, the battle is more visible than ever.

Saying the Same Thing

When one serves as a press spokesman or press secretary, it does not mean they are the primary representative for their organization. It just means - usually - that they are the person who does most of the speaking on behalf of that which they represent. The primary or principal spokesman is the entity's chief executive officer, president, head honcho, owner or whatever title they may have. The spokesperson, under normal circumstances, is the voice and/or face for their organization. Again, under normal circumstances, the chief officer or president only speaks publically when the topic is significant enough for their personal involvement.

Presently, the United States and other countries are dealing with the coronavirus. Such a "topic" is worthy of the top executive's active involvement. In cases when the welfare of thousands and even millions of people is under threat, people prefer hearing as much as possible directly from the man or women who is in the position of greatest authority. In the case of the United States, it is The President. This is why these days The President is making such great use of social media and making himself available for interviews and press briefings on almost a daily basis. His efforts to communicate directly with citizens are designed to complement the outreach efforts of those that report to him and who are already doing much public speaking. For such outreach to be at its most effective, it is essential what all these folks who, in the case of the spreading virus, are speaking on behalf of the federal government are saying be coordinated. The information and perspectives they share must be in unison.

When whatever the chief officer says is contradicted by a person under him or her, then the validity of that information is immediately suspect. It loses its impact. Who should people believe? Such uncertainty makes the crisis worse. As I write this, there seems to a growing gap between the words of Trump and those that report to him who also are speaking on to the nation. Quick example: It remains unclear when citizens will be able to be tested for the virus. Different people seem to be saying different things. There is nothing wrong with having multiple spokespersons so long as they are saying the same thing.

Cut, Paste & Copy

These days it is difficult to find much being written about anything other than the corona virus. Understandably so. As I write this, worldwide it has already touched the lives of over 300,000 people, claimed the lives of nearly 13,000, including over 300 in the United States, and had a significant negative impact on economies throughout the world as well. It remains a major problem that scientists and government leaders are continuing to grapple with virtually every moment of every day. At present, we are still being told it may not be till the end of 2020 or beginning of 2021 when an antidote to the virus is ready for public consumption. Fingers crossed indeed.

As a sharp change of pace, in this entry I wanted to acknowledge the passing of Larry Tesler, a chief scientist with Apple who passed away in February at the age of 74. Tesler is credited with inventing the command of cut, paste & copy. Nowadays nearly every computer-user who spends any time writing on his or her lap top or desk computer can probably utilize the cut, paste & copy command with their eyes closed. (Full disclosure: I can't. Even for something as basic as this, I need my eyes wide open.) Nevertheless, for anyone who has used this command as part of an attempt to write a paper or report, for instance, having the ability to cut, paste and copy text into their initial drafts has been nothing less than a most marvelous invention.

Thank you, Larry Tesler. Your smarts has made the lives of so many of us so much easier. This includes saving us an enormous amount of time by being able to insert text from an earlier draft into what we may be working on at the moment. For one such as myself who is a bit phobic when to comes to matters of technology, all of us remain very much in your debt. Something all of wish for in our lives is that we will be remembered for making a positive contribution to mankind. Big or small. You did that, Larry Tesler. I bet not a day passes when someone somewhere does not take advantage of your creation. What a great gift you gave us!

Social Distancing

Thank you, coronavirus. Thanks to you a new catch-phrase that has entered the scene: social distancing. It refers to the purposeful act of keeping one's self physically separated from others. Because of the virus, experts are urging folks to try and keep a six-foot distance from others. "Social distancing," however, alludes more to one's self-quarantining one's self; keep going out in public to a minimum. The thinking is the more we can all do to keep our interactions with others to a minimum, the better are our chances of either not catching the virus or not passing it onto others. All of us are in favor of that. Right? If so, the question then becomes: how good of a job do we do in following it?

Keeping one's distance from others is not as easy as it may sound. For instance, how long and how often can one telework from the office? How long and how often can one postpone trips to the grocery store, especially when you are running low on food and you know if you do not go on a regular basis, then the chances are you will find little else but shelves that are empty? How long and how often can one go without physically connecting with others, especially close friends and family members? All of us are, by nature, social creatures. We need interactions with others even if they are with others we either do not know or know all that well.

It is not enough for authorities to tell us we must practice "social distancing." To really dive into the heart of the matter, including its literal implications, requires a heavy-duty outreach campaign. People need to be educated as to exactly what it means and entails and why it is important. Such key phrases in such an effort need to be "sacrifice" and "greater good." Those of authority and with the biggest bullhorns, including our President, need to be sympathetic to what they are asking of all citizens, while at the same time firm in explaining exactly what it means and why it is important when it comes to dealing with the coronavirus.

The Power of Credibility

The other day I entered a room in our house that I had gone into countless times before. I flicked on the light switch only to have the light not go on. The light bulb had run its course and needed to be replaced. No big deal. Fortunately, it turns out that even I know how to change a light bulb. Reflecting on that, particularly in these times of a possible pandemic in the world, including the United States, the light bulb incident serves as a clear reminder that none of us should take anything for granted these days. What has been in-place up till now does not mean it is going to be in-place tomorrow.

As scientists strive to produce an antidote for the coronavirus, how well all of us manage the reality of the virus and the challenge of remaining in good-health, rides on the credibility of our sources of information. Believing what national leaders say serves as a strong resource in times of uncertainty. Their words can help keep us calm and confident that things will be okay. If, however, what they say is not accurate or timely, then the challenge of dealing with the virus is made worse. It erodes confidence and, taken to an extreme, can cause panic. Obviously, such a turn would not be of help to anyone.

For leaders to be effective, they must be credible. There is a direct link between doubt and chaos. With literally millions of people focusing on what to do to successfully cope with the virus, their actions are largely dependent upon their principle sources of information. What makes this particularly dicey in the U.S. is the fact the country's current leadership has a credibility problem. It has a reputation for lying. As a result, the challenge of contending with the virus is made harder. Given this, the good news the leaders, I believe, are trying to do what is right and citizens are continuing to look to them for guidance and assurance. While I believe we will eventually get through this, the path to that better place is not as straight as it could or should be.

Communicating Well in a Crisis

"Coronavirus" is very much the talk of the town these days. And rightfully so. It is spreading and leaderships throughout much of the world are working to stop it in its tracks. A big part of this effort is coming up with an antidote for it. At present, we are being told that may not happen for as much as another year. That is not good, of course, but at least scientists are working on it. In the meantime, as I see it, three basic questions remain on the table: What should we all do? What steps are being taken to contend with this mounting crisis? and Exactly how serious is this virus?

As I write this, officials have put forth responses to these questions but not nearly in ways that seem to adequately quell the growing concerns of the masses. One of the great enemies of any crisis situation is misinformation. The more misinformation that is spread or allowed to fester the more intense it makes the initial problem. This is why credibility is essential in such situations as this. It is also why it is vital for key information to be communicated by persons who are viewed as being trustworthy, knowledgeable and caring. Any doubts listeners may have in the integrity of the sender of information, then the risk of having whatever information they are sharing compromised increases greatly. 

Here in the United States, our primary sources of information have a credibility problem. Up till now, their track record when it comes to honesty about a wide range of issues has been spotty at best. Consequently, at this time when we so desperately want to believe what they say, it is difficult. What can they do? What can we do? The administration needs to speak with one voice. That "voice" needs to speak with compassion, authority and with the best interests of the general public in-mind. No time for pettiness. Whether leadership can do this remains to be seen. If not, then a difficult challenge is going to be made even more so. If they can, then truly hearing what they are saying will be made all the easier.

Issues of the Day

Lots of big headlines. Lots of communication efforts. Between the current U.S. presidential election season and the growing coronavirus, for all of us with front-row seats or, in some cases, who are on the front line, it is a fascinating and even educational time to be witness to these issues as they pertain to communication. In the one case, there are a group of folks are campaigning to eventually become president of the United States. On the other, a life-threatening virus has crossed the borders of America and has begun infecting folks. Between the two, they are giving all of us insight into the complexities and importance of straight-forward and timely communication.

In the case of the campaign, the choice within the Democratic Party as to who will be its nominee are narrowing down, primarily, to two candidates. Both individuals, former vice president
Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, are well known figures. Their styles of communicating are already established in the eyes of the general public. Biden's is more folksy while Sanders is more what I would call "in-your-face." Between now and when it will be decided as to which one will go up against President Trump in the general election, it is worth noting that their success will largely be determined by their style of communicating and how well it is received by voters.

Regarding the coronavirus, how well the general public contends with it will also largely be determined by how clearly and openly information about it is shared. Besides the obvious threat of the disease itself, the virus is a serious communication challenge. It is essential that those in positions of public authority who speak of it must do so with pinpoint accuracy by basing what they say on facts, not unsubstantiated conjecture. In any potential crisis situation, truth and openness need to be the driving engines. This is why those who do speak of it to wide audiences must be credible. Ultimately, how well they do their job will determine how well the public takes step to maintain its health.