YOU’RE (STILL) ON MUTE!

We should be pros by now at this virtual meetings thing. And yet… “You’re on mute,” continues to be a standard phrase heard in any online gathering. Besides making sure people can hear you when they should, here are 3 tips to ensure you are presenting yourself professionally in the virtual meeting space.
Part of presenting yourself in the best light is by literally ensuring your lighting is good. A light source behind you, especially natural light, results in backlighting that leaves the presenter’s features in the dark. Lighting that is too bright can leave the participant washed out. Uneven lighting may result in harsh shadows. Ideally, the light source should be facing the speaker, but behind the videoconferencing camera.
No matter if you join a video conference from a laptop or smartphone, each presents challenges when it comes to camera height. The most common mistake is having the camera positioned too low and angled up at the speaker, which can create an unflattering view of the participant. The camera should be level with the speaker’s eyes, which enhances the feeling that he or she is speaking directly to the other participants.
Check your background! In military and law enforcement settings especially, items that appear in the background on walls or desks might contain confidential information. You are virtually inviting someone into whatever space you are in and providing access to your background. Hide sensitive info and tidy up. If it looks polished, you will too.

SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING

Content creation can be one of the biggest challenges for public information officers and social media specialists, but communicating professionally through a crisis can also be a chance to signal competence and build rapport with the public. Julie Parker Communications is presenting an intensive, one-day class in the Washington D.C. metro area titled Gaining Positive PR in a Negative World: Media and Social Media Training on Wednesday, September 29. Taking place at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, the course will be taught by Julie Parker and Chief Christopher Mannino of the Chicago area. More information and course registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gaining-positive-pr-in-a-negative-world-media-and-social-media-training-tickets-160241828623

MEDIA SHIFT IN CRIME REPORTING

With the recent announcement by the Associated Press that they will no longer be naming defendants charged with minor crimes, Julie Parker addressed in this Police1 article whether police departments should follow suit: https://www.police1.com/media-relations/articles/should-pds-identify-people-charged-with-minor-crimes-ZZikFyLQs5TGcMmw/

TELL YOUR STORY!

In March of this year, the Chatham, Illinois Police Department had a non-fatal officer-involved shooting of a man armed with a knife. In May, the Office of the Sangamon County State’s Attorney announced the use of deadly force by the officer justified. The police department chose to release dashboard camera video footage of the shooting to the public, and hired Julie Parker Communications to manage the public messaging, including the video production. The video, which includes an introduction by Chief Vernon Foli, excerpts from the 911 call by a family member, the dashcam video (including still shots and close-ups) and messages from Chief Foli, can be seen here:
https://www.facebook.com/193529183999166/videos/521905815499071

LIVE IN 3,2,1!

In July, Julie spent two days with the Naval Postgraduate Schools’ Center for Homeland Defense & Security conducting media training with some of our nation’s top leaders from the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement, emergency management, the fire service, and corporate America. One of the top takeaways from our time together was the mock interview section. Putting presenters to the test by facing “the media” (Julie enjoys playing the tough-as-nails reporter) can and does raise a presenter’s blood pressure and gets them practice in thinking very quickly on one’s feet. Julie and Chris Mannino will do the same for law enforcement commanders and public information officers in Nebraska next month – https://julieparkercommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Omaha-Training.pdf. Need law enforcement media/social media/crisis communications guidance? Reach out today! Contact – Julie Parker Communications