Many of us find ourselves saying things we didn’t mean to, intend to or just plain and simply regret. Some people call it word vomit, other blurts. But whatever it is, we are only human–and these things do happen, more often than we’d like.
So today I found myself in a presentation before a client. They were nice and all–lovely ladies, in fact, there was a sisterly-like affection and warmth that emanated from them. Of course, I can’t disclose who or what they are.
Thing is, this was a campaign to basically change people’s minds and persuade people to join. So after showing them wonderful ideas, here I go with a blurb–it went something like this–”perhaps with this people will think well maybe you’re not so boring after all.”
oops. my bad.
Thing is, I was in denial for a while. I even tried to laugh it off. But at the end of the day, a client is a client is a client. And you never, ever say or do anything that would piss them off, or else it could mean a loss.
I forgot to heed advise from Raju Mandhyan on appreciative inquiry. I had forgotten one of the basic tenets of being a Toastmaster–that there’s always a more positive, engaging, empowering way to express a negative.
On the other hand, I have yet to shake-off the unabashed and uncensored bluntness I seem to have acquired. For some reason, I find it tiring to mince words and sugar-coat. I just say what I almost damn well please.
Not always a good idea.
On the other hand, in the advertising and communications industry, why should we mince words with the client? They come to people like us, to advertising and public relations agencies for help. Isn’t the onus on us to give it to the client straight up and true THEN figure out how best to spin messages for the public? As my mom always says, it’s rare to find someone who’ll tell you the blatant truth in your face–and most of the time it’ll only be your immediate family who’ll do that to you. Why can’t it be the same for ad agencies and clients? If we care about our clients, we can tell them things as they are and surely they deserve to know.
Of course, there’s always another way.
Then again, there are also times when things that come out of one’s mouth is just plain wrong and awkward.
And when that happens, the best recourse is simply to say you’re sorry.
So no matter what it is, it’s always wise to take a deep breath first, clear the head and seek some nirvana before speaking. Don’t rush, don’t panic, and try to think before any word is uttered.
Life is too short to be lived wrong with weirdness in the words.
1 Comment
February 25, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hi Cha, how are you? Nice blog. Follow ko ito, hehe. Am in Manila right now.
Ely ng Palawan