J. Michael BrowningI learned a lot this past month about how the law impacts media and communications. And as a communication professional, I am constantly looking for ways to engage an audience, promote a client's products and services, and generate buzz around their event or campaign—all while staying on the right side of the law. Of course, the line between legally acceptable communication and what isn't can be tricky to navigate; however, I've learned a few lessons along the way that I'd like to share.
Speak Truthfully
To engage your audience, it's essential to be truthful in your communications. However, it would be best if you also were careful not to make false claims or spread false information. If you're unsure whether something is true, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid sharing it.
Prioritize Ethical Behavior
As a communicator, it's essential always to be aware of how your actions could potentially impact others. So, before you hit publish on that press release, or post that Tweet, take a step back and consider whether or not what you're about to do is ethical. If you're unsure, don't do it.
Engage in clear communication
- When in doubt, over-communicate. It's better to be clear than risk saying something that could be interpreted the wrong way.
- Be aware of your tone. How you say, something can be just as important as what you're saying. If you come across as too harsh, condescending, or otherwise offensive, your message will likely be lost.
- Know your audience. This ties in with point two - if you know whom you're talking to, you can tailor your language and tone accordingly. Plus, understanding your audience will help you determine the best channels for reaching them.
- Use plain language.
Respond to Mistakes
Being proactive and responsive when a mistake happens can help mitigate any legal fallout:
- Take responsibility for the error.
- Issue an apology.
- Determine how to prevent the mistake from happening again.
- Make things right with those who were affected by the error.
- Put a plan in place to avoid future mistakes.
- Learn from the experience and move on.
- Be transparent throughout the process.
The Importance of Creative Communications
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages, it's more important than ever to create content that cuts through the noise. This means thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable. However, it's important to remember that there are legal implications to everything we do, so it's crucial to find a balance between creativity and staying within the confines of the law. Here are five things I've learned about how to do just that
Why Pushing Boundaries Creates Opportunities
When you push boundaries, you open up opportunities for creativity and engagement. You also show that you're willing to take risks, which can appeal to potential customers or clients. Of course, it's essential to ensure you're not breaking any laws in the process. Here are five things I've learned about how to do that:
- Always consult with a lawyer before sending out any communication, whether a press release or a Tweet.
- Make sure you have a solid understanding of the law and what you can and cannot say before creating any content.
- Know your audience and tailor your communications accordingly.
- Be careful not to make any false or misleading statements in your communications.
- When in doubt, avoid pushing too hard against the boundaries of what's legal.