Putting your foot in it

World cup fever is amongst us. Matches, reports, interviews, comments - its all happening. Clearly there is a great deal to talk about. Sadly the dexterity of the feet with the ball is not matched when foot and mouth come together. The papers are littered with 'gaffes', Comedy shows are awash with material at the moment quoting or mimicking the players and managers. It is open season! Now when you earn thousands a week, I guess it is less important to you. But just imagine if players were trained to speak with some element of skill. That would enhance the interviews no end. In some sports players are coached as it is as important to get the support of the public as it is to achieve in the arena. I have been asked to coach up and coming motor racing stars for example. The reason is simply because you are never judged solely on your specific skill, but as a whole package. Big money sponsorship deals go to those who can be evangelists for the product, ambassadors for their employers and communicators to the ever demanding media world. For most of us, the weekly salaries are more modest, our goals more business orientated and our speaking more local then global. But we are still judged as a whole package. Remember that next time you are invited to speak or give a presentation. It is not enough knowing the content, you need to know how to deliver that content. It is better to be in demand for your communication skills than to watch as someone else attracts the attention, the promotion and the glory!