Face off: Hotel staff taught to read guests’ body language

Posted on October 25, 2011 by mtw

Source: USAToday, Travel

Forget calling the front desk. If you’re a guest at an Affinia hotel, the staff will try to figure out what you need just by looking at you.

Starting this month, the boutique chain is bumping up personal service in its five hotels in New York City and one each in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Everyone from housekeeping to management will be tailoring his interaction with guests based on body language.

Click here to read the full story.

Creating And Conveying Your Media Message -Media Training

Posted on May 19, 2011 by mtw

You never want to go into a media interview, whether in person or over the phone, without a clear-cut media message in mind. I define a media message as something you can say in 30 seconds that includes the three key points you want to convey to your audience. You have a plan or a goal for everything else you do in business; you should have such a goal for media interviews, too.

“But TJ, there is no time. Reporters call me directly and I have to answer them off the top of my head.” Continue reading →

To Button Or Not To Button, That Is The Question -Media Training

Posted on May 12, 2011 by mtw

Should a man button his suit jacket when appearing on TV? If you look at Regis Philbin, David Letterman or Matt Lauer, the answer is NO. And yet most news anchors and other experts on TV do keep their jackets buttoned.

So which way is better?

As a general rule of thumb for TV appearances, I suggest following what the masters do. If it works for Regis, Dave and Matt, then do it. There is a nice, casual, friendly look to having your jacket unbuttoned and your tie out in the open. Continue reading →

Make Up Your Mind About Makeup -Media Training

Posted on May 12, 2011 by mtw

Why do you need to wear makeup when you go on TV? You aren’t trying to look like a Hollywood Hunk or Glamour Queen, right?

Unfortunately, you need makeup just to look like you. The bright lights in the studio and on top of the camera will distort your features. What looks like a close shave in person will look like a five o’clock shadow on TV, even if it’s only 9 a.m. Clear, normal skin will look splotchy, waxy and plastic on TV. Dark circles under the eyes become more prominent, freckles and shaving nicks that are barely noticeable in person also become much more apparent on TV. Again, with a little makeup, these imperfections fade away. Continue reading →