The Elements of Persuasion

ANTI SLEAZE

What do you do when your opponent consciously decides to stir things up by launching attacks that are just this side of inciting a lynch mob? Or, because on this blog politics is viewed as a test bed for broader communications strategies, your company’s chief competitor launches a viral rumor campaign against your flagship product?

The best response is a calm and trusted voice that can set things right. It could be a CEO who steps forward (the Japanese are particularly adroit at that) but an endorsement from an outsider whose voice is broadly trusted by your target audience is much, much better.

This radio ad, running now in the battle ground state of Virginia, is a micotargeting masterpiece. And the music in the background ain’t half bad neither. Don't miss it.

A very big thanks to Kathy G or at The G-Spot for putting this up. Click over to her website and check it out. She has a lot more of Ralph Stanley’s music posted. My favorite? “Man of Constant Sorrow” which pretty much covers how many folks will be feeling when they open up that envelop and see their 401K statement latter this month.

RICHARD MAXWELL ON BBC'S "ANALYSIS"

A while back I did an interview with Frances Stonor Saunders for the "Analysis" program on BBC Radio. The show just aired in England (2-21-08) and is now available for download.

The show deals with the place of story in politics. Also interviewed for it were Robert McKee (Story) and Drew Wesson (The Political Brain) either of whom are worth the price of admission, but the star of the show is the interviewer, Ms. Saunders, who is smart as a whip and cut-to-the-quick incisive.

The program is VERY British (BBC, no duh, right?) but if you are willing to break out of your parochial American political box and see the big political picture you do not want to miss this show. I'm checking with some Brit friends to understand some of her references to the British parliamentary scene, but her references to the Clintons are spot on.

Of course the fact that Frances warmed to our five-element model and uses it through out only proves my point about her being "smart as a whip". 

To link to the shows website and download the podcast, CLICK HERE.

Or you can read a synopsis of it on the BBC print website here. Either way come back and leave me a comment to let me know what you think. BTW I'd also like to thank Innes Bowen, the shows producer, for making the experience so completely pleasant.

Richard Maxwell on the Peter B. Collins Show

Today, at 3:30pm PST, Richard Maxwell will be interviewed live on the Peter B. Collins Radio Show. Max will be taking live calls, and discussing how storytelling applies to how political candidates are getting their messages across.

The show will be available online after it airs on peterbcollins.com.