Facebook's Community Standards
Facebook provided more detailed "Community Standards," which include the social network's approach to government requests. Requests for data and to restrict content were up to 35,051 in 2014.
The new guidelines specify what's acceptable and unacceptable in four categories:
- Keeping you safe (e.g., self-injury, bullying and harassment)
- Encouraging respectful behavior (e.g., nudity, hate speech)
- Keeping your account and personal information secure (e.g., authentic identity, fraud and spam)
- Protecting your intellectual property.
The Community Standards are particularly relevant this week, as a Penn State fraternity was suspended for having photos of nude women and other offensive images on "secret" Facebook pages.
Discussion Starters:
- What is the purpose of the Community Standards? Identify three or four specific communication objectives. Consider all of Facebook's many constituencies.
- Which of the Standards do you find most and least clear?
- Assess the video above. What's your view of the content and graphics?
Hillary Clinton Discusses Personal Email Situation
At a news conference, Hillary Clinton describes how she used her personal email account while she was Secretary of State, a position she left two years ago. Clinton says she used one account (one device) for all emails for "convenience."
Her view is that work-related emails were sent to .gov accounts, so they are saved. For others, she says she followed the federal guidelines that "for any government employee, it is that employee's responsibility to determine what's personal and what's work related."
Clinton says she regrets not using two separate devices but is glad that her personal email will become public. She sounds confident that no wrongdoing will be uncovered. According to The New York Times, about 30,500 personal emails have been given to the State Department in December, but another 32,000 have been deleted.
The Times article also questioned her explanation of wanting to carry just one device:
"Mrs. Clinton's explanation that it was more convenient to carry only one device seemed at odds with her remark last month, at a technology conference in Silicon Valley, that she uses multiple devices, including two kinds of iPads, an iPhone and a BlackBerry. She said then: 'I don't throw anything away. I'm like two steps short of a hoarder.'"
Discussion Starters:
- How do you think this controversy might affect Clinton's pending candidacy for president?
- What's your view of The Times' criticism of her carrying just one device, although she says she doesn't throw old devices away. Is this the same thing?
Entertainment Weekly Ranks Oscars Speeches
Entertainment Weekly has ranked the Oscars speeches from best to worst. Garnering the top spot is Graham Moore, who won for the Best Adapted Screenplay, The Imitation Game. Moore's speech is a lesson in vulnerability, a topic that will be covered in the 10th edition of Business Communication.
Second best was J.K. Simmons' speech, accepting the award for Best Supporting Actor in Whiplash.
More speeches this year seemed to have a theme or message for us. These first did as well as the third and fourth ranked on ET's list:
- John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn, who won for Best Original Song for Selma, "Glory." Performer John Legend also said, "Selma is now, because the struggle for justice is right now."
- Patricia Arquette, who won for Best Supporting Actress for Boyhood. She said, "To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights. It's our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America." Perhaps more notable than Arquette's words was Meryl Streep's reaction:
Discussion Starters:
- Read the rest of Entertainment Weekly's list, particularly the ones at the bottom. Do you agree with the order and comments? Too harsh?
- A few years ago, I remember people getting angry about winners using the stage to promote political and other agendas. Do you think that has changed? Or, what makes these speeches different?
Head of School's Snow Day Video Message
Wow, 2 million views for this headmaster's "School Is Closed" video on YouTube. A parody of Disney's "Let It Go" from "Frozen," the song is catchy and has attracted lots of attention. Time magazine tweeted the video, which could explain its popularity.
A graduate of Moses Brown school, a 231-year-old Quaker school, Matt Glendinning has two young girls who affirmed the video. According to Glendinning, "They love it. That actually was my first big litmus test. After it was done, my 8-year-old said, 'That is awesome.' So I thought, 'OK, we're cool. We're going to be alright.'"
Discussion Starters:
- What risks did Glendinning take when making this video?
- Do you find it funny, endearing, goofy, all of the above, none of the above, or something else?
AirAsia CEO Apologizes for Lost Flight
In a news conference, CEO Tony Fernandes apologizes to the families of victims of the lost AirAsia flight. Fernandes responds to questions about the cause and compensation generally, but promises not to "run away from our obligations or hide behind any conventions. We will be there for the staff. . . [correction] for the families, even after all of this is over."
The Washington Post describes Fernandes as "a flamboyant Malaysian-born, British-educated former Warner Music executive, [who] had dreamed of operating his own budget airline since he was in school." He describes the lost flight as a "scar with me for the rest of my life."
The airline is suffering further embarrassment because of an in-flight magazine ad that bragged about the pilots' superior training: "well prepared to ensure [their] plane will never get lost." The article was published soon after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.
Discussion Starters:
- Assess the news conference. How well did Fernandes handle the questions?
- At some point, he says that having families where they are trying to evacuate will "complicate" the process. What's your view of this statement?
McDonald's Latest Food Video
The latest McDonald's video describing how its food is made features Chicken McNuggets. Part of the series, "Our Food, Your Questions," the video shows the ingredients and process of making this popular McDonald's item.
McDonald's sales continue to falter. Although better than some analysts' projections last month, the company has been losing revenue. This campaign is an attempt at transparency-to address customers' long-standing questions openly and directly. So far, the results are questionable.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of the latest video? What is effective and what is ineffective in conveying McDonald's message?
- How, if at all, does the video change your view of Chicken McNuggets?
- What else could the company do to improve the image of its food?
Bill Cosby Falls into the Streisand Effect
Bill Cosby is having a tough month. Allegations of rape are haunting him, and he is trying not to respond. During a video interview with the Associated Press, the celebrity was put in a difficult position: He didn't expect questions related to these allegations, yet he got him. With his wife by his side, he gave few-word answers, sticking to his strategy of not engaging reporters' questions.
But then he made a fatal mistake, asking for the interaction to be cut from the published video. As crisis communication experts could predict, this made the clip far more alluring.
Cosby could use a lesson in the Streisand Effect. The phenomenon was named after the singer and actress Barbra Streisand filed suit against an organization that maintains photographs of the California coastline, which includes her Malibu estate. Rather than hiding the location, the suit had the opposite effect: People were increasingly motivated to find out where she lived and what he home looked like. Without the attention, experts say, few people would care.
During the interview, Cosby made such an issue of trying to squelch his non-response to the questions that the clip became newsworthy. He sounds silly and defensive-and we like that in a fallen star.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of the interview? What could Cosby have done differently?
- What other observations do you have about interactions during this segment?
Voice Tone, Perception, and Salary
Researchers at UCLA and Duke University's Fuqua School of Business are discovering how voice tone affects careers.
In a Duke study, researchers found, "Women exhibiting a lowtched, creaky voice known as 'vocal fry' are considered less competent, educated, trustworthy, attractive, and hirable."
In a UCLA study, researchers found that charismatic leaders use their voice to their advantage. While some characteristics of charisma are in-born, others can be developed.
Acoustic scientist Rosario Signorella, interviewed by in a Wall Street Journal article, emphasized a leader's ability to manipulate his or her voice:
"My research shows that charismatic leaders of any type in any culture tend to stretch their voice to the lower and higher limits during a public speech, which is the most important and risky context of communication for leadership. . . . The voice is a tool that can be trained. Singers and actors train their voices to reach higher or lower frequencies. A leader-speaker should do the same."
A related Duke study analyzed 792 male CEOs in major companies and found that those with lower voices made more money, managed larger firms, and stayed in their CEO positions longer.
Discussion Starters:
- Why would male CEOs with lower voices enjoy such positive career outcomes? What's at play here?
- The UCLA study and second Duke study included only males. What, if any, conclusions might be drawn for women?
Takata Answers Questions About Faulty Airbags
After weeks of recalls, airbag manufacturer Takata was pressed to answer questions at a Senate Hearing. Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance Hiroshi Shimizu apologized:
"Even though millions of Takata air bags have inflated properly, saving lives and avoiding serious injuries in hundreds of thousands of accidents, any failure of an air bag to perform as designed in an automobile accident is incompatible with Takata's standards for highest quality assurance. We are deeply sorry and anguished about each of the reported instances in which a Takata air bag has not performed as designed and a driver or passenger has suffered personal injuries or death. Our sincerest condolences go out to all those who have suffered in these accidents and to their families."
Shimizu took the brunt at one point from Senator Dean Heller of Nevada: "I think there was something amiss in your testimony and that was that nowhere does Takata say they take full responsibility. Does Takata take full responsibility for this tragic defect?" With an explanation about anomalies, Shimizu responded, "Yes."
The airbags have caused at least five deaths and many injuries, and the problem seems to be dragging on. It could take years for the recalled bags to be fixed, and the company hasn't yet found a solution.
Discussion Starters:
- Assess the Senate Hearing questions and answers. What, if any, part do you think cultural differences play in the executive's responses?
- Why isn't the CEO, Shigehisa Takada, responding to questions?
- What's the relationship between Takada (the CEO) and Takata (the company name)? (Hint: The explanation is similar for Toyota and its CEO.)
Florida State Responds to Shooting
At about 12:30 a.m., someone entered a library at Florida State University and shot four bullets. Three people were injured, and the gunman was shot dead by police when he failed to put down the gun and shot at one of the officers.
Tallahassee and university police officers assured people that the campus is safe, emphasizing that this was an "isolated incident" with "one person acting alone."
Messages on FSU's emergency alert page described the situation and announced that classes were cancelled for today. The site included this statement from the university president.
MESSAGE FROM UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT JOHN THRASHER REGARDING CAMPUS SHOOTING
The Florida State University community is extremely saddened by the shootings that took place early this morning at Strozier Library, in the very heart of campus, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have been affected.
The three students who have been injured are our highest priority followed by the needs of our greater university community. We will do everything possible to assist with their recovery.
Over the past few hours, I have received several briefings from administrators and law enforcement regarding campus safety and security, and they have established that this was an isolated incident. Florida State University and Tallahassee police departments have done an extraordinary job taking quick and decisive action to prevent further tragedy, to secure the scene and to keep campus safe. They have assured me that there is no further threat.
We are increasing security measures and providing a strong law enforcement presence on and around campus today. I have great confidence in the abilities of our local law enforcement agencies to handle this matter.
As we try to make sense of what is a senseless incident, the Counseling Center and Employee Assistance will provide counseling and support for FSU faculty, staff and students affected by these events. Should anyone need or desire such services, please contact the center at the Askew Student Life Building or call (850) 644-2003.
We will continue to share information with you regarding this matter as it becomes available.
Discussion Starters:
- Analyze the three police officers' statements in the news conference. Although we see only short segments, describe their roles in providing information. How did they divide content, and do you find the information useful and relevant?
- What should be the university president's next step in communication?
NYC News Conference About Ebola
A news conference at Bellevue Hospital addressed the situation of the NYC doctor diagnosed with Ebola.
Mayor Bill de Blasio opened the conference by immediately allaying fears:
"Today, testing confirmed that a patient here in New York City had tested positive for Ebola. The patient is now here in Bellevue Hospital. We want to state at the outset – there is no reason for New Yorkers to be alarmed. Ebola is an extremely hard disease to contract. It is transmitted only through contact with an infected person's blood or other bodily fluids – not through casual contact. New Yorkers who have not been exposed to an infected person's bodily fluids are not at all at risk. And we want to emphasize that New York City has the world's strongest public health system, the world's leading medical experts, and the world's most advanced medical equipment.
"We have been preparing for months for the threat posed by Ebola. We have clear and strong protocols, which are being scrupulously followed and were followed in this instance. And Bellevue Hospital is specially designed for isolation, identification, and treatment of Ebola patients. Every hospital in the city is prepared in the event that other patients come forward."
Referring to the situation in New York as "a world apart from the scene that unfolded in a Dallas hospital last month," a New York Times article complimented Bellevue Hospital's handling of Dr. Craig Spencer's case. Using verbs such as "whisked," the writer explains how the New York hospital improved protocols for handling Ebola patients. The Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital is still recovering from criticism.
Discussion Starters:
- Watch the news conference or read the full transcript. What principles of persuasion did the mayor and governor use to assure the public of safety?
- What different roles did people play during the news conference? Who covered which information?
- What else could have been included in the conference? Is anything missing?
Ferguson Police Chief's Video Apology
It's a little late, but Chief of Police Thomas Jackson apologized to the family of Michael Brown, the teenager who was shot on August 9, 2014. Wearing casual clothes rather than a police uniform, Jackson spoke to the camera to deliver his message.
Jackson explained, "The reason we did a taped statement was because there was a lot that I wanted to say, and I wanted to make sure that it was clear. It's harder to do these things out in public." In the message, Jackson acknowledged public mistrust, which some say is irreparable.
Critics on Twitter and Rev. Al Sharpton weren't impressed.
Rev. Sharpton said the response was "too little, too late."
About the delay, Jackson said that he had been wanting to speak with Brown's parents directly for some time. And about his choice of clothes, Jackson said, "It's just me."
Discussion Starters:
- Consider Jackson's options for an apology. Consider the audience, objectives, timing, medium choice, and so on.
- What's your view of the apology video? How do you think the family responded?
Alibaba Chairman's Early Pitch
Bloomberg has unearthed Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma's early pitch to 17 friends back in 1999. Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce company, just went public with the largest IPO in history, making Ma one of China's wealthiest people.
In this short segment, Ma positions Alibaba as a global company, encourages an American work ethic, predicts the Internet bubble, and sets his IPO plan for 2002.
Discussion Starters:
- Watch more recent videos of Jack Ma. What differences and similarities do you notice?
- Watch Jack Ma's presentation at Stanford. What key messages do you hear? How would you rate Ma as a public speaker?
NFL Goodell's Press Conference Doesn't Go Too Well
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference about the organization's policies on domestic violence. A week after apologizing for not being tough enough during the Ray Rice situation, Goodell tried to respond to continuing criticism and unanswered questions, but critics were harsh.
The entire conference is captured here by Fox News. His speech begins at 21:25.
Here are some highlights:
- Started with another apology: "I got it wrong in the handling of the Ray Rice matter, and I'm sorry for that."
- Outlined steps taken, including asking for an independent investigation, and promised "swift action" based on those findings.
- Described information distributed about support organizations and education sessions planned for staff to be followed by training programs.
- Said the league recognizes sexual assault and domestic violence issues and has entered into parternships with a hotline and resource center.
- Promised to condemn and punish illegal behavior.
Then Goodell talked about our legal system and that "everyone deserves a fair process." He promised changes to their conduct policies by the Superbowl and said, "nothing is off the table." He complimented players, coaches, and staff and focused on "positive, significant changes going forward."
Press questions focused on his unilateral power, questioned whether the NFL asked for the entire Ray Rice video as claimed (34:40 and 45:00) and what Rice told him 41:20), pondered whether Goodell is holding himself accountable and whether he has considered resigning (37:10 and 38:00). In response, Goodell said he has no plans to resign and focused on the "work to be done."
Critics said Goodell is not doing enough and skirted tough questions.
Discussion Starters:
- Do you find Goodell believable, particularly about the Ray Rice situation?
- Watch the exchange starting at 45:40. The reporter pushes Goodell to consider why the Rice situation was difficult (46:33). Could Goodell have approached the question differently?
- Overall, what could Goodell have done differently to get better reviews of the press conference? Consider both his initial statement and how he handled the Q&A.
- Should Goodell resign?
Assessing 2014 Emmy Speeches
Entertainment Weekly ranked the 23 acceptance speeches from the 2014 Emmy Awards. Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston (Lead Actor in a Drama Series) topped the list:
"It was Cranston's night. He had the perfect amount of humility ('Even I thought about voting for Matthew'), humor ('I love you, especially those scenes in bed,' he told Anna Gunn) and inspiration ('find your passion, Sneaky Petes')."
Entertainment Weekly also complimented Aaron Paul, who won for best supporting actor in Breaking Bad:
"Using his Emmy acceptance speech to express his love for Cranston and praise his wife was nice. But really, he gets this high up for having the best exit, jogging backward and pumping his trophy into the air."
Other speeches were deemed too short, too long, cute, safe, uneventful, memorable, etc.
Discussion Starters:
- Which was your favorite speech? Why?
- Watch the last couple on Entertainment Weekly's list. Is the criticism justified?
How (Not) to Avoid Reporters' Questions
Technical glitch or avoiding the question? Pundits are debating whether former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren really couldn't hear Andrea Mitchell's question.
Mitchell (MSNBC): "And I just have to ask you very briefly, in ten seconds, were you aware any of eavesdropping on John Kerry by Israeli intelligence?"
Oren: "Andrea, I cannot hear you. I'm sorry." [ear piece touch] "[utterances] I'm in Tel Aviv. I cannot hear you. I'm sorry."
Oren was still the Israeli ambassador at the time of the alleged eavesdropping.
Huffington Post compiled a video of embarrassing question evasions. And this reminds me of the woman who hid under her desk to avoid a reporter. Not the best option.
Discussion Starters:
- Do you believe that Oren couldn't hear? Explain your response with evidence from the video.
- If Oren was simply evading the question, what would have been a better strategy for managing the question?
GM CEO Faces More Tough Questions
Appearing at the House committee hearing, GM CEO Mary Barra was prepared to answer questions following an internal investigation. Barra announced 15 terminations and additional disciplinary action based on the report findings and promised "no stone unturned." She also discussed creating a "new standard," a "new norm."
But Barra was challenged on how she'll change the culture considering her own 30-year tenure and the small number of people terminated. Emphasizing "the right environment," Barra said these terminations "send a message." Watch video.
Lawmakers also pulled emails from 2005 to prove the depth of the internal problem. One email was from an employee who owned an Impala:
"I think this is a serious safety problem, especially if this switch is on multiple programs. I'm thinking big recall."
It wasn't until just this past week that the Impala was recalled.
Although Barra was hopeful that the report would be a turning point in lawmakers' concern, committee members, such as Colorado ongresswoman Diana DeGette, were still skeptical:
"The report does not answer all the key questions. . . .The report singles out many individuals at G.M. who made poor decisions or failed to act, but it doesn't identify one individual in positions of high leadership who was responsible for these systemic failures."
In an interview, Barra sounded proud of the new culture they were creating at GM.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of Barra's approach at this point? Should she or can she do something differently?
- How well are the lawmaker's handling the line of questioning? What should be their approach at this point?
New Doctor's Commencement Speech
I've seen enough "had them in stitches" jokes about this speech, but it is quite funny. Bailey Sanders was chosen by her classmates at Penn State's College of Medicine to deliver this year's student commencement speech.
The success of Sanders' speech, in my opinion, rests on one factor: the writing. Poignant, colloquial at times, yet sprinkled with dramatic flourishes, the speech reads like a clever short story. The delivery and timing are nothing special, but Sanders is who she is-that's clear.
Regret is the theme of Sanders' speech, and she starts with her one regret, studying French:
Discussion Starters:
- What makes Sanders' speech funny to you-or not? Describe your reaction.
- In Chapter 11, we talk about humor in presentations as a risk. What risks should Sanders have considered in preparing her speech? On balance, the risks seem worth it. Why do you think this is the case, and how could it have turned out differently?
GM Terminates 15 People
GM is cleaning house, hoping to rid itself of criticism about delaying recalls, which caused 13 deaths. CEO Mary Barra announced the decision after an internal investigation revealed that several executives knew about an ignition switch problem for years and avoided a fix that would have cost 57 cents.
In a message to employees, captured on video, Barra says she is guided by two principles: "doing the right thing for those who were harmed" and taking responsibility "to make sure this never happens again." She also blames the actions of "a few people," a strategic move to separate the company from a few bad apples who have since left.
Fifteen people were terminated and another five were disciplined, some for misconduct and others for not taking enough action. One email showed that several people were aware of the problem, which persisted for another nine years. A GM parts manufacturer wrote, Chevy "Cobalt is blowing up in their face in regards to turning the car off."
Discussion Starters:
- How do you assess GM's decision to terminate 15 people and discipline another five? Is this enough?
- What other persuasive strategies is Barra using in her presentation to employees? What key messages do you take from the video?
What We Learn from 300 Commencement Speeches Since 1774
NPR has compiled more than 300 commencement speeches, all searchable by "name, school, date, or theme."
In an article about the speeches, NPR identified 12 themes:
- Change the world
- Tips
- Inner voice
- Don't give up
- Work hard
- Embrace failure
- Remember history
- Dream
- Balance
- Make Art
- YOLO
- Be kind
NPR also tells us about the changing face of commencement speakers:
"Since the colonial era, young graduates in stiff gowns and itchy mortarboards have been forced to sit through this one last lecture. On rare occasions, politicians have used commencements to say important things, like John F. Kennedy announcing a nuclear test ban. Other lucky graduates have been treated to profound musings by literary geniuses like Joseph Brodsky and Kurt Vonnegut or calls to action by activists like Gloria Steinem.
"Today, like so much else, the format has become dominated by celebs - the Conan O'Briens, Meryl Streeps, and Amy Poehlers. But commencement speeches still make news, and like those by the late David Foster Wallace and the great George Saunders, they can still be poetry."
Discussion Starters:
- If you were to watch just two speeches, which would you watch? Would you search by name, school, or something else?
- Watch and assess one of the speeches: What observations do you make about the organization, tone, delivery, messages, and so on?