What Did You Say?

GIF: Ron Burgundy Saying “What Did You Say?” (Anchorman) | Gifrific






We've all seen someone's post on social media and think.... "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"  Well, yesterday I posted something in one of my class threads that I thought was an inside joke that everyone would get... but the teacher didn't and felt it was important to remind me that others might not appreciate it because it was a diverse audience of people who come not just from tv backgrounds. Yep- I was MORTIFIED!






Here's the back story- It was a discussion about... of all topics... offending posts on social media! LOL Yep, can't make this up. I was offering an example of someone who used to work in news who went to work in PR and how this person made a post criticizing the same journalists she used to work and assimilate with... and I referred to it (JOKINGLY) as she went to the "Dark Side". But in writing.... dark side seems so mean doesn't it? Well, everyone who works in tv will understand it's a funny reference to the fact that many people would eventually consider (and want to) to end up in the field. I likened it to the saying that being in the media is like the mafia... once you're out... something sucks you back in (a reference to the Godfather III movie). 






All statements in fun and would totally be understood by tv people.... but not so much others right? I share this experience with you so you can maybe learn, like I did, that we need to pick our words and comments we post on social media carefully.






After this election cycle we all saw some pretty nasty comments from people and it may shed them in a different light to us. Did we post anything of the sort? Successful communication begins with thought and consideration for yourself... AND your audience. I learned a valuable lesson and hope you can too.