A lot of jokes are being made about President Obama's seeming dependency on a teleprompter. His teleprompter even has its own "blog," if you can believe it. Humor has a way of revealing an underlying truth, and the President should take note of it. The "insincere" or "disingenuous" label is something that tends to stick to a person's public persona. And it is not easy to shake once it forms. He should start learning alternate ways to give a speech.
I have to admit there are just some things that Publicists cannot do. We can help clients learn to communicate effectively by focusing on a central message by simplifying talking points. We can teach clients some effective interview techniques based on the medium. And we can help clients keep their message consistent and understandable. But, as far as I know, no one has yet invented an over-the-counter prescription that can infuse genuineness.
How important is it? There's a case to be made in public relations that being genuine is everything -- and yet-- it is hopelessly rare. Let's be honest. We live in an American Idol culture where "perceived" importance often overrides genuineness. No one ever looks at a celebrity or politician after an interview or speech and asks, "But was he/she being genuine?" Looking at some of the "idols" we have put on pedestals in the public arena, maybe we should start asking that more often.
When I mention a "genuine" person, who springs to your mind? Maybe its a relative or friend or perhaps a well-known person. Genuineness is a quality we all instantly recognize. It is a character trait that we appreciate on an emotional level. When we sense someone who is genuine, we make a connection with our hearts, not with our heads.
For a Christian artist, genuineness is the difference between a long, renowned career or very short one. Musicians and singers from other genres can get away (to some extent) with making music and creating a public "image" that they believe will sell their songs. They can often act like idiots in interviews, do outrageous antics at public appearances and still retain fans. Thankfully, Christian artists don't have that ability. Because of the inherent seriousness of writing and singing songs based on scripture or doctrinal beliefs, Christian artists must exhibit a genuineness in their on and off-stage behavior. Perfection is not required (and shouldn't be expected), but sincerity is a non-negotiable. Phonies will not last long in Christian entertainment.
If you are a Christian artist contemplating a national ministry, learn to trust your instincts. You may get lots of advice from "industry" folks meaning well, but ultimately, you are the one that will stand on the stage in front of the audience. Find your own comfort zone where you and God connect. He is much better than a teleprompter.
