Real-Life Decision Making
You're a media trainer for a health organization that is going to be launching
a campaign that urges people to lead more active and healthy lives. This is
going to be a part of a national awareness week that targets obesity and our
society's lack of exercise. The organization is planning to conduct interviews
in print, on radio and most importantly on television.
Because of your help, the doctor chosen to be the spokesperson for the
organization is very polished. He gives convincing answers when asked why
people should be taking better care of themselves. You're pleased with how
Dr. Leaman's answers sound for interviews in both print and on radio.
But there is one problem. Other people in his organization are concerned
about Dr. Leaman's personal appearance. He wears a badly fitting toupee and
has a scruffy beard that makes him look unkempt and unhealthy. They're concerned
that his appearance won't give the correct message to viewers.
But as much as they'd like him to clean up, they don't want to be the ones
to tell Dr. Leaman that he looks slovenly. As the media trainer, they ask
you to do this for them.
"You have a medical doctor who's talking about living longer healthier
lives and he has a cheap rug on his head. What are you going to do about it?"
asks media trainer TJ Walker.
You are responsible for helping someone sound as good as possible in an
interview. But could it also be your job to tell them they have to change
how they look? That's a tough thing to do.
What do you do?