Best quote of the month
‘I don’t think there are any agents in this town who I haven’t worked with over the years. I know I sound a little like Yogi Berra, but I don’t know anyone I don’t know,’ said Richard Cook, newly named chairman of Walt Disney Studios, New York Times, February 16
– Cook is addressing a perceived weakness that he was not as established or well-known on the creative side of the entertainment business.
Few reporters will pass up a Yogi Berra quote. Cook is quotable because, first, he is personal, using I. Second, there is absoluteness to his statement (he’s worked with all of the agents). Third, he sounds slightly defensive and therefore emotional. Fourth, Yogi Berra is an irresistible pop culture reference. Fifth, he uses a quote or a paraphrase to make his point. Sixth, he uses humor.
Worst quote of the month
‘To question WorldCom’s viability is utter nonsense. I highly recommend everyone step back and focus on reality, rather than the fear factor,’ said Bernard Ebbers, WorldCom president and CEO, New York Times, February 8
– Addressing the controversy surrounding his $250 mn loan from his own company.
Ebbers comes across as highly defensive, slightly desperate and slightly guilty. He’s quotable because, first, he is attacking those who question him. Second, ‘utter nonsense’ is a cliché and ‘step back and focus on reality’ is a variation of a cliché. Third, there is absoluteness to his denial. Fourth, there is a boldness to his defense; ‘fear’ is an emotional word; ‘fear factor’ is bold and action-oriented, and it is also a pop culture reference, given the hit TV show.
TJ Walker, a New York City-based media/speech trainer, publishes a free media tips newsletter ([email protected]).
