A Sharp Stick in the Eye or a Good Poke in the Rib?

The Three Stooges - Larry, Mo, & Curly made a poke in the eye funny.

 We love to laugh. However, humor must be employed in the proper context and setting. Used wisely, it can create powerful and memorable messages. Cavalier and careless use of humor can have devastating consequences for the messenger. While there may be certain subjects or instances where humor may limit the effectiveness of a message, it is also persuasive, can break monotony, capture audience attention, and create a memorable message.

Each election season we are inundated with campaign ads. Whether on television, radio, the internet, or in print, these messages become a steady an irritating drone of noise for many. Each one represents millions of advertising dollars aimed at persuading the voting public that a particular candidate or piece of legislation is worthy or dangerous. Occasionally, a campaign may calculate that the injection of humor will set their politician apart from the others. However, this tactic has also proven to have disastrous results.

Hmmm…Where To Go For Dinner?

                                      One of my heroes and mentor, Rich Melman talks management.
 
The reputation of an organization is driven by its core ethical principles. It is a difficult climate for businesses and competition for the coveted dollars of customers is fierce. While, generating profits and maintaining a strong bottom line are the primary purposes of businesses, ethical practices such as a Kantian or Utilitarianism approach define companies, are tangible manifestations of the culture at every level, and are vital to persuading consumers as they choose which establishments to patronize.

Companies spend countless hours contemplating the precise wording for a mission statement. Many organizations expound lofty and admirable ethics combined with customer focused ideals, while others declare dominance in the marketplace. However, these carefully crafted proclamations are not always accurate representations of a company’s ethics. Customer loyalty is determined through the practice of business ethics. There are numerous ethical theories by which the public can be persuaded.

In Demand of Civil Rest

It was a celebratory mood. There were drugs, alcohol, sex, and video cameras. Convicted murderer, Richard Speck was thoroughly amused by his exploits and Charles Manson was planning a wedding. Such has been the scene in prisons across the United States, as those incarcerated for heinous crimes live out their days after committing horrific acts against innocent citizens. While some may argue that capital punishment has no place in civilized society, it may also be argued that this effectively removes those who fail to behave in a humane manner, sends a message to those who would perpetrate grisly crimes, and gives some measure of closure to the victims and families. Passion abounds on both sides on the issue of capital punishment.

Telecommuting: A Remote Possibility, Power Point Presentation