B²: Wait. Net Neutrality isn’t fair?

In November, President Obama argued in support of Net Neutrality. He claimed that not enacting these regulations would, “threaten to end the internet as we know it.”

Those are pretty big words.

The FCC is likely to rule on the fate of the internet this month, and the rhetoric is heating up again. Proponents of Net Neutrality are claiming that it is all in the name of “fairness,” “openness,” and, well, “neutrality.”

You could get trapped in an interview with those words. Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block & bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q:  “Net Neutrality is about keeping the internet free and open. Don’t you support leveling the playing field for all?”

B²:  “Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The opposite is happening.  This is actually the government dictating the rules of the internet, which will <insert talking point>.

Your choice of talking points could include:

… Result in an unfair tax increase on the middle class, costing internet users $15 billion in total;

… Create unfair regulations that stifle innovation; or

… Hinder small start ups from entering into that marketplace.

But wherever you take the conversation next, use words and phrases that paint the picture that government intervention is harmful to the internet.

In other words, your opponents are using words that poll in their favor. So, refrain from using the phrase, “Net Neutrality.”  Do reclaim “fair” and “open” language to your advantage!

Trump’s building what? How to B² the border bill in the real world

Donald Trump made some interesting statements about border security on last night’s “On the Record.”

Video: “I build the best buildings, walls are easy. And believe me, I would build a wall that is not penetrable.”

The soundbite is making news for all the wrong reasons. While The Donald may love to take a no-holds-barred approach, his message doesn’t resonate with a broad audience. The question is, how do you realistically respond to tough questions without alienating friends and foes?

Lucky for you, it is Tuesday.  B² day.  We’re focused on the Border Bill’s potential media messaging pitfalls.

Journalists are bound to ask questions that pit colleagues against one another leading up to Wednesday’s vote. The next B² is written to help you and your boss lead the way through a thorny message trap.

Q: “This bill doesn’t seem to make anyone happy. Can there be a consensus or is this leading to another GOP debacle?”

B²: “Where we can agree is that securing our borders is essential, especially as terrorism remains an ever-growing threat, but for any bill to move forward we must <insert talking point>.”

Whatever your position, don’t take the bait and make a GOP fight the news story. Start with common ground and then insert your talking point on immigration. Finding common ground is the best way to diffuse a hostile question and take the interview back to what the interview should be about – your message.

Announcing B-Squared!

DMG is launching a new, free service to help DMG’s friends anticipate tough questions and respond in a way that isn’t career ending. We call it B², “Block and Bridge.”  If you are familiar with DMG’s methods, you’ll recognize it immediately.

Here’s how it works: We’ll monitor the news, inform you of the trickiest questions, and provide the best answers. Getting to your talking point is often the toughest part, so we’re here to provide the bridge from question to answer.

Every month we’ll focus on a new topic. This month’s theme is leadership, in honor of the new Congress (of course).

Possible question:

  • Why did you vote to choke off funding for the President’s immigration orders? Aren’t you picking an unnecessary political fight?

Whatever your talking point, we suggest this B²:

  • My vote reflected what I’ve been hearing from Americans all across this country, who believe that elected officials, even those in the highest office, should follow the laws of our land. And my focus moving forward will be to <insert talking point >

The key? Don’t use the negative wording in the question. Don’t use “choke off” or “picking an unnecessary fight.” Those words/phrases don’t position you well. Rephrase your answer so you say who you are and what you support. You want your answers to be positive, not negative.

We’ll continue the leadership series and post a new B² every Tuesday at 3pm ET here in January. Like or Follow us for post alerts.

Next month, we’ll get ahead of questions about the nation’s budget to help you B² questions back home.  Let us know how we’re doing or if you have questions you’d like answered.