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B²: Trump’s Approach

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Not one to disappoint, President Trump has given us a lot to talk about recently. Love it or hate it, we can all agree that his approach is like nothing we’ve seen, and the media desperately want to make sure you realize what a unique situation this is.

You might think the focus of your interview is tax reform. But CAUTION –  the likelihood of fielding a question about Trump’s most recent press conferences and/or rallies is more like a promise than a possibility.

So, let’s talk through how you can redirect the conversation to policy and leave the rest to the pundits.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “What do you make of Trump’s approach in his first 100 days? Do you think it’s effective?”

B²: “I’m not surprised. The same approach he took on the campaign trail is the same approach he’s taking as President, but I’ll leave it to the pundits to analyze. Instead, what I’m setting my focus on is policy. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, do yourself a favor and block and bridge questions on Trump’s communication style. Unless you’re tasked with analyzing his delivery, you risk sabotaging or sacrificing your policy message in favor of personality. If policy is where our focus should be, then do your part to make sure that conversation continues!

Trump’s approach and delivery may be different than anything we’ve seen, and there is room to discuss how this difference will play out over the next four years. But save that topic of conversation for happy hour and not your Fox News hit.

Like that famous phrase “always be closing,” DMG recommends you “always talk policy.”

B²: 2016 – Persona vs. Policy

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The saga that is the 2016 Presidential Race continues this week in the form of two debates – one Republican, one Democrat.

Both sides anticipate narrowing down the field in order to name someone “nominee,” but the media chatter is ripe for distraction. We’ve heard a lot about Rubio’s finances, Jeb Bush’s reset button in the form of “Jeb can fix it,” Ben Carson’s alleged fabrication of a West Point scholarship, Trump’s success on SNL, and Fiorina’s “war” with the women on The View.

Headlines like these have been the drumbeat of every election cycle, but that doesn’t mean they should define the electorate’s scorecard. So, how can you shift the media spotlight away from persona and focus on policy?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

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

Q: “What do you think of the <insert candidate’s name> controversy?”

B²: “We’re a year away from the election and voters will ultimately decide whether this narrative rings true. But regardless of who wins the presidency, he/she will have to focus on <insert policy issue> because <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, talk about policy and its importance to the next POTUS regardless of party affiliation. Controversies either ruin a candidacy or fade away, but the need for good policy remains true. If your talking points prop up policy rather than persona, you’ll retrain the spotlight on a winning narrative.