I was surprised to read that Simon Lewis is becoming Gordon Brown’s spokesperson. He has taken on and thrived in some really tough roles (Centrica and Buckingham Palace) and achieved success in having communications accepted as a Board appointment.
He was very courteous to me, giving me career advice when I left Royal Mail.
His new role must be the toughest challenge that he has undertaken.
Mansion House
Last night I attended the first Joint Livery Dinner at the Mansion House held by the Information Technologists’ Company and the Guild of PR Practitioners. The Lord Mayor, Ian Luder, thought that it may have been the first time that two female Masters had hosted a dinner at the Mansion House. Josephone Connell, the Master of Information Technologists and Una Riley, the Master of the PR Practitioners kept the Mayor’s ears very busy all evening – to the extent that he was glad of the opportunity to make his speech to get a word in edgeways!
The PR Guild had also sponsored the first Herald’s Award, presented at the dinner by the Windsor Herald (who designed the Guild’s badge). The winner of the first award, was Charles Lewington who had promoted the Gregor Mackay Fund set up in memory of Gregor who died at the age of 36 from a rare form of cancer.
I was fortunate to be sat between my guest, Colonel Alastair Bruce of Crionaich and Stuart Errington. Colonel Alastair is the senior communicator in the Territorial Army, a correspondent for Sky News on constitutional matters, a Herald, a Royal Archer, an Equerry and published author. A real portfolio career! Stuart had been chair of the Citizens Advice Bureaux and was a banker with Barclays.
The PR Guild is seeking new members as it transitions into a Worshipful Company. It has recently formed an association with the Territorial Army Media Operations Group whose Commanding Officer, Lt Col Tim Purbirck was also present.
A very enjoyable evening.
PR Guild badge
I thought that it was rather ironic to read the subtitle “Britain is failing to teach essential scientific literacy” in today’s “Times”. This is the same edition where the Countryside Editor claims that Great Bustard chicks “were born the previous day”. No wonder the birds are declining if they have to give birth to their chicks!
Male Bustard
But going back to the leading article, I do wonder whether there are similar lessons for PR practitioners. The article argues that the gulf between scientists and literary intellectuals is a problem of language. It claims that much scientific argument is presented in inaccessible jargon. Does the language of new media create a similar gulf with practitioners? Terms like ‘mashable’, ‘digital platforms’, ‘APIs’, ‘UGC’ which appear in job adverts, blogs and articles can create a divide between those “in the know” and those who may feel in the same camp as the “natural luddites” (described by C.P.Snow). Is it a case where the jargon can lead to incomprehension by clients and colleagues or is the shorthand simply that – the language of experts?
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