Condensed Messaging

Back in the day, which was not too long ago, government officials and spokespersons had, in today’s terms, plenty of time to react to press inquiries, statement requests and press releases.

The change in the way we consume media, in this case, led mainly by twitter, compels governments to be quick to respond and proactive.

Direct interaction, instant messaging technologies embedded in social media networks and the collective ADD that characterizes this generation have led to a new definition of speed that makes the elevator pitch give its way to a condensed 140 character message, which is then shared by those who care or who have something of their own to say about it.

Albert Einstein was once requested to give a lecture at a highly respected institution. He was asked how much time he would need to prepare. He answered that for a 2 hour lecture he would only need 15 minutes to prepare, but for a 15 minute lecture, he would need at least 2 weeks.

With all things relative, indeed at times, it feels almost impossible to react thoughtfully and eloquently in rapid speed and with growing competition to stay relevant and not to let your competitor or adversary place you in an inferior position at best, or at worst, make your comment totally irrelevant.