9/28/09
Why would a penny pinching college student choose to spend their money and time to buy a newspaper when one could instantaneously search the web and find current news for free?
Tom Baden, an accomplished editor who is starting his second year as The Connecticut Post’s editor, visited Dr. Simon’s journalism class on Monday, September 28th, to share what he and his staff are trying to do in order to keep newspapers from becoming vanished from the future society.
Baden started off by saying, “the bad news for newspapers is as older viewership dies off, we are not necessarily getting younger viewers.” Baden emphasized that as much as The Connecticut Post is striving to reach out to the 15,000 potential readers, the staff must also remember to satisfy the loyal100,000 readers of their paper.
Only a few hands were raised when Baden asked the Journalism class if they would consider paying $20 a month to go online to obtain news. It came to no surprise that a small number of hands were raised in agreement to spending money in order to access online news. Baden emphasized that with so much free stuff online, and since only certain content would be considered worth that cost, there is simply no money being made. “We’re trying to stick the cat back in the bag”, said Baden.
Baden enlightened the class with a new content managing system that The Connecticut Post is using as a database, which will include all content. Baden used an example that if one were to select the latest story concerning Fairfield’s basketball coach, there would be a link to click on which would provide any past archives about the coach.
Baden’s career took off after graduating from the University of Maryland, where he received his B.A. in Journalism, along with a love for the job of capturing a great story. After graduating from The University of Maryland, Baden was a visiting professor and journalist at Penn State University in 2003.
Before taking on his position as the editor of the Connecticut Post, he distinguished himself with numerous qualifications. In 1988 and 1992 he was a correspondent for the white house and national political writer for Newhouse News Service. Prior to this accomplishment, Baden was a reporter and city editor at the Post-Standard in Syracuse, N.Y.
Baden concluded his conference by stating that although cable news is not his “cup of tea”, he is aware that it is necessary for its entertainment and reality purposes. As an editor, he values different ethics by always striving for compassion, sensitivity and truth inside The Connecticut Post.
Reflective Essay 1:
The first goal that I had in mind for my first deadline story was to successfully and quickly make note to the importance of what I have written. I found it very difficult to come up with a interesting and important beginning paragraph to draw in my reader, yet at the same time give a preview to what I would be discussing. There was a lot of debate with myself with whether I start out mentioning a quote, give a description using as many of the five senses that I thought were appropriate, or simply starting out with a question. I chose to do what I felt most comfortable with for my first deadline story, which was to start out with a question that was hopefully an attention grabber as well.
The beginning of my story could have been stronger, however the exercises that we did in class made me keep in mind that I must not have my sentences contain more than 35 words. The exercises in class were quite beneficial when completing my first deadline story. At times I wanted to disregard what I had been taught concerning the 5 W’s and H. However, I knew that it was important to pay attention to detail, in order to make the most interesting story that I felt was possible.
I think that the biggest dilemma I encountered was when I was trying to weed out what was and was not important. I was also concerned with how I went about making my transitions clever and relevant. By going over the hour glass method before the press conference, I was able to have a premade outline of how I wanted to display my story on Baden. And I am glad that I have made the habit of making sure that I look for the who, what, where, how, and why, before finishing my story.
As far as the press conference in general, I learned a lot about how much work and dedication is required to be a successful journalist. I was honored to be able to attend Baden’s mock press conference because it is an experience that not many Fairfield students will ever come across. As an interviewer, I learned how important it is to do your homework by having numerous questions. Your follow up question is just as important as your primary question because it also shows the interviewee that you are engaged with what they have to say. One part that I didn’t like was how when we were told to put everything away including our pens, paper and laptops. I did not like this part because he happened to say what I found most interesting. No matter what grade I receive for my first deadline story, I am satisfied with how much I learned and the experience that I was given to meet the editor of The Connecticut Post.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Ann Marie Sabath Comes to Fairfield U. to Teach Proper Etiquette
Today’s society must live by the fact that they will never have a second chance to craft their first impression in the business world, everyone you meet is a potential client.
Ann Marie Sabath, President of At Ease Inc., which is a corporate etiquette training firm she founded in 1987, spoke to Fairfield University students Wednesday evening on October 14th. She discussed how perfecting one’s body language, knowing how to properly mingle with strangers, exemplifying proficient table manners, and giving a precise business introduction, are the key ingredients to mastering the feared first impression.
According to Sabath, “You are given two ears and a mouth for a reason, listen more than you speak...pause and count to two so that you avoid interruptions.”
Money is usually an area of discussion that may cause awkwardness and confrontation. What is one to do if asked how much they make? Sabath believes that the best way to dodge this question is to simply say, “The Company I represent is very fair to me.” This response helps you to remain tactful and diplomatic, without having to give away your most confidential information.
Many students entering the business world must know that even the feared rejection letter can be made into a chance for another golden opportunity. Sabath stated that, “If you receive a rejection letter in the mail, be sure to follow up with a thank you card, as long as it is not a chummy hallmark card.”
Sabath said that the letter should go something like, “I was pleased to learn you made a hiring decision, and it goes without saying I was disappointed, I am a phone call away if anything changes.” Companies are most impressed when they see potential clients following through.
Over 90,000 professionals in the business, industry, government and educational sectors have been taught by Sabath, whether it was a Lunch 'N Learn program or an on-site workshop. She has written seven other books on professional etiquette and augmenting client relationships.
Sabath’s clients consist of Marriott International, Citigroup, Procter & Gamble and American Express, along with many others. Sabath has been profiled everywhere from Forbes to the Wall Street Journal.
Myrsini Papoutsis, the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs at Fairfield University, helped make this special event possible. “I thought that it was a phenomenal presentation, Sabath really knows her stuff, and she is very well researched on the International cultures.”
Papoutsis believes that, “wherever you go you must research the culture beforehand, know whether to kiss, hug, or shake hands when greeting someone.”
Frank Romano, a senior at Fairfield University, believes that “many college students have tremendous knowledge, but they do not know how to market themselves. Tonight’s event helped guide students with the concrete skills that are necessary inside and outside the workplace.”
Reflective Essay 3:
The primary goal that I had in mind for my third deadline story was to successfully use the hourglass method. This time, I found it very simple to come up with a common theme to Ann Marie Sabath’s presentation. Before I started my deadline story I decided to sit back and slowly review my notes so that I did not miss a golden opportunity to make Sabath’s advice shine. There was a lot of debate with myself with what quotes to use, and which ones to cut out. All of her advice could have been used since she is a highly regarded professional, but I forced myself to choose just a few quotes that would be most interesting to my readers.
Again, I agree that the exercises we completed in class made me keep in mind that I must not have my sentences contain more than 35 words. The exercises in class were quite valuable when completing my deadline story. At times I wanted to disregard what I had been taught concerning the 5 W’s and H. I found this deadline story to be the easiest, because it was simply the story that I found most interesting!
I am still wrestling with how to make smooth transitions that help make my story flow. This is the first time I made sure to review a few sections in the text book, instead of immediately typing of my notes. I am glad that I have made the habit of making sure that I look for the who, what, where, how, and why, before finishing my story.
As far as the event in general, I learned more than I ever thought I could learn in three hours. I was worried at first because I had to arrive a bit late, but there were so many facts and tips that she gave, that it made it impossible to not come up with an interesting theme for my story. I think that the event could have gotten far more publicity because I learned life lessons that I would had never even thought about, before arriving at the event.
One of the best pieces of advice that I learned tonight were the six most commonly made business introduction faux pas. They included, wearing your name tag on the left rather than the right side, remaining seated rather than standing when someone approaches you, not repeating the name of the person you’ve just met and using it at least once during the conversation, for men: shaking a woman’s “fingers” rather than her hand, for women: giving a “dead fish” handshake rather than one that is confident, and lastly, when one does not shake hands with business associates you meet outside a business setting. If everyone knew of these faux pas I think that people would hold a higher regard for each other.
Ann Marie Sabath, President of At Ease Inc., which is a corporate etiquette training firm she founded in 1987, spoke to Fairfield University students Wednesday evening on October 14th. She discussed how perfecting one’s body language, knowing how to properly mingle with strangers, exemplifying proficient table manners, and giving a precise business introduction, are the key ingredients to mastering the feared first impression.
According to Sabath, “You are given two ears and a mouth for a reason, listen more than you speak...pause and count to two so that you avoid interruptions.”
Money is usually an area of discussion that may cause awkwardness and confrontation. What is one to do if asked how much they make? Sabath believes that the best way to dodge this question is to simply say, “The Company I represent is very fair to me.” This response helps you to remain tactful and diplomatic, without having to give away your most confidential information.
Many students entering the business world must know that even the feared rejection letter can be made into a chance for another golden opportunity. Sabath stated that, “If you receive a rejection letter in the mail, be sure to follow up with a thank you card, as long as it is not a chummy hallmark card.”
Sabath said that the letter should go something like, “I was pleased to learn you made a hiring decision, and it goes without saying I was disappointed, I am a phone call away if anything changes.” Companies are most impressed when they see potential clients following through.
Over 90,000 professionals in the business, industry, government and educational sectors have been taught by Sabath, whether it was a Lunch 'N Learn program or an on-site workshop. She has written seven other books on professional etiquette and augmenting client relationships.
Sabath’s clients consist of Marriott International, Citigroup, Procter & Gamble and American Express, along with many others. Sabath has been profiled everywhere from Forbes to the Wall Street Journal.
Myrsini Papoutsis, the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs at Fairfield University, helped make this special event possible. “I thought that it was a phenomenal presentation, Sabath really knows her stuff, and she is very well researched on the International cultures.”
Papoutsis believes that, “wherever you go you must research the culture beforehand, know whether to kiss, hug, or shake hands when greeting someone.”
Frank Romano, a senior at Fairfield University, believes that “many college students have tremendous knowledge, but they do not know how to market themselves. Tonight’s event helped guide students with the concrete skills that are necessary inside and outside the workplace.”
Reflective Essay 3:
The primary goal that I had in mind for my third deadline story was to successfully use the hourglass method. This time, I found it very simple to come up with a common theme to Ann Marie Sabath’s presentation. Before I started my deadline story I decided to sit back and slowly review my notes so that I did not miss a golden opportunity to make Sabath’s advice shine. There was a lot of debate with myself with what quotes to use, and which ones to cut out. All of her advice could have been used since she is a highly regarded professional, but I forced myself to choose just a few quotes that would be most interesting to my readers.
Again, I agree that the exercises we completed in class made me keep in mind that I must not have my sentences contain more than 35 words. The exercises in class were quite valuable when completing my deadline story. At times I wanted to disregard what I had been taught concerning the 5 W’s and H. I found this deadline story to be the easiest, because it was simply the story that I found most interesting!
I am still wrestling with how to make smooth transitions that help make my story flow. This is the first time I made sure to review a few sections in the text book, instead of immediately typing of my notes. I am glad that I have made the habit of making sure that I look for the who, what, where, how, and why, before finishing my story.
As far as the event in general, I learned more than I ever thought I could learn in three hours. I was worried at first because I had to arrive a bit late, but there were so many facts and tips that she gave, that it made it impossible to not come up with an interesting theme for my story. I think that the event could have gotten far more publicity because I learned life lessons that I would had never even thought about, before arriving at the event.
One of the best pieces of advice that I learned tonight were the six most commonly made business introduction faux pas. They included, wearing your name tag on the left rather than the right side, remaining seated rather than standing when someone approaches you, not repeating the name of the person you’ve just met and using it at least once during the conversation, for men: shaking a woman’s “fingers” rather than her hand, for women: giving a “dead fish” handshake rather than one that is confident, and lastly, when one does not shake hands with business associates you meet outside a business setting. If everyone knew of these faux pas I think that people would hold a higher regard for each other.
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