As I listened to the CNN interview Anderson Cooper had with Antoinette Tuff, my first thought was, “Wow, she is a great communicator.”
If you’re not familiar with the name Antoinette Tuff yet, I’m wondering why. Her story has been non-stop in the news these past few days. Tuff is the lady who calmly talked with the alleged gunman at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Dekalb County, Georgia. Her words, her demeanor and the fact that she said she was moving with God as her guide, is what halted a potential tragedy.
This situation is proof of the power of communication, which is really the bedrock of public relations. It’s communicating to the right audience, with the right message, using the right media (Tuff used her mouth), at the right time.
Tuff received extensive training by her school to know what to do in hostile situations. She was also trained by her church. She said her pastor teaches them how to deal with people, which is what she hears every Wednesday and Sunday. Her professional and spiritual training saved over 800 students and staff at Ronald E. McNair that Tuesday morning in August.
Her motto: Push past the pain. I’ve also used this phrase to get me through. In a recent Teleseminar, I discussed seven ways to overcome difficult situations. One of them: “push past the pain.” If you want to hear the Teleseminar, send an email to mra@visibilitymarketing.com and I’ll send you the information.
Antoinette Tuff’s name is on the list with all the everyday heroes that sometimes go unnoticed, but who we will never forget. Her powerful communication skills were taught, but they also came from her heart.