Lip Synching at the Inauguration and the Public Relations Fail

By now you have heard the news about singer Beyoncé being accused of lip-synching "The Star Spangled Banner" at President Barack Obama's second Inauguration. Unfortunately, in this post we won't be able to help you determine whether the rumors are false or true; however, we can take a look at the role of the company spokesperson.

While Beyoncé is probably slightly annoyed that the controversy is taking place right before her Super Bowl performance and the release of her fifth studio album sometime in early 2013; her people (publicists, spokesperson and entire PR team) are more than likely livid with the Marine Corps Band spokesperson.

Speculation rose about Beyoncé lip-synching the song after she removed her ear piece during the performance. Many also used pictures the singer had posted to Instagram on January 20, as evidence that the song had been recorded. Confirmation came from the Marine Corps Band spokesperson around noon on January 22, when she told The Washingtonian;

"We don't know why Beyoncé decided to use prerecorded music," a spokesperson for the Marine Corps Band told us this morning. "All music [for inaugural ceremonies] is prerecorded as a matter of course, and that's something we've done for years and years. The Marine Band did perform live throughout the ceremony but we received last-minute word that Beyoncé wanted to use the recording." The spokesperson also added that everyone knows Beyoncé is a gifted singer, and her decision has no bearing on her musical ability.

Blogs and every news reporting agency ran with the quote and soon everyone in the world believed that the singer had indeed lip synched during the inauguration. It was not until later that afternoon around 3 p.m. that someone came to the defense of Beyoncé. Colonel Michael J. Colburn, band director of the Marine Corps Band reported again to The Washingtonian;

he can't confirm whether Beyoncé actually was singing. However, the band and the singer had decided Sunday night to use a prerecorded music track, since they were unable to coordinate a time for a full rehearsal. "She wasn't comfortable performing without a rehearsal, and I wasn't comfortable that either," he said. "We always knew that was a possibility.

In Public Relations, a spokesperson must speak with authority

It would be unfair to place blame on the spokesperson in this situation (after all, she wasn't the one singing), but the comments of the spokesperson did lead to the most current Beyoncé-gate. When the director of the band had to reach out to the media to correct the statement coming from the band it became clear that there was a lack of communication between the director and the spokesperson.

Often landing a big story takes a lot of hard work, to have to change any information already reported is even harder and discredits your organization.

JASE tips for communicating with the media:

Prepare for questions- Know whats happening in the world and with your organization so you can prepare for questions. Have a conversation with key decision-makers in your organization so the message is clear and delivered appropriately.
Only discuss information that you have knowledge about- It's perfectly fine to let a reporter know that you can't answer a question because you don't have information. Feel free to let them know you will send them additional information later.
Offer your experts for comments - If media questions will focus on a specific topic, try to provide an expert rather than a spokesperson. An expert discussing a topic is always better than the spokesperson.
Don't get personal - It's easy to become passionate about your organization, but don't let the passion drive you to say something from your personal opinion rather than the facts.

If these public relations tips helped and you know your organization could benefit from a dynamic public relations team contact JASE Group. Through a combination of traditional techniques paired with unique strategies that our creative team has perfected, JASE Group can help the public understand you, your vision, and your beliefs.

image credit: by globalpost

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 written by Naima Gethers

Tags: Barack Obama, Beyonce, Brand Management, branding, internet marketing, JASE, JASE Group, journalists, lip synching, media, President Barack Obama, Presidental Inuaguration, public relations, publicists, reporter, reputation management, small business, spokesperson, Star Spangled Banner, The Washingtonian, US Marine Corps Band

Categories: Inbound Marketing, Public Relations

Visitors: 136

Interested in
working with JASE?

Latest news

3 SEO Tips For Higher Search Engine Ranking for Your Website

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Do You Have Time for Social Media?

Monday, June 17, 2013

34% of Americans Now Own Tablets

Monday, June 17, 2013

Just like a politician, JASE is a favorite with the babies at a cookout. Where has JASE taken you?

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Weekend JASE World Recap: Going Digital, Smartphone Websites for Google, Spence Crossing Websites Launches, Working with a Local Web Design Company, New School Advertising, Mother's Day in Colonial Williamsburg

Saturday, June 15, 2013

We're Going Digital!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Guidelines for Building Smartphone Websites for Google

Thursday, June 13, 2013

JASE Group is Proud to Announce Two Successful Website Design Launches

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Benefits of Working with a Local Web Design Company

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Are You Advertising? And More Importantly, Where Are You Advertising?

Monday, June 10, 2013

Blog Authors

Blog Categories

Blog Archives

Creative Advertising

Often advertisements have a negative connotation associated with them by the consumer. Because of this most people do not take the time to look at or read advertisements. The good news is not all advertisements are bad. JASE takes the time to design very clever advertising campaigns that are appealing to your audience. Appealing enough that you are remembered when consumers are ready for your product or service. Or even when they're not. JASE creative advertising campaigns are a powerful tool when properly aligned with ongoing business strategies.

Public Relations

Image. We all care about our image – our personal image – our company's image. That's where our PR team can help you. We help you get the word out about your company. We help you get the word out about your message. We help the public understand you, your vision, and your beliefs. We help the world discover your company and how it can satisfy their needs. How do we do this? Ahh, the big question. It's the combination of the strategic execution that makes JASE stand out above the crowd of PR agencies.

Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is a complementary set of marketing techniques focused on driving quality prospects to your business and its products. Inbound marketing has become widely accepted because it supports the way consumers make purchasing decisions - using the Internet to learn more about the products and services that best meet their needs. For this reason, JASE inbound marketing strategies can generate quality leads because it focuses on the audience that is already interested in your brand, company, and product or searching for your services.

Technology

JASE brand strategy, creative, software, data, marketing, and IT teams work together to create the most powerful eBusiness solutions to fit your organization's daily tasks. Our team helps you identify your needs, specify requirements, and design a system that will assist your team in optimizing their efficiency and profit margins. Custom software, web applications, Intranet portals, eCommerce solutions, and content management systems are just a sample of what we can do for your organization.