Over the months, our blogs have dealt with some very hefty business topics. BizVid Communications is a video production leader in San Diego County, in California, in Carlsbad and the nation. So, we thought we would take a lighter look at using hand symbols, metaphors, similes, adages, allegories, proverbs, the double entendre, etcetera, for your videos and other branding.
With the burgeoning expense of media time, production costs, print space, word count limitations, and the short attention span of your many perspective clients and customers, the more you can incorporate symbols, and “support imagery” the better. Usually.
In this month’s blog, we will explore the benefits and dangers in using these “message supporters,” as well as what other professionals have to say.
The interpretation of words and actions change over the decades (and sometimes over the years, months and days). Being careful with your company’s words and actions is more important than ever before. None the less, if your consumers carry the same values as your organization does, your freedom of expression using imagery can communicate that you are “their kind of people.” Of course, this can translate into more business and more dedicated patrons.
The use of quotable quotes.
While you may face copyright infractions using the words of current icons within your marketing themes, going with words of wisdom from leaders of old, like Benjamin Franklin, Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, some Biblical figures, and Marcel Marceau should keep you on pretty safe ground.
Coining your own phrases is a good solution, too. BizVid coined a phrase which you will see throughout our web pages: “It is not the Big Budgets, but the Big Ideas that make a great video.” This phrase captures the very essence of our video production company. It is important to note, that if you choose to use slogans as part of your marketing strategy, those words and the manner in which you actually conduct business better always align. As a price-sensitive industry leader, BizVid has never had to worry about that.
Symbolism at hand.
The use of hand signals may command positive attention to your product or service but should be used prudently. It would be safe to use internationally known handiwork, such as a thumbs up, or thumb and index finger “that’s just perfect” signal, or making a two-handed heart, or an index finger raised jubilantly to the sky should be pretty safe gestures.
Hand and finger signals close to the face or other body parts may carry messages tied to certain groups or cults or imply obscene messages. Including those seemingly random signals may imply things that may impugn your character or your organization’s imagery. Beware.
What others say.
We did a quick internet search of what other leaders or leading articles have said about the use of hand symbols and external quotes as part of your marketing and messaging.
Here is some good input from www.helpguide.org regarding non-verbal communication including hand and body language.
“While the key to success in both personal and professional relationships lies in your ability to communicate well, it’s not the words that you use but your nonverbal cues or “body language” that speak the loudest. Body language is the use of physical behavior, expressions, and mannerisms to communicate nonverbally, often done instinctively rather than consciously.”
We thought their advice regarding hand gestures was helpful: “Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may wave, point, beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking animatedly, often expressing yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning of some gestures can be very different across cultures. While the ‘OK’ sign made with the hand, for example, usually conveys a positive message in English-speaking countries, it’s considered offensive in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil. So, it’s important to be careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation.”
Regarding using quotes from other people, we found this precautionary insight from a company tied to book publishing: www.vervante.com, which tells us: A good rule of thumb, no matter what, is to always include proper attributionwhen quoting or paraphrasing someone else’s work within your own. Acknowledge the original source of the material, who and where it came from, links to websites if applicable, and your reason for using it.
Regarding using other quotes from people from past history, in our Bing search, people tied to the Fair Use U.S. Copyright office tell us that “any writings or utterances from authors who have been deceased since 1910 are safe to use. This means thatShakespeare, Poe, Wordsworth, and Blake are all safe to use. You can also use lyrics or music from composers such as Chopin, Bach, and Beethoven without fear of a copyright lawsuit.
In Summary.
We will close this blog with a proverb of old. It has been said that one’s actions speak more loudly than words. Imagine the power of your company’s words mingled with words of wisdom from historical giants, then adding to them aligning actions. BizVid gives that idea a big thumbs up.
