If in hindsight I knew that the many hours spent staring at my laptop screen,binge watching the big bang theory would pay off in my PR class,I’d have foregone the guilt that came with the indulgence. The big bang theory is a sitcom about four nerdy,overly intelligent men trying to navigate adulthood.The main protagonist is Sheldon,who suffers from,obsessive behaviours and social dysfunction.His inability to understand social ques makes it hard to interact with neuro typical humans,and provides a hilarious element to the series. Let’s jump into some of the lessons the series,laden with witty scientific jokes and smutty rib-cracking remarks has for the PR industry. 1.Embrace your inner nerd. The characters of BBT all have occupations in the experimental sciences field.Sheldon and his roommate are physicists,while one of his friends is an astrophysicist and the other an aerospace engineer.Their love interests who later make an appearance in the series are also women in science,where one is a neurobiologist and the other a microbiologist. These characters are un-apologetic about their occupations,and revel in the satiety and sometimes demur that comes with their jobs.That said,we should do PR with an immersive ardent approach,making it the exciting field it really is. 2.THE IMPORTANCE OF WORD CHOICE Sheldon’s shortcomings in social settings include inability to recognise sarcasm,and taking metaphors in their literal form.This led to him making snarky uncalled for remarks when in these situations. In PR ,words are everything.In order to deliver a message,your word choices will deliver a message with the intensity it was intended for. 3.FOLLOW YOUR GUT This advise was dished out by a supporting character,convincing the lead’s bestfriend to pursue his love interest,if he deemed it right. This is also applicable in PR,there are times one will be faced with unyielding situations,and your gut will have to be your guide. 4.INCREASE ENGAGEMENT BY LOOSENING THE REINS Sheldon’s roommate had to adhere to a strict set of rules,that he literally signed up for,thanks to Shledon’s obsession with organization and rigid routine.After a short lived affair with a colleague,his roommate succeded in convincing Sheldon to lay off some of the rules.
Therefore,in PR we should ensure that a little freedom comes with the practise,because that way,you can achieve more since it makes work flexible. 5.TAKE A NEW ANGLE ON AN OLD TOPIC OR PRODUCT.
Sheldon and his friends decide to play the game of rock,paper scissors to decide what TV programme to watch.Sheldon decides to improve the game by adding more elements to it that would improve the number of outcomes,unlike the traditional rock,paper scissors that has predictable outcomes,and tends to fail when the players are familiar with each other. Therefore,in PR we should use new tactics and think out of the box to solve traditional problems.We should allow room for innovativeness which could yield remarkable results. 6.LISTEN!!! Sheldon isn’t big on listening,and his superiority complex has him dismissing other people’s opinions,which he thinks aren’t at per with his intellect and this has led him in trouble with his wife and peers. In PR,it is important to always listen to the client,stakeholders and other involved parties.This will ensure that no one feels left out and that the main objectives are achieved.
Comments