London is very dear to my heart. As I sit here appalled at a terrorist attack what concerns me as much, if not more, is the blatant and culpable willingness of the news broadcasters to turn a tragedy into something greater. I’m watching the same eyewitness and official police reports they are so why does the following keep happening?
What was said…”There were 6 explosions”…which was then reported as…”There were AT LEAST 6 explosions”.
What was said…”Some reports suggest there may be an Al-Qaeda link”…which in the space of 5 minutes became…”This is ALMOST CERTAINLY an Al-Qaeda attack”.
Here is a case of turning Assessment into Assertion by way of Declaration. It doesn’t work that way.
To add insult to injury, just 15 minutes after reporting the mobile network is overloaded and the land lines are going the same way, that mobile companies are trying to dedicate mobile coverage to emergency services, I see two networks requesting eyewitness reports and video be sent in via the phone.
As a communication coach I am acutely aware of the power of language. Please, don’t abuse it. Terrorists want attention. Don’t give them any more than actually exists.