Perception is reality

Unfortunately, to the masses, perception often does equal reality – more often than not, we don’t take the time to research. We see what we want to see and believe what we want to believe. If you want to find objectivity, you have to dig beneath the surface without a preconceived notion of what you will find, seek multiple perspectives and secure credible sources with hard data to support assertions.

Echo Communications believes that every individual and every company has a legitimate story to tell and perspective to share. This diversity of informed opinion is essential if responsible journalists are to corroborate stories and both impartially and accurately report the facts.

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it”.

This poignant quote is widely attributed to the French philosopher Francois Marie Arouet better known by his pen-name, Voltaire. It is a quote that personified his life-long intellectual struggle for freedom of speech and expression from state censorship.

Unfortunately, this great quote is also a 20th century fabrication that never appeared in any of Voltaire’s literature. This was the result of inaccurate reporting that perpetuated an historical assumption.

That quote was actually written by a woman named Evelyn Beatrice Hall in 1906, 128 years after Voltaire died!

Why did I share this story with you? To drive home the point that while it is the responsibility of journalists to interview multiple sources and check their facts before going to print; communicators also have an important role to play to help dispel misconceptions where they exist.

By being prepared, responsive and working together with media, we know it ensures a more balanced and complete view of events, rather than perpetuating myths or stereotypes based on gossip, innuendo and limited information.