13039: It’s Not What You Mean.

It’s Not What You Say: How To Sell Your Message When It Matters Most by former Saatchi & Saatchi London Vice Chairman Michael Parker is like most of the work from Saatchi & Saatchi. That is, it’s a solid concept and decent execution, but nothing overly unique or breakthrough. Parker provides his presentation ponderings with plenty of alliteration—Principles, Preparation, Pitch, Performance and Perfect.

But what makes Parker so annoying are his references to Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou and Desmond Tutu:

Parker wrote, “Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches were eloquent enough in their written form, but inspiration leaps when we hear and see his performance of his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech—the words become spine tingling.” Yes, but not persuasive enough for White advertising agencies to embrace the dream.

Parker observed, “Nelson Mandela cultivated his likable image through every aspect of his appearance, not least his beatific smile.” Yes, and when minorities ask for a fair shake in adland, White advertising executives wink and smile.

Parker included the Maya Angelou quote that reads, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Yes, and minorities are left to feel like second-class citizens in the advertising industry.

Parker added the Archbishop Desmond Tutu quote that reads, “Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.” Yes, but White advertising executives have not improved their argument to explain the dearth of diversity.