Personality

Communication World, Nov-Dec, 2004

WHICH WORD OR PHRASE DO YOU THINK IS OVERUSED RIGHT NOW?

"Tasked." "I was tasked to do XYZ." I know, I see it in the dictionary, but that word just shouldn't be a verb! I see it among my college students a lot, particularly those in the U.S. military.

WHAT HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH AND WHY?

John Adams (sixth president of the United States). He had strong beliefs about how he could improve the situation in lots of areas. He worked long and hard for progress in his areas of interest, no matter how long it took, no matter what the odds. I believe in sticking with something until it's completed, solved or greatly improved to pass onto the person following in your footsteps. That probably explains why my memberships in organizations stretch so many years.

WHAT DO YOU SING OR HUM WHEN YOU'RE ALONE?

"The Itsy Bitsy Spider." I know so many little ones who are always singing that song. Another is "As Time Goes By." And, if no one asks me to be quiet, any Broadway tune I can belt out.

HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN YOUR PROFESSION TO A CHILD?

I have always liked the cliche, "I made lemonade out of lemons." I like it on lots of levels: it is very visual, it feels good, it sometimes evokes a physical response, and more. I think children respond best to stories about people and things they understand and recognize. Selling lemonade is something a child understands. I tell my nieces and nephews that I help people and organizations look their best. My job is to help them explain who they are and what they do at work to others. I help people know and like them enough to buy what they make or sell. And I would tell a story, such as the time I helped open a new ice cream shop.

WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY?

Respect can only be earned. Professionalism takes years of hard work and study that is never complete. The two go together.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?

Coordination. It would be good for so many things--playing the piano, dancing, painting, needlepoint. Don't ask how many years I've taken piano lessons and still can't play with two hands at once.

WHAT MOVIE CHARACTER WOULD YOU LIKE TO PORTRAY AND WHY?

The Scarecrow from the "Wizard of Oz," because he has a brain, charm, lives in a cool place, and reminds me of myself sometimes.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I've recently done just that! Although I am still a PR professional, I now teach college writing and PR online. Another profession I would like is to be a national political leader. No, I refuse to reveal the political party, nor will I ever make a run for it. I am not a candidate.

IS THERE A BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE?

I love all books and would be hard pressed to select one. And I still frequent traditional libraries. I particularly love books tied to genealogy or that open your eyes to life in other times, such as "Angela's Ashes." Books such as that pushed me to do my own genealogical work.

WHAT'S THE BEST REWARD FOR A JOB WELL DONE?

The best is surpassing my goals, of course. But beyond that, I enjoy a celebratory meal with someone I worked with side-by-side and/or having someone want to repeat or mimic my achievement and learn about how I accomplished what I did.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO?

Today was a good day.

BARBARA PUFFER, ABC

PRESIDENT,/Owner

Public Relations Strategies

Guifford, Conn., USA

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