My thoughts are that Tiger had a script and it he repeated it over and over. It was what his audience wanted to think, believe, and imagine. He sold them on his fame and now all of that is being cashed in. I think he will continue to say what everyone wants to hear him say- I’m sorry. I’m back. I’m changed. Or he will not saying anything at all. After all, he is a golfer, not a TV evangelist.

He is still the best golfer ever. I think what all these women are teaching us is that we all must take care who we idolize. Knowing the right thing to say is less important than doing the right thing. I support Obama too but I hope his actions or the legislation he passes will create a better America.

I’ve retweeted your blog link – good post. We’re in agreement.

And I like your new line – I RT’d someone with something like it, but think I’ll use that for a reference, (and give you credit).

Bert

I agree, Tiger has handled this terribly. I think a big public “mea culpa” followed by a soul searching Oprah “exclusive” would of definately been a stronger approach. Especially when the media is all over him looking for every opportunity to tell the story their own way.

I’ve blogged on this exact topic too –

3 lessons Tiger Woods can teach you about communications http://bit.ly/8AfZoN

Quick preview:
Lesson 1) Reputation takes years to create and is lost in a moment.

There are 2 more but I’d love to hear what you think!

I since have thought of a better headline

“How Tiger became a Cheetah and what we can learn from it.”

Brandon, Don’t agree about Blago, but fully agree with you last point – and ideally character and communication are one. When they are not, character will always trump communication (or lack of character, values, integrity, etc.)

There is a great saying of Solomon, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Elsewhere in the writings of the best seller of all time Luke says “out of the overflow of the heart a man speaks.”

That’s how we all should strive to communicate.
Bert

I think communication is not the only thing that contributes towards people’s “perception” of a person, particularly when they are celebrities. Although I agree that it can influence our perception greatly. I think what mostly defines our perceptions is not how they communicate, but rather how they carry themselves during a time of crisis.

For example, Tiger’s lack of communication has brought more speculation, which has tainted his public image. Often times it is the other way around, however. Public figures enthusiasm to communicate with the media in hopes to persuade people’s negative perception actually do more harm than good. Blagojevich is a good example. Communication can help them (if done very well), but it can also damage their public persona.

Fundamentally, the issue here is first about character and then about communication. If the perception is that a person has questionable character, then their image will be tainted regardless of their communication skills. However, if the perception is that a person has a strong character (but maybe had a lapse in judgment), then the general public will most likely be less harsh and more forgiving.

Agree or disagree?

However he has shown via his two media statements that he has absolutely no clue on how to deal with criticism or how to make people connect with him. He should have issued a video statement explaining something, rather than attacking the media for their critiques of his “transgressions”.

In the end, I feel he will never repair his reputation, but if he continues to win majors and tournaments he will regain his status as the worlds best athlete/pitchman.