“Seinfeld”: A Show About Something
Posted: November 6, 2014, 6:49 p.m.
by Connor Fox.
Even after 25 years, nothing compares to “Seinfeld.” The show is lauded as one of the greatest ever and set the tone for comedy television. Its persistent jokes, situational humor, unforgettable characters and undeniable entertainment have all contributed to its lasting impact.
In a so-called “show about nothing,” there’s quite a lot to learn from any one episode. The lives of Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer are nothing short of hilarious, and socially unacceptable at most times. But it’s the show’s audacity to poke fun at these societal norms and ridiculous personalities in such an ingenious way that makes it memorable.
The immense amount of cultural references embedded in the show’s dialogue creates a broader view of just how informative and enjoyable it is for past and present audiences alike. This appeal has added to the show’s influence. “Seinfeld” continues to make everyone laugh, and the show has taught us many things that are applicable to public relations.
“The Pitch”
In season four, Jerry and George lay it all on the line and pitch their idea for a “show about nothing” to NBC. Though George’s neurotic self is relentless about the idea and won’t back down when its value is questioned by the executives, they actually love it and turn the idea into a pilot show.
A pitch to a client or the media is a key part in developing successful public relations. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your idea and pitch, within reason, of course. While you should always remain open and be willing to discuss through an idea rather than defend it, it’s better to be memorable than to be boring.
“The Voice”
“The high talker,” “the close talker,” “the Elmer-Fudd-sitting-on-a-juicer laugh.” The many classifications of people’s voices throughout the show are one of its signatures, which puts the fantastic four into most of their awkward encounters. And without a doubt, Cosmo Kramer truly knows no boundaries when it comes to social situations and having a filter.
So, find your filter in all communications; there’s no turning back once something is out there, especially in this day and age. It’s a delicate balance between generating relevant content that sparks conversation — in either a positive or negative way. There should always be an element of transparency in public relations that also adds to ethical practices. Lying won’t get you very far, and honesty is an important part in crafting effective collaboration.
“The Kiss Hello”
In season six, the tenants in Jerry’s building all begin to kiss each other on the cheek as a greeting, in an effort to get to know each other better. However, when Jerry doesn’t seem open to the idea, he’s basically ostracized from the building.
In the public relations industry, how you speak to and engage people can define your success; it’s all about lasting connections and who you know. However, you should always remain genuine with your networking efforts. Partnerships with clients or connections with fellow industry professionals should have value and not be taken for granted. Regularly communicate with your connections and let them know you care.
“The Yada Yada”
It’s the art of eliminating parts of a story that are either revealing or unnecessary, and nobody does it better than Elaine Benes. The famous “yada, yada” line does more for a story than you think.
As a PR practitioner, it’s vital to understand all necessary information that must be relayed in your communications, as well as understanding your key publics who receive it. The efficacy of your work can be measured in terms of clarity and conciseness, and one of the most common mistakes in the industry is a lackthereof, especially in writing. Information overload makes it difficult to find the main point(s) and can be avoided by refining your strategy. Don’t be extravagant with your words; know how to share a client’s story in an artful and succinct way — it will be more impactful.
