Lothery & Associates

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

Commentator Jabbed for “Con-text”

Horrified. That is the word used to describe the look on commentator Todd Woodbridge’s face during his on-court interview with tennis great, Kim Clijsters!

Apparently the former “Woodies doubles member” didn’t realize in this technology age, the world is small, and getting smaller. That had to the be the only way he didn’t see Clijster’s verbal left hook, right upper-cut, and left jab coming in her post-match interview following her easy victory over Cara Suarez Navarro.

You see, Woodbridge apparently texted to one of Kim’s closest friends during the tournament in Sydney that “Kim looked pregnant.” First of all, as a woman, I can say, that’s the biggest insult to say to a woman, or about a woman who isn’t even a “little pregnant.” (Trust me, I just had it happen to me!) But to text it to anyone else she may know is just asking for trouble.

Clijsters maintained her “girlish smile,” and poise, as she coyly asked, “What were you texting about me in Sydney? You said you thought I was pregnant, didn’t you?” You can just imagined what happened right? His red face, he probably started to sweat, tried to retreat, etc. etc. But at the end of the day, he got caught sending a controversial text, but the subject of his text.

While there was no harm done, and Kim will likely continue to dominate the game without breaking too much of a sweat, and keep her smile and sense of humor, this is a great opportunity to remind everyone of the following tech communication rules:

• Never put anything in writing that you wouldn’t want the whole world to see! Yes. The whole world.
• Never underestimate the power of friendship and the inherent instinct to share controversial information. If you say it, it will get around.
• The internet shrinks the size of the world to fit in your livingroom. Don’t put anything on the internet that you don’t want everyone in the world to see…ever! What you do today could be fun and entertaining. But seeing those pictures when you’re applying for a CEO’s position, or public office, or even a mid-level management position with your dream employer could be an entirely different matter 1, 5, or even ten years from now.
• Finally, if two people know something, there’s no such thing as a secret. Always assume as soon as the person with whom you are speaking is out of sight, they may share what you just told to someone or everyone else they know. This is particularly true with reporters, or anyone who tells you, “just between you and me…”

Congratulations to Kim for both her win, and taking on someone who chose to gossip at the wrong time, with the wrong person, with incorrect information. Learn from him. Controversial thoughts? Keep them as just that…thoughts.

 

Tags: Australian Open, interview, Karlyn Lothery, Kim Clijsters, media, pregnant, Sydney, tennis, Todd Woodbridge

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