A 64 Year Old Man Stole Our Hearts…by Terri Dumont

Filed under: Copywriting — Terri on Friday, February 2, 2007

I can’t help myself, so please bear with me as I lay out my thoughts…

While watching Wednesday night’s American Idol, women across America were collectively grabbing Kleenex or holding back tears…and failing miserably.

We were riveted – we could sense the authenticity – the empathy. We had to watch.

For those of you who somehow haven’t heard, the talk is all about Sherman Pore. Well past the age limit of Idol contestants, the 64 year old sang one last tribute to his wife of 20 years. She passed away from cancer two days prior.

The story unfolds…

In order to “smooth her journey”, Sherman collected signatures in a petition to allow him to audition. He’d gather a few names, then go back to her hospital room where they’d share a smile and a laugh at the foolishness of it.

After she died, he felt it was the last thing left to do for her, so he stepped up and went before the judges. Heartfelt and moving can’t begin to describe it…

The blogging and comments started flying the next morning. We’d fallen in love with Sherman Pore.

Why? Not because he was a 64 year old man with a nice voice. It’s because he was an unexpected sweet spot amidst the noise and hype.

This very “real” moment shone through the muck. Sure, it was a brilliant marketing move, but who minds being marketed to like that?

Empathy. How sad that when it finally does appear, people sit up and take notice.

We’ve gotten used to the noise and clamor for our attention. It’s now the norm. But when something sincere shows up, we pay attention.

We don’t mind being marketed to…when it comes from the heart.

Please add empathy to your copy! We can feel it when it happens, and yes, it will be noticed.

4 Comments - I want to hear your opinion. Click here to leave a comment.

Comment by Sherry

February 2, 2007 @ 10:11 pm

Terri,

Excellent point about the empathy. I saw that portion of the show and was amazed at how it brought ole tough-as-nails Simon to his knees. With all the trash talk going on about AI becoming “mean” and almost Gong Show-ish, it does make you wonder what their motives were. Anyway, it was certainly different from what we’ve seen in a lot of acts so far this season, huh? I think you’re right–it was smart marketing.

Terrific post and copywriting food for thought!

Sherry

Comment by Shaune Clarke

February 4, 2007 @ 11:18 am

This is from a coaching client who is working on her long copy exercise. When I asked if I could post this, I was told only if it was done anonymously. : )

Good morning Shaune,

First, thanks for providing me a “break” from editing my Dr. Tina copy.

I’m fairly happy with my first 4 pages or so, but the closing/offer is giving me a major headache. Anyway, my brain could use a distraction. :-)

With regard to Terri’s blog… I couldn’t agree more.

And speaking from my own household — I think it’s the men who crave empathy and sentiment even more than women.

My husband for example — he’s your typical “guy’s guy” — never wants to show emotion in public. (By the way he would cringe to know I’m telling you this). Anyway he is WILD for Christmas movies.

Doesn’t matter the station. While I’m watching the James Bondathon… he’s tuned in to Lifetime for Women.

(IF it’s a “feel good” Christmas movie). I’ll walk into the room and he is all teary-eyed. I, in the meantime, have been watching “testosterony” gunfire, etc.

Long story short… I think Terri is right on… but I think ALL of America wants to be more touchy/feely right now… because of all the uncertainty of war, economics, environment, etc.

Thanks for passing this on.

Have a great Sunday,

Comment by Akasha Lonsdale

February 5, 2007 @ 7:32 am

Hi Terri,

Your comments totally echo a conversation I had the other day with Shaune, where we were talking about authenticity, how important it is and what a difference it makes when we experience it. This is a great example. I didn’t see the show (I’m in the UK) but thank you for sharing what was clearly such a heart opening moment.

Blessings, Akasha

Comment by Cheri

February 6, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

Hi Terri,

I happened to watch AI last week, and couldn’t agree with you more.

There are so many people using gimmicks when they audition this year. Or maybe the producers are letting more of them through. Whatever the case, the more they “try” to catch the judges’attention, the less serious they are taken.

Some were actually quite good, but because of their over-the-top approach they almost didn’t make the cut!

Just goes to show, even if you’ve got the goods you can actually HURT yourself with hype. If you believe in yourself or your product, just relax, be yourself, and let your passion shine through.

Mr. Pore was sincere from the moment he stepped into the room. When he was finished, he’d won the attention and respect of every judge in the room. The fact that he had a wonderful voice was icing on the cake!

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.