A more credible way to endorse

We’ve all seen celebrities from all fields endorse brands and tout the virtues of products or services in a blatant, yet not always credible manner. It’s hard not see the crass mercantile intention of the support these famous folks attempt to bring the brand they support and often times, the stratagem backfires. 

Recently, I was watching a documentary about Catherine Deneuve, the famous French actress in which some political endorsement was discussed. I can’t remember who the candidate was, it might have been Ségolène Royal, a recent presidential candidate. 

Yet, instead of just saying “Vote for so-and-so”, she went: “Here’s what I think, now think about it…” That short sentence, I thought was much more powerful than some “In your face” admonition to vote for that particular individual. Instead, it was giving full control to the viewer and appealing to his or her judgment. 

A much more clever way to endorse anyone or anything...