Like so many, our formative years were shaped in many ways by Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster and all of their friends. It wasn’t just learning the ABCs and 123s in a fun way, it was the way the program taught us about compassion, differences and how to manage complicated situations. It got us thinking that, many years later, (nearly) everything a communicator needs to know was learned on Sesame Street. So as the brilliant TV program celebrates its 50th anniversary, we asked CTPers, “What’s the most valuable lesson it taught you about communications, business and life?”
It was a simple lyric in a song from the epic classic, ‘Elmo’s Potty Time,’ a video which taught both my children how to pee in the toilet.
Accidents happen, night or day.
Accidents happen, and that’s OK.
This simple message from Elmo himself gives me permission to fail, make mistakes, and keep trying. Which for a Creative, is essential. Because if you’re not making mistakes, you’re probably just playing things safe. And that’s death in our business. – Grant Pace, Executive Creative Director
Keep. It. Simple.
Effective communication is a bit of a balancing act, and depends upon really understanding your audience. You need to provide enough detail to get your point across while not overwhelming with so much information that it becomes confusing or, at worst, a turnoff.
Even in tackling some really challenging issues, as well as navigating the characters’ complicated relationships, Sesame Street always seemed to reinforce the value of simplicity in communication. They understood how to communicate main points with little confusion. And the value in repeating them over and over again. This is just as important in teaching the ABCs as it is in creating messages and storylines for a company based on a complex technology. And it’s just as relevant in marketing communications as it is in leading teams and organizations. – Todd Graff, SVP Public Relations
You can’t be a great storyteller unless first you’re a great listener. Whether it’s a colleague or a muppet – they probably have something interesting to say. – Brian Heffron, Partner
I never watched a ton of Sesame Street growing up, but when certain conversation topics are trending, Sesame Street frequently comes up in my news feed as a program that embraces and encourages tough conversations and topics – whether on topics of mental health, death, race or the LGBTQ+ community . And I love that! I think it’s great that a veteran kids program is staying open and transparent on certain subjects that were previously seen as taboo. And that they do such a great job at approaching these conversations.
The show has stayed relevant through the times and even set the standard for how things should be communicated with children, or even just with each other. Whether you watched Sesame Street growing up or not, you know of their reputation and the positive messaging and lessons they provide our younger generations. – Madison McGahan, Video + Broadcast Producer
Sesame Street has always been prevalent in my life. Whether I was viewing the show as a little kid, pretending-not-to-watch-but-actually-watching years later with my younger siblings, or sitting with my 2-year-old daughter as she got her quick fix of Elmo just this morning. I could be 4 or 34 and still have the same appreciation for a show that places such importance on humanity and everyday challenges faced by so many in our society — whether the hardships are related to homelessness, mental and/or physical disabilities, or growing up in foster care. The show is authentic, the characters are compassionate and relatable. They continue to grow and evolve with the times, and will forever be a show I go back to for comfort and nostalgia. In Big Bird We Trust! – Nikki Peters, Account Director
Love thy neighbors. Be kind to everyone. You are special. Love thyself. Treat everyone equally regardless of the color of their fur or feathers. Love. Laugh. – Christine Hickey, Director of Human Resources
I never watched a ton of Sesame Street growing up, but when certain conversation topics are trending, Sesame Street frequently comes up in my news feed as a program that embraces and encourages tough conversations and topics – whether on topics of mental health, death, race or the LGBTQ+ community . And I love that! I think it’s great that a veteran kids program is staying open and transparent on certain subjects that were previously seen as taboo. And that they do such a great job at approaching these conversations.
The show has stayed relevant through the times and even set the standard for how things should be communicated with children, or even just with each other. Whether you watched Sesame Street growing up or not, you know of their reputation and the positive messaging and lessons they provide our younger generations. – Madison McGahan, Video + Broadcast Producer
