,The scripts are available for printing and for sound bite identification.
Go to http://www.wichita.edu/newsline to get the current Wichita State University Newsline. If you cannot access the Newsline at the Web address above, contact Joe Kleinsasser at (316) 978-3013 or joe.kleinsasser@wichita.edu. Newsline cuts may be edited to suit your needs. If you have additional questions for Deborah Ballard-Reisch after listening to the WSU Newsline, please call her at (316) 978-6066 or deborah.ballard-reisch@wichita.edu.
Background:
Valentine's Day — talk about a high pressure holiday. Who better to discuss the importance of communication and relationships than someone who was once called Dr. Love by a Nevada radio station? Today's Newsline features comments by "Dr. Love," aka Wichita State University's Deborah Ballard-Reisch, who has researched the subject of communication and relationships for about 20 years.
Voice wrap:
Announcer: Valentine's Day — talk about a high pressure holiday. Whether or not that's true for you, Deborah Ballard-Reisch, an expert on communication and relationships at Wichita State University, says Valentine's is a good time to celebrate relationships.
Ballard-Reisch: "I think for couples, one of the most important things to maintain your relationship is to celebrate it, and Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to do that. We have a holiday that says, 'It's all about you. It's all about your relationship.'"
Announcer: Whether you love Valentine's Day or dread it, Ballard-Reisch says it's not a good idea to blow it off, unless it's mutually agreed upon by you and your partner. She says when our culture gives us an opportunity to acknowledge relationships, we should take that opportunity. This is Joe Kleinsasser at Wichita State University.
Sound bite #1
Ballard-Reisch says showing affection is important in relationships. The sound bite is 10 seconds and the outcue is "feel about them."
Ballard-Reisch: "One of the other things we found in our research is that showing affection is really critical to the quality of relationships. And again, Valentine's Day is an excellent opportunity to take time, show your partner how you feel about them."
Sound bite #2
Ballard-Reisch says it's important for couples to physically be together on Valentine's Day if possible. The sound bite is 12 seconds and the outcue is "spend time together."
Ballard-Reisch: "If possible, I think one of the most important things to do on holidays like Valentine's Day is physically be together. It doesn't have to be stressful. It doesn't have to be big. Go for a walk. Hang out at your house. Watch a favorite movie together, but spend time together."
Sound bite #3
Ballard-Reisch says Valentine's Day is a good opportunity for couples to take some time for each other. The sound bite is 14 seconds and the outcue is "how we feel."
Ballard-Reisch: "For a lot of people in our day-to-day lives, we don't take the time to say 'I love you,' to say 'how I feel about you.' And again, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to center that and take the time. It's an opportunity to think about saying how we feel."
Sound bite #4
Ballard Reisch offers three basic tips for couples on Valentine's Day. The sound bite is 16 seconds and the outcue is "on that day."
Ballard-Reisch: "I have three basic tips. Do something special together. It doesn't have to be big and flashy, just do something that's meaningful to both of you. Give a small token of appreciation and care. It doesn't have to be expensive. It has to be meaningful to both yourself and the other person. And say 'I love you' as much as you can on that day."
Sound bite #5
Ballard-Reisch talks about the biggest mistake people make around a holiday like Valentine's Day. The sound bite is 15 seconds and the outcue is "if you have expectations."
Ballard-Reisch: "I think the biggest mistake people make around holidays like Valentine's Day is to overanticipate, to assume that your partner knows what you mean, knows what you want and may well magically create it for you. If you don't say what you want, people can't read your mind. Make it clear if you have expectations."
Sound bite #6
Ballard-Reisch says advance preparation is important in making Valentine's Day a success. The sound bite is 13 seconds and the outcue is "what you've agreed to."
Ballard-Reisch: "Another thing that's helpful around Valentine's Day is to prepare in advance. Discuss with your partner what you want this day to be in your relationship, how you want to celebrate it, agree upon it in advance and then prepare it together, or at least prepare consistently with what you've agreed to."
Sound bite #7
Ballard-Reisch says it's not a good idea to blow off Valentine's Day. The sound bite is 10 seconds and the outcue is "take that opportunity."
Ballard-Reisch: "It's a really good idea not to blow Valentine's Day off, unless it's mutually agreed upon with you and your partner. When our culture gives us an opportunity to acknowledge relationships, take that opportunity."