Slashdot Mirror


Zuckerberg Gets a Crash Course in Charm. Will Congress Care? (bgr.com)

An anonymous reader writes: It goes without saying that no tech CEO ever wants to make the trek down to Washington D.C. and appear before congress. And Zuckerberg -- at a surface level -- seems particularly ill-suited for the task. Though clearly an incredible mind, remember that Zuckerberg is a tech-minded programmer and far from a savvy and political operator. That being the case, many people are curious as to how the Facebook founder, who it's worth noting is just 33 years old, will fare when confronted with hard hitting questions from politicians.

In an effort to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that Zuckerberg's appearance goes off without a hitch, The New York Times is reporting that Facebook recently hired a team of experts and coaches tasked with ensuring that Zuckerberg has the tools to deftly navigate the potentially deep waters of Congress. Of particular interest is that Zuckerberg has been learning how to be charming and exhibit humility in the face of heavy-handed and probing questions. The report says, "It [ Facebook] has also hired a team of experts, including a former special assistant to President George W. Bush, to put Mr. Zuckerberg, 33, a cerebral coder who is uncomfortable speaking in public, through a crash course in humility and charm. The plan is that when he sits down before the Senate Commerce and Judiciary committees on Tuesday, Mr. Zuckerberg will have concrete changes to talk about, and no questions he can't handle."

3 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Re:ololol by kelemvor4 · · Score: 2, Funny

    you cant polish a turd

    Incorrect, sir. You can polish a turd. Evidence: Mythbusters Polishing a Turd

  2. Re:Depends on how you're using the word "Charm" .. by bobstreo · · Score: 3, Funny

    If "Charm" is being used as a euphemism for donations, they'll care all right.

    I picture his appearance,

    MZ walks in to testify, two huge bodyguards lugging multiple cases behind them.

    As he is sworn in, MZ opens the cases and throws millions of dollars into the air, as congress critters scurry on their hands and knees, scooping up money and tucking it into their clothes, and interns pockets.

    MZ does a mike drop and walk out, testimony ended.

  3. Re:45 out of 55 congress members got FB donations by nukenerd · · Score: 4, Funny

    Remains to be see how "hard hitting" the questioning is when the members of congress received substantial donations from Facebook and associates.

    So the "charm" has already been working for a while.