VOICEBOX with David Coury

John Mayer’s ‘Sorry’ Sorry

February 17th, 2010

Listening to John Mayer’s apology for the Playboy interview during a concert in Nashville 6 days ago it became clear that there is an art to apologizing. The “wronged” must feel like they’ve been heard/understood and convinced that the transgression is not likely to be repeated. Mayer went on and on about being done with doing press and said he’s just going to focus on playing his guitar. His words in the Playboy interview were hurtful to many. Although his voice was emotional during this live and lengthy apology, he came across more like someone who was sorry that he got busted. He lacked the clear and concise language necessary to allow the many he offended to understand that his words-in-print did not reflect how he really feels. Like in the interview, he ran his mouth in the Nashville apology while ironically committing to shutting up and playing more guitar. His committing to shutting up in the future only makes what’s really going on in his heart suspect to those offended. At least Mayer is apologizing. This says he’s aware that he’s been inappropriate. Now he needs to be coached on how to make an appropriate apology. Like a 911 call without the word “HELP,” an apology without “SORRY” doesn’t sing.

Entry Filed under: SOUND ADVICE