The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson (www.mollymcpherson.com)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 May 2019 | 10 Moves to Protect your Online Reputation | 00:20:02 | |
Back in the day, you relied on personal relationships when deciding whether to do business with someone. While that’s still the case in a lot of circles, an even more popular method is through our good friend Google. I don’t know about you, but I often Google the name of someone who reaches out to me for business -- for a media interview or for help in their business. I want to know who I’m dealing with before I agree to do any work with or for someone. And I love that it’s so easy to find the information I’m looking for. Does the idea of that make you cringe? Are you unsure about what information I could find about you if I Googled your name? On this week’s episode of the Confident Communications podcast, I’m sharing 10 ways you can protect your online reputation so you can stop living in fear and start being proactive about what others can find about you online. Each tip is simple and you can do them all in one sitting. Grab this checklist so you can repeat it every few months--something I recommend to all my clients. Mentioned In This Episode: Duck Duck Go https://duckduckgo.com/ Incognito Mode in Google Chrome https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-use-incognito-windows-in-chrome Google Alert https://www.google.com/alerts Episode 8: Top Communication Fails that Made Headlines in 2018 https://mollymcpherson.com/episode8/ Hootsuite https://hootsuite.com/ Sprout Social https://sproutsocial.com/
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their rep Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 04 Feb 2020 | 67: Generation Z Explained with Special Guest Sarah Weise | 00:44:28 | |
Trust me when I tell you that Generation Z matters. Especially if you’re a parent of teens, you want to figure out how their brains are working. If you own or run a business, they matter because you’re going to need to learn how to get them motivated and engaged in your product or service. Today’s guest on the podcast is the author of InstaBrain: The New Rules for Marketing to Generation Z, Sarah Weise, and she’s sharing with us everything you need to know about Generation Z. This is a must-listen interview for anyone who wants to get in the brain of the Gen Z consumer. If you want to know what motivates this generation to take action and get them in the door, then this is the episode for you.
Sarah talks about running a small research company and the work she’s done with both large and small companies. She wanted to figure out ways to marketing to Generation Z more effectively. With 51% of the world’s population under the age of twenty-five, listen here to find out what key behavior they’re not doing to find information, and what they’re turning to instead.
Here we break down all of the living generations; the Silent Generation, Boomers, Generation X, a micro-generation called the Oregon Trail Generation, Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha. Learn more about the role that high-speed internet had in shaping an entire generation.
Millennials are only a few years older than Gen Z, but they’re so different because they grew up with different things going on around them. Including their parents. Here Sarah explains the shift from ‘helicopter parenting’ to ‘tech parenting’. Learn more about how this shift changed what and how people are sharing information about themselves online.
While Millennials can juggle three screens at a time, Generation Z can juggle five. Listen here to find out the specific length of time you have to catch both a Millennial and a Generation Zer’s attention and how their behavior is impacting other generations.
This generation doesn’t say “here’s what I need to know.” Instead, they ask “what should I want to know?” and then they scroll. They rely on algorithms and recommendations to inspire them. Sarah talks about how once you hook them, they can be hyper-focused for hours, and this can actually be a huge opportunity for business and marketing.
They love learning. Consuming hours of YouTube videos where they learn how to do something will make them feel good, but watching hours of Netflix could make them feel guilty. Learn more about the natural research Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 26 Nov 2019 | 57: How to Behave on a Plane Without Driving People Insane | 00:22:11 | |
It’s Thanksgiving week in the United States; a time of year when a lot of people plan to travel through airports on their way to visit family and friends for the holiday. This is the episode to help you, and everyone around you, travel with ease in the air. Everyone holiday, you can almost bet on someone picking up their phone to snap a photo or film a video of not-so-good behavior on the plane. After all, when people are on edge or in a hurry - chances are they are not at their best. So let’s all do our part to make this travel experience more enjoyable, shall we? As most of you know I travel a LOT for my work, so in this podcast, you’ll hear my top 10 air travel behavior tips that I’ve gathered based on personal experience. [3:05] I know it’s tempting because you’ve been planning this trip for months, or there’s an important meeting you don’t think you can miss, but no one wants to sit next to a sick person. My experience with traveling while sick goes all the way back to my days working for the cruise industry when the norovirus made its debut. So trust me when I tell you it’s much better for everyone to just stay home - or at the very least travel with a mask and extra hand sanitizer. [7:07] Don’t rush to the front of the plane right when you land and cut in front of everyone sitting in front of you. Not only is it rude, but your actions are telling people that you are simply more important than everyone else. Not to mention the traffic jam you’re causing. Guess what? We all want to get off the plane, and it will go faster if everyone waits your turn. [11:05] I get it - being on an airplane is a great time to catch up on podcasts, but just be mindful of when you have them in and when you should actually be hearing what’s going on around you. If the flight crew is trying to take your order, for example, take them out of your ears. When we’re all deplaning - out. Bonus tip: you might actually meet more people (I’ve gotten business deals on planes) by keeping them out and striking up a conversation. [12:44] Don’t overdo it on the perfume or cologne. You want to smell nice, but some people are very sensitive to strong fragrance. On the other side of that, make sure to shower and wear deodorant that day. [13:16] Don’t talk to the person behind you, across the aisle from you, or over the middle seat person. You’re making your conversation way too public and including far too many surrounding passengers who don’t want to hear your conversation. [15:23] The middle person. It’s just that easy. They got the short end of the stick with seating, so they can control both armrests. [16:00] Don’t keep talking to someone who clearly doesn’t want to talk to you. One nice way I had someone do it was by saying, “I’m gonna check out now” and then he put on his headphones. Simple, to-the-point, and not rude at all. [16:54] Take your backpack off before you start walking down the narrow aisles. Don’t be that person with a huge, oversized backpack and wields it with abandon, moving, rushing, and pivoting while everyone is getting hit in the head along the way. [18:08] Your bag goes above your seat. It’s Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 09 Jun 2020 | 85: How to Build a Sense of Belonging with Rajkumari Neogy | 00:38:57 | |
A sense of belonging is a human need. People need personal connections to feel accepted and supported. Without it, the feeling of exclusion can create toxic environments at home and at work. According to my guest, the key to these personal connections to feel accepted and supported can come from the traits, tragedies, and traumas of our ancestors for over 200 years in our cellular biology. Rajkumari Neogy is an epigenetic coach and executive consultant who approaches belonging from a neurobiological view - how getting in touch with any deep-rooted trauma can help dismantle toxic work cultures. Rajkumari has worked with my organizations worldwide, including HelloSign, Slack, Salesforce, Gainsight, Twilio, Google, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Wells Fargo, Cisco Systems, Facebook, United States Digital Service (USDS), Shuddle, HopSkipDrive, and Amazon. In 2013, s/he founded iRestart, which provides expertise in the areas of leadership development and organizational epigenetics. Rajkumari is also the creator of the iRestart coaching framework, the Disruptive Diversity Boot Camp, and the author of The WIT Factor: Shifting the Workplace Paradigm by Becoming Your Optimal Self. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 07 Apr 2020 | 76: Torpedoing the Commander of the USS Roosevelt: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea | 00:12:29 | |
If someone is between the devil and the deep blue sea, they are in a difficult situation where they have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action. Capt. Crozier made a decision, and it wasn't "stupid" or "naive." Trying to torpedo his career, however, turned out to be both. U.S. Navy Captain Brett Crozier was fired after a leak of a letter he had emailed to Navy leaders detailing the service's failures in responding to a coronavirus outbreak on the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt. How will history view Captain Crozier’s decision? What lesson can other leaders take from this situation? In this week’s episode, I’m dissecting the chain of events that define leadership in a time of global war on a virus.
© Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 16 Jun 2020 | 86: What To Say About the Lack of Diversity in Your Boardroom | 00:28:33 | |
As organizations grapple with their responses over recent racial injustice issues, many boards of directors are recognizing the need to change policies at practices at the organizations they govern. However, one overlooked policy could bring the greatest scrutiny straight back into the boardroom - the lack of diversity on the board.
On this episode of the podcast, discussing how the composition up of the board reflects on the organization and sets the tone for future communication Mentioned on the episode:
© Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 30 Jun 2020 | 88: Being Black in the White Workplace. A perspective on race-related challenges from Cedric Brown | 00:48:59 | |
The month of June in the year 2020 will always be known as the month that racial inequality was recognized at a global level and discussed on a digital level like never before in history. One area of the discussions that arose from this month - the experience for racial minorities in the workplace. On this week's podcast, Molly speaks with PR professional Cedric Brown about his work experience as a black man working in traditionally white-collar positions. From code-switching (alternating how you speak in conversation) to questioned work attire, Cedric offers a glimpse into the life of a professional of color. About Cedric Brown Cedric F. Brown, APR, is a digital strategist with an interest in the intersection of racial justice activism and public relations. Find him being his most authentic self on Twitter: @abrothanamedCed
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 06 Dec 2019 | 🎁 [BONUS] How to Address a Holiday Card 🎄 | 00:06:57 | |
Ho ho ho! You are listening to this special bonus holiday episode as a gift for being a loyal subscriber to the Confident Communications Podcast. Think of it as my holiday card to you as a thank you for listening. Speaking of holiday cards, this episode offers some things to consider when it comes to sending out professional holiday cards. Not sure if you should send them in the first place? I’ll go into more detail in the show, but yes, I do think it’s a good idea to send them and I'll explain why. I'll also discuss who you should send a card to and who you should make sure not to forget. Want to see how it's done? Download this free guide on how to address your holiday cards this year here. © Molly McPherson 2019
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 Nov 2018 | 03: Interview Secrets from the Other Side of the Desk. Lessons from Harvard Business School H.R. | 00:58:57 | |
Interviews don’t have to be stressful. Chances are you’ve been in many job interviews over the course of your career, and maybe even interviewed some candidates for your organization. Ellen Mahoney, chief human resources officer of Harvard Business School, has more than 30 years of experience interviewing applicants from a wide background, and she’s seen it all. Ellen dives into interview secrets from the interviewer’s perspective so you can nail your next interview--whether you’re looking for a corporate job, trying to land a freelance gig or even interviewing candidates for an opening you have. This episode runs the gamut. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
About Ellen Ellen is the chief human resources officer of Harvard Business School and the executive director of HBS Initiatives. She is responsible for managing HBS’s human resources functions for the more than 1200 administrative staff who support the school’s mission.
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 08 Jan 2019 | 10: A Golden Globes Recap: Who was on message and who missed the mark | 00:45:22 | |
In this non-traditional Golden Globes recap, I’m looking at how the stars’ publicists did on one of the most important nights in Hollywood.
More than 18 million people tuned in to the 2019 Golden Globes on Sunday night and I was among them, as usual. As a Gen-Xer, I’m a pop culture fan and usually tune into the awards shows for both the entertainment value and to theorize about publicists’ angles.
The show did not disappoint, as I discuss with my long-term friend and fellow pop culture enthusiast Mary Mitschow. We each chose our top three hits and misses by both stars and publicists and riffed on our take.
We’re digging into whether the stars’ publicists did a good job of promoting their clients’ brands in a way that kept them on-brand and on message. Or did they leave something to be desired, causing more work for themselves on the back-end of the show?
Mentioned in this Episode:
Tune in now and let me know your thoughts on the awards ceremony. Are these stars (and, better yet, their publicists) ready for the Oscars?
Are you confused by social media and communicating confidently? Grab my guide on the rookie mistakes many professionals make online. Don’t be "a miss" like some of the stars we’re talking about in this episode!
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 18 Jun 2019 | Get Found on LinkedIn--Without Getting Found Out at Work | 00:50:09 | |
LinkedIn is the online version of walking into a conference or big networking event, according to this week's guest on the Confident Communications Podcast. Kristal Hicks is the founder of JOBTALK, where she helps everyone from new college graduates to those looking to transition in their careers to optimize their LinkedIn profiles for success. With LinkedIn, professionals can connect with others in their industry and even hunt for a job--under the radar. Krystal shares how to get the attention to recruiters and how to approach them yourself. Finding talent is a tight market for recruiters, which means that it’s a great market for anyone looking for a job. In this episode, we talk about how mid- and late-career professionals can use LinkedIn to their advantage and what words you should use on your profile to make it pop. Krystal also shares three things you can do to optimize your profile quickly. Listen in and step up your own profile today. Mentioned in This Episode The Gig Economy by Diane Mulcahy "The Intern" film starring Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway
About Krystal Hicks Krystal founded JOBTALK in 2018 after more than 10 years of working in the employment sector. She provides recruiting insight to students, educators, businesses and professionals so they can make course corrections in their processes and make a bigger difference in their job search or situation. You can follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
No matter what kind of business you’re in--whether you’re a corporate executive, business owner or aspiring communications expert--you need to be an effective communicator so you can be heard, seen and stay relevant. That’s why I’m launching the Confident Leader Network--where you can find monthly trainings about relevant social media platforms and information you need to know to become an effective communicator in the 21st century.
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Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messag Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 27 Nov 2018 | 04: How to Be a Great Conversationalist | 00:19:32 | |
With our daily communications frequently moving to the online world, we have forgotten some of the nuances of face to face interaction. Improving our conversation skills, both as a speaker and a listener, allows us to sharpen our message and get a better understanding from those we communicate with. This episode features a recent NY Times article about NPR's Terry Gross and the art of a good conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Mentioned in this Episode: Terry Gross on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Kerr, Jolie “How to Talk to People, According to Terry Gross. The NPR host offers eight spicy tips for having better conversations.” New York Times, November 18, 2018. Print.
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 Mar 2019 | 20: Your Name Went Viral - But Not in a Good Way. Now What? | 00:35:48 | |
Your Name Went Viral - But Not in a Good Way. Now What? Going viral isn’t always a good thing. Just ask Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, who both had a rough week in court and online because of their involvement in the college cheating scandal. No one wants to go viral like that. The thing is, in today’s digital age, you’re at risk whether you know it or not. It’s important to be prepared and to know what to look for when you're headed for digital infamy, which is exactly what I’m talking about in this week’s Confident Communications podcast. I’ll share the two categories of viral coverage, how it impacts you on a smaller scale and how you can avoid that digital death spiral. I’ll also give you a number of examples you can use to help you identify where the person went wrong--and where it was online lookie-loos who took something and ran with it. Whether you’re a business owner, a corporate executive or someone who is working to the top, you need to protect yourself from those negative viral spirals. Mentioned in This Episode
About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 25 Dec 2018 | 08: Top Communication Fails that Made Headlines in 2018 | 00:55:59 | |
Communication fails are a starting point in talking about the importance of having a sound communication skill set. And there were a lot of them in 2018. It helps to know what mistakes look like so you can avoid them, and even learn how to come back from them effectively. Last week, I talked about the top communications wins in 2018; in this week’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, we’re looking at the flubs. From mistweets to apologies gone wrong, from insensitivity to public safety scares, we have quite a list. And there’s a lesson in each of these 10 mistakes that you can learn from, whether you’re a corporate executive, a business owner, a public figure or just someone who wants to be deliberate in the way you present yourself. People pay attention and people are quick to point out when you make mistakes in your communications and PR. When you make mistakes, people lose faith in you and your organization. Take the time to learn how to win in communications in 2019. *SPOILER ALERT* . . . Mentioned in this Episode:
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 24 Nov 2020 | 109: Royal PR Lessons from Netflix's The Crown | 00:41:39 | |
According to this week’s guest, the British royal family has the greatest long-term brand of any organization.
Hard to argue with public relations strategist Julia Angelen Joy. Not only is she an ardent follower of the Windsors, she is also a fan of Netflix drama, The Crown. That’s where I come in. When I read Julia’s blog post, 16 Royal PR Lessons, I knew I needed to bring her on the podcast to discuss the intersection of my favorite subject—public relations— with my favorite program at the moment. You guessed it. Share your thoughts on Twitter: @mollymcpherson @JuliaAngelenPR
© Molly McPherson, 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 24 Dec 2019 | 61: How to Write an Unforgettable Thank-You Note | 00:12:40 | |
We mean to write them, but we don’t always get around to it even though we know we should. It’s the "always love to receive one, but dread writing one" thank you note. Listen to this episode for tips on how to write an unforgettable thank you note. I've timed this episode around the holidays to offer a gentle push for completing a task that many people tend to overlook. Best tip: If you’re ever asking yourself if you should write a thank you note, you already know the answer. Psst...it's yes. Anyone you visit or anyone who has given you a gift gets a thank you note. So the sooner you start getting into this habit to thank people for more opportunities of graciousness you see in your life, the better.
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2019
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 29 Jan 2019 | The Covington Chronicles - When an "Ecounter" Goes Viral | 00:28:55 | |
When a big story hits the news, we all take notice. Many of us dissect the events strictly from a "just the facts" point of view, but plenty more tune in to watch the twists and turns, and eventually, the reputation fallout. The latest - the story of Nick Sandmann. A Covington, Kentucky teen who was caught on video with what looked like a smirk on his face while allegedly staring down a Native American protester. But do we really know the whole story? In this week’s episode of the Confident Communications podcast, I’m sharing the three different angles to this story, why it caused a media firestorm and the dangers of watching something like this unfold from just one point of view. There are many factors in play and not every player reacted favorably in the public eye. But you might not expect who’s communication style was a win and who needed better public relations support. Mentioned in This Episode: About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 Nov 2019 | 56: One Year of Confident Communications: The Best of the Podcast | 00:25:18 | |
Can you believe it’s been a full year since we launched the Confident Communications Podcast? Well, here we are! One year later and one year wiser. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting at Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting boot camp (Pat was also a guest on this podcast in episode 40) which played a major role in helping me get this podcast out into the world. I wanted to celebrate this year of helping people become better communicators by highlighting some of our top podcast episodes and a major takeaway from each of them. I chose episodes and guests that were not only top downloads but left my listeners with some quick and easy tips they could take away and start implementing immediately. Here’s what you can look forward to... [4:45] The JFK Jr. Plane Crash: A behind-the-scenes account from July 1999 Most of my most popular episodes feature guest interviews, but this unique solo episode got a lot of great feedback because the story is just so memorable to most people. It was released 20 years after JFK Jr.’s plane went missing, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective from insiders who were there - including me. [8:18] Episode 18: The Secret to Being a Great Speaker with Gina Razon One of the tips that Gina shares in this episode is literally something that I use every single time I get up in front of a room. It’s a way to help reset your brain back to calm because as we all know, anything can happen when you’re up there behind that podium. This episode is like a free session with a speech coach, so if you’re among the 75% of the public who has a fear of public speaking, you have to give it a listen. [11:36] Episode 22: How to Handle a Difficult Conversation with Lara Currie If you’ve ever had to deal with conflict in the workplace (and who hasn’t), you’re going to love these tips on how to slow down and remain calm that Lara teaches. We explore how to ask yourself the right questions before responding to someone, and she helps you be less emotional in your reactions. We also talk about triggers and how they affect the different genders, and how they are a visceral reaction that can show up physically. [14:14] Episode 30: How to Nail Your Next Media Interview with Brad Phillips Mr. Media Training himself, and author of The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview, chats with me about the qualities that people need, and sometimes lack, to be engaging on camera. We talk about how oftentimes the people we work with are extremely engaging off-camera, but something switches once that little red light comes on. He gives us some remedies on how to still be YOU on camera and talks about the importance of striving for co Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 23 Jul 2019 | The "When Your Back is Up Against the Wall" Response: The Friends of Jeffrey Epstein | 00:23:50 | |
The revelation that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was facing sex-trafficking charges in July 2019 left a wake of fear among many big wheels who considered Epstein - at one time or another - a friend. From Washington D.C. to Manhattan, to even (gulp) The Palace, people who have a history with Epstein needed to say something, and say it quickly. A lot of well-known people connected with him have been scrambling for the appropriate response for socializing with a convicted sex offender. This podcast is about media response and messaging. To be clear: It is NOT a how-to for messaging your way out of the revelation you have a friendship with a convicted sex offender. It’s analyzing how people in the public space messaged their way out of the disclosure they had an association with a convicted sex offender. In other words, what messaging works when your back is up against the wall, and what messaging hurts. Mentioned in This Episode: “IT’S GOING TO BE STAGGERING, THE AMOUNT OF NAMES”: AS THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN CASE GROWS MORE GROTESQUE, MANHATTAN AND DC BRACE FOR IMPACT. Source: Vanity Fair, Gabriel Sherman, July 17, 2019 “Squad” photo on Instagram. Source: @ocasio2018 “Trump says he tried to stop the ‘Send her back!’ chant. Here’s what happened. Source: PBS NewsHour President Trump discusses his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in The Oval Office.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts. No m Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 14 Jul 2020 | 90: How to Run a First-Class Virtual Presentation or Meeting | 00:21:41 | |
As organizations scramble to turn their in-person meetings into virtual events, the session moderators are scrambling as well, transitioning their in-person presentations for the small screen. For these presenters delivering an captivating presentation in person can be challenging enough, but now they need to compete with technology and distractions. On the podcast this week, twelve tips to help you perform a first-class virtual meeting or presentation. © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 28 Jan 2020 | 66: 6 Simple Tips to Improve Your Handwriting | 00:15:35 | |
If you’re like most of us, any communication you do through the written word is via the keyboard - either on your phone or at your computer. It’s no wonder that when it’s time to sit down and put pen to paper, the outcome can sometimes look more like a ransom letter than a thank you note. Handwriting doesn’t come easy to us anymore, but it’s still very important. Some benefits of writing things down by hand include helping us feel more accomplished, help inspire our work, think conceptually, and achieve our goals. In this episode, you’ll learn six simple tips to improve your handwriting. Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes.
Get your hands on the right materials before writing. Listen here to find out what simple writing tools you can invest in now to start writing like a pro. They won’t break the bank, and can easily be found either at your local office supply store or Amazon.
You want to make sure your back is straight, feet are flat, legs are uncrossed, and your arm and hand are relaxed. I give you some quick fixes to try that can transform your writing in seconds.
This seems common sense, but I’m definitely guilty of rushing my handwriting, too. Unless you’re forced to rush for some reason, there’s really no need to. Find out what can happen when you write too fast, and learn my simple rule to help you slow down.
Most people write with their fingers which means they draw the letters, but the pros actually don’t use their fingers at all - they use their entire arm. I share with you a couple of practice techniques to make your writing more fluid and attractive.
Make your letters clear and consistent. (This is where practicing with grid paper can be very helpful.) Ascenders and descenders should be the same height, for example. Get even more clarity on uniform writing here.
Pick up your pen when you’re not in a time crunch and practice. Grab that grid-line notebook or print out a couple of pages, and listen here to find out what sentence to write that lets your practice ALL the letters of the alphabet.
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| 01 Sep 2020 | 97: 5 of the Best-Worst PR Excuses from the Week: The rhetoric behind the response | 00:25:25 | |
*Jerry Seinfeld voice* What's the deal with all these lame excuses from people??!! The last weeks of August 2020 were far from sleepy and dull. From the DNC to the RNC; from Jerry Seinfeld to Jerry Falwell, Jr. - what a week for people speaking their minds about the heated issues of the week. On the podcast, the best/worst excuses we heard from the week from people and organizations that landed in hot water. What they said and the likely strategy behind the response. Denial, shift the blame, bolstering, minimization, mortification, transcendence, and attacking the accuser. Response strategies to lessen the blow to a reputation. Mentioned on the podcast:
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| 04 Jun 2019 | 31: A Crisis Case Study: Tony Robbins Responds to a Media Attack | 00:44:53 | |
It’s happened again. A high-profile man accused of inappropriate conduct. Even those with a PR staff to help them out don’t always respond appropriately when their reputation is being attacked. That’s exactly my take on the recent man in the spotlight: Tony Robbins. This week on the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m dissecting the accusations against Tony Robbins and his response. What did he do right? Where did he (and others) miss the mark? What happens next? There’s a 3-step process for responding to media attacks, and an ask that the accused needs to make. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this crisis management mainstay and it’s a recipe for reputational disaster. Listen in as I review the timeline and where the missteps happened--and where you can do better should your reputation ever be on the line. Mentioned In This Episode Buzzfeed Tony Robbins accusations Tony Robbins response via Medium Episode 12: The Art of Messaging a Divorce Tony Robbins thank you for your support [video] Support from Robbins client [video] Video footage of Robbins using racial slurs
Developing skills to become an effective communicator is key no matter what stage you’re at in business. To learn more tips on how to communicate more effectively, from the comfort of your own home, you’re going to want to check out The Confident Leader Network. Launching soon, the Network includes monthly trainings about relevant social media platforms and information you need to know to become an effective communicator in the 21st century. Sign up below to be first to know when the program goes live so you can be heard, stay seen and maintain your relevancy. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts.
© Molly McPherson 2019
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
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| 31 Dec 2019 | 62: It's a New Year; Is it Time for a New Life? With special guest Steve Piacente | 00:28:28 | |
A New Year’s Eve episode airing on the cusp of 2020 dedicated to listeners who want to make a transition in 2020. For many, this is the time of year that people seek change and crave renewal. Who better to guide us through that process than a life coach? My guest is Steve Piacente. Steve is a former colleague of mine - we worked together as executive communication coaches - who has a great deal of experience in communications. He is a former newspaper reporter turned D.C. bureau chief, turned speechwriter, added adjunct professor into the mix along with author, and (whew) is now the Director of Training at The Communication Center in Washington, D.C. Did I mention he added a life coach credential to his repertoire? Steve is here to help us all through some of the challenging life transitions we might be facing as we look ahead to renewing ourselves in 2020.
Learn more about Ste Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
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| 03 Dec 2019 | 58: Critical Moments: The New Mindset of Reputation Management with special guest Bill Coletti | 00:35:03 | |
According to this week's guest, a company owns its brand; the public owns its reputation. Crisis communications expert Bill Coletti reveals how to build reputational excellence by meeting the needs and expectations of the public. We discuss his various strategies for companies to work their way through a crisis. Bonus -- Bill offers a phenomenal crisis preparation tip you can put into place within your organization immediately.
You can purchase Bill’s book on Amazon, click here. About Molly Public Relations expert Molly McPherson, APR, reveals the best practices help leaders become indestructible in today's digital age and crisis-proof their organizations. A mix of discussing current news events along with interviews with newsmakers, communications professionals and business owners while providing insight from 20+ years of public relations and crisis communications expertise working for FEMA and heading communications for the cruise line industry to help take the fear out of communicating in the age of scrutiny. This podcast helps leaders communicate confidently--in writing, speaking, body language, social media -- to be heard, seen and relevant.< Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 27 Aug 2019 | Man Bites Dog PR: Taking Charge in the Digital Age | 00:46:31 | |
Leaders want to be heard, but often leaving that message up to the news media bring stress and unease. In his new book, Gary Schneeberger hopes to reduce the acrimony toward news reporters and teach the secrets to being in control of the interview. We talk about this and more in this week’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast. In the digital age, the news cycle has gone from 24 hours to 24 seconds (thank you, Twitter) and it’s bound to change even more as we move forward. We no longer rely on reporters to get our message out, but rather have more tools than ever to make an impact. Gary and I discuss how to get past news bias, why President Trump is a master communicator and why he gets to make up his own PR rules. It’s an interesting conversation and one that any leader today needs to listen in on. Mentioned in This Episode About Gary Schneeberger Gary Schneeberger’s three decades in journalism and public relations fuel his passion for, and success in, strategic marketing and communications. As founder and president of ROAR, Schneeberger draws on his executive and executional experience in entertainment, ministry and media to help individuals and organizations engage audiences with the boldness and creative clarity that ensures they are heard.
He has advised Hollywood studios, television networks, global ministries and publishing houses, as well as counseled and created communications platforms for some of the biggest names in movies and TV and the most influential leaders in the faith community. Schneeberger also spent more than 15 years as an award-winning reporter and editor for daily newspapers across the country, including the Los Angeles Times.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts. © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 20 Aug 2019 | The Top Podcasts You Should Be Listening to Right Now | 00:22:09 | |
Podcasts have become one of my favorite innovations in the 20th century. They’re easy to listen to on the go and offer both valuable information and entertainment. The downside? We have so many to choose from these days, it’s hard to know what to tune into. As a self-professed podcast junkie, I wanted to share with you some of my own favorite podcasts right now (aside from my own, of course!). Here’s my list, by category, so you can dive in and start enjoying some of your own. Business Podcasts
Pop Culture PodcastsCrime PodcastsScandal PodcastsOther PodcastsAbout MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., AP Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 Feb 2019 | 16: How to Spot a Liar | 00:35:35 | |
Let’s face it, we all lie. Many of those lies are innocent white lies with the intent of making the other person look or feel better (That jacket looks great on you!) but other lies are much more hurtful and impactful (think: the Fyre Festival). Most people can’t spot a lie because humans are wired to believe one another. In this episode of Confident Communications, I’m sharing the common reasons we lie, which gender is more likely to lie, the lies each gender tell and which gestures can be misconstrued as lying (and which are dead giveaways for lies). Not only that, but I’ll use a simple trick that will tell you whether you’re more prone to telling lies. This episode is for parents, spouses, colleagues, customers, leaders--anyone who wants to become a human lie detector. I’m not going to lie...it will come in handy! Mentioned in this episode
About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 17 Nov 2020 | 108: What is Parler? Everything you need to know about this social network with all the buzz | 00:18:32 | |
The hottest social media app on the market has exploded amid growing frustration over the alleged censorship of pro-conservative posts by Facebook and Twitter. So what is Parler about and who is using it? Listen to hear everything you need to know about the social media platform and whether it is the right place for you. Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Nov 2019 | 54: What's in a Greeting and Why Does it Matter? | 00:14:24 | |
As a business leader, employee or owner, you have the opportunity to interact with many people from all walks of life and places. Just as important as why you interact with people, is that you’re able to greet them appropriately so you get off on the right foot. But greeting etiquette depends on so many factors, aside from culture--how you know the person and who is hosting the meeting also plays a factor. About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations.
Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Jan 2021 | 115: The ONE Word That Will Stop a Crisis Dead in its Tracks | 00:32:20 | |
After Hilaria (ahem, Hillary) Baldwin became the subject of a huge, trending news story during one of the slowest news weeks of the year—she and husband Alec needed a solid response plan. One course of action, of course, would be to admit that she has misrepresented herself over the past decade by faking a Spanish accent, and then take an extended break from Instagram. The other—fight back. Turns out the latter choice blew up the story. This episode is a case study for what the Baldwins should have done to avoid the crisis. Learn a code for staying ahead of a crisis and the one word that will stop it dead in its tracks. Heard on this episode: The Hilaria Baldwin Story: 'I'm Living My Life' (New York Times, Dec. 30, 2020) How to Admit Your Mistakes: The Ellen DeGeneres Apology (Episode 101) © Molly McPherson 2021 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 28 Apr 2020 | 79: How to Write During COVID-19: 3 Steps to Communicate Better During the Pandemic | 00:41:53 | |
As leaders and communicators head into month three of responding to the coronavirus outbreak, many are starting to feel the stress creating content. I know I feel it. However, writing would feel far more overwhelming to me if I couldn’t tap into one of my favorite writing resources: my favorite writing coach, Ann Wiley. Her workshops have transformed my writing, and now I’m sharing these valuable writing tips with you In this episode, Ann teaches how to write during a crisis to make your messages clear, compassionate, and confident. You’ll learn how to balance communicating early and often in an environment that’s changing by the minute.
Mentioned on the episode:
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts
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| 01 Jan 2019 | 09: How to Write a Hollywood Ending with your Internal Communications | 00:43:32 | |
Every business needs a foundation to communicate with its employees, which is why I brought Victoria Dew of Dewpoint Communications to talk about this critical piece of the communication puzzle. Victoria’s unique perspective as a former entertainment industry professional and in-house communication professional both in the U.S. and overseas helps to bring a new voice to the creativity and transparency that goes into communicating with employees. In this episode, we talk human-centric business, changes in work culture over the last 30 years, why a bigger budget doesn’t always mean better results and how internal communications changes in times of crisis. As it becomes increasingly difficult to recruit and retain great employees, perfecting internal communications is vital. Listen in now and learn how you can do more with what you have to move the needle in your business. Mentioned in this Episode:
About Victoria As a consultant, coach and in-house practitioner, both in the US and overseas, Victoria has worked in more than a dozen industries and verticals, and with diverse businesses, ranging from solopreneurs to some of the world’s largest technology companies. Victoria holds a BA from Skidmore College, an MA from King’s College London, a PG Dip in Communications Management from Massey University and a Cert MS in Business Administration from Victoria University of Wellington. Victoria has earned the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) designation, and is also a certified business coach. Victoria also serves as 2018-19 Vice Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators' (IABC) International Executive Board. Want more information on Victoria and receive her guide to better writing? Click here to get her guide on writing tips. About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 15 Dec 2020 | 112: How to Write for COVID-19 with Ann Wylie | 00:37:52 | |
Communicators who have been responding to the outbreak of the coronavirus since last spring know how stressful it can be to write the content about your organization's ongoing response.
Mentioned on the episode:
(Original episode aired on April 27, 2020) Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 10 Mar 2020 | 72: Help! I lost my voice. Now what? | 00:21:00 | |
It can happen to anyone. You’re out of town at a conference or event, and less than 24-hours before you’re set to take the stage for a talk, your voice decides to completely give out. Without access to your kitchen or a pharmacy full of remedies, what can you do? Canceling isn’t an option, but luckily there are a few ways to get your voice back just in the nick of time. Trust me, I know from personal experience. What not to do:
What to do:
Mentioned on the episode: Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 30 Jul 2019 | How to Write a Digital Press Release | 00:12:39 | |
Back in the day, press releases were typed up then mailed or faxed out to news organizations. Today, thankfully, we can toss the snail mail and fax machines and email them out. But because of the changes in technology, communications professionals need to change their methods if they want their news releases to get picked up by the media and published. How do you get the attention of the media outlets? That’s exactly what I cover on today’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast. I’m giving you tips and tricks to get noticed while also maintaining the professionalism of your organization. As a bonus, you can also download my digital press release guide to keep handy. Grab it below. ">
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 23 Jun 2020 | 87: Celebrating Juneteenth: Why organizations should have noted the day on social media | 00:19:52 | |
In the week leading up to June 19, 2020, many communicators were faced with the question: to celebrate Juneteenth or not to celebrate Juneteenth on the company's social media feed. For big brands, the choice was an easy one to make: definitely.
But if you’re that lone communicator still agonizing over your organization’s silence on racism in the month of June—whether in its public statements, internal communications, or commitment to long-term action—you likely need more clarity on how to proceed.
On the podcast, why Juneteenth should not only be acknowledged but celebrated.
Mentioned on the podcast:
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| 06 Aug 2019 | Where are your Superfans? The easy way to find them with special guest Pat Flynn | 00:27:24 | |
Communicating effectively and being authentic are two components in building not just fans (of you and your business) but superfans. And in today’s online world, securing the marketing real estate you need to attract the right people can be tricky. This week on the Confident Communications Podcast, I'm speaking with Pat Flynn, entrepreneur and host of the Smart Passive Income Podcast. He shares how he took the experience of getting laid off from his dream job and turned it into a business, which then morphed into where he is today. As a superfan of Pat myself, I’ll be the first to tell you that he is the real deal. I stumbled on his podcast by chance, started following him and quickly signed up for his podcast mastermind. If you want to learn the inner workers of the online entrepreneurial world, Pat’s your guy and his podcast and YouTube Channel are your guides. In this episode, we talk about what differentiates a superfan from an average joe fan, where to focus your time and money to generate those superfans and how to encourage people who just “find” you to continue to follow you. And then, what do you do next? Mentioned in this episode:
About Pat Flynn Pat Flynn is a father, husband and entrepreneur who lives and works in San Diego. He owns several successful online businesses and is a professional blogger, keynote speaker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and host of the Smart Passive Income and AskPat podcasts, which have earned a combined total of over 55 million downloads, multiple awards and features in publications like The New York Times and Forbes. He is also an advisor to ConvertKit, LeadPages, Teachable and other companies in the digital marketing arena.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines he Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 07 Jan 2020 | 63: Crisis Plans: What They Are and Why You Need One with Rob Burton | 00:23:52 | |
Many businesses have a crisis on their hands. It's not the threat of a devastating event that should have them worried. It's the lack of planning for when it does. In this episode of the podcast, I’m speaking with Robert Burton. Rob is the Managing Director of PreparedEx, where he leads a team of crisis experts who prepare organizations to be more resilient to the myriad risks they face and is also co-founder of The International Crisis Management Conference. If you are responsible for ensuring your organization is prepared for any crisis or significant event, then this episode is a must-listen. Rob offers critical guidance for preparing a response to the threats that can crop up in your industry.
Mentioned on the episode:
About Rob Burton As a Principal at PreparedEx, Rob manages a team of crisis management professionals supporting clients in their crisis, emergency, security and business continuity management preparedness programs. Rob's team creates and delivers corporate war games, full/operational, and functional and tabletop exercises. Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts
© Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
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| 26 Mar 2019 | 21: A Crisis Case Study: Elizabeth Holmes in a bloody mess | 00:35:32 | |
When you’re in the public eye, be ready for scrutiny. Even if you’re not in the public eye, your audience is looking for transparency both online and offline. Try to hide and you’re going to get some backlash--especially in the face of a crisis. This week on the Confident Communications podcast, we’re ripping from the headlines two fallouts from two executives’ mistakes. One flat-out lied and bamboozled the public and investors out of millions (a billion!). The other thought that denial and hiding from bad press was the way to go. In both instances, they were wrong. Too many business owners, leaders, entrepreneurs and C-suite executives today deny the power of social media and the digital space. They think that not answering questions might make those questions go away. The truth is, social media is powerful and it can be both a weapon and a tool--depending on how you use it. How are you using social media? Find out what these executives did wrong. Mentioned in This Episode
About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts. © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 24 Mar 2020 | 74: How to Lead In a Time of the Coronavirus: Seven Ways to Inspire Confidence | 00:26:56 | |
You can’t make it very far in March 2020 without seeing some kind of news article or social media post regarding COVID-19. This also makes it very easy to identify the leaders who get it, and the ones who are missing the mark. Whether a leader is doing an admirable job by pivoting their message as needed, or a poor job due to lagging communications, people are taking notice. In this episode, I’m going to discuss seven different tactics that leaders can implement right now to inspire confidence during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mentioned on the episode:
Connect with me on Twitter and let me know how your top takeaway from this episode. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
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| 15 Oct 2019 | Cybersecurity Issues That Will Keep You Up at Night | 00:34:44 | |
This month is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. A perfect time to remind people that we live in a world increasingly reliant on technology, which makes us all vulnerable to cyberattacks. This week's guest helps companies prepare for the days they hope will never happen -- a cyberattack. Mark Hoffman discusses how phishing attacks occur and why organizations need cybersecurity plans. Mentioned in this episode:
About Mark HoffmanMark Hoffman, MBCI, CBCP, is a crisis management and business continuity consultant with cybersecurity response and crisis communications experience spanning over twenty years. With a proven track record across multiple sectors, including financial, insurance, utilities and municipal governments, Mark has extensive experience in the development and execution of tabletop and operational exercises with a focus on measurable results that lead to the overall improvement of plans and programs.
About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 12 Feb 2019 | 15: Bully!: Presidential Communications Throughout the Ages | 00:48:05 | |
More than ever, being President of the United States means you need to be at the top of your game as a communicator. And no matter what you think about current or past presidents, each one had his own challenges and triumphs when it comes to communicating with the American public. In this non-partisan episode of the Confident Communications podcast, I’m sharing how communication by our nation’s leaders has changed over time--from the written State of the Union to fireside chats that worked for one president and flopped for another and from our pop culture president to our social media president. Each president mentioned can teach you something about how to communicate confidently as a leader. And that might be even more so from the non-president who might be considered our nation’s biggest influencer--both of his time and today. Mentioned in this Episode Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 29 Sep 2020 | 101: How to Admit Your Mistakes: The Ellen DeGeneres Apology | 00:21:26 | |
Everyone makes mistakes. However, not everyone admits to making them, and that can lead to much bigger problems. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres used the opening monologue of her season premiere to address her role allegations of a toxic production environment at the daytime series in her opening monologue. It was time to admit a mistake. Learn five maneuvers to help create an architecture for getting you through the sometimes brutal process of admitting when you are wrong. Mentioned on the podcast: How to Apologize During a PR Crisis: Why Ellen DeGeneres Kept Quiet (And Why You Shouldn't) © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 16 Jul 2019 | 37: The JFK Jr. Plane Crash: A behind-the-scenes account from July 1999 | 00:59:09 | |
In the early hours of July 17, 1999, the world watched and waited to find out the fate of America’s son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. The night before, he took off from Essex County airport in his single-engine plane carrying his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette. They were bound for Martha’s Vineyard but never arrived. I was a reporter in Cape Cod at the time and had a front-row seat to the media coverage. I was part of the media coverage. But I was also a young and concerned citizen, hoping for the best. On today’s special episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I am speaking with Capt. Webster about how the events of the day unfolded and how they were reported. When you think about the technology available to us in 1999 compared to how news is gathered and reported today, there’s an interesting parallel between how the public’s role has changed over the years. Listen in to the insights on what news coverage looked like then and now and how I found myself reporting the tragedy (undercover) from a Massachusetts Environmental Police boat out in the waters of Martha’s Vineyard. Mentioned in This Episode America's Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr. John F. Kennedy plane crash (background) Lost in Charleston’s Waves: The Tragedy of the Sailing Vessel Morning Dew
About Captain W. Russell “Russ” Webster Webster is an author, consultant in maritime legal matters and adjunct instructor of homeland security at the University of New Haven. His books are based on decades as a search and rescue expert following a 26-year career in the Coast Guard. He has also served as Transportation Safety Administration deputy director for all airports and transportation venues in Massachusetts and was selected as New England’s first-ever FEMA federal preparedness coordinator. For more about Webster and his work, visit his website.
About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 02 Apr 2019 | 22: How to Handle a Difficult Conversation | 00:39:32 | |
Everyone has difficult moments in their lives, whether it’s a high-conflict divorce, an argument with a friend or family member or clashed personalities at work. It happens because we’re human and because we often don’t know how to react or interact during difficult times. Instead of reacting to triggers that only make the moment more heated, this week’s guest teaches us how to pause a moment to make sure we’re reacting appropriately. Lara Currie is a speaker and trainer who teaches professionals in high-stress, high-stakes fields how to weather difficult times. In this episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, we’ll explore how to ask yourself the right questions before responding, why we need to become less emotional, how men and women communicate differently in times of stress and why we need to retrain ourselves in basic communication techniques. Mentioned in this episode About Lara Currie Lara is a podcaster, speaker and trainer and the author of Difficult Happens. With more than 27 years of experience in high conflict positions, she has a unique and intuitive understanding of why people act--and react--the way they do. She is passionate about helping people in high stakes fields communicate effectively, make honest and meaningful connections, live with less stress and establish strong boundaries. Visit her website, listen to her podcast or read more about her book. About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 06 Oct 2020 | 102: Truth or Trumped-Up? A Hospital Visit Leads to a Lesson in Transparency | 00:28:16 | |
With the rising demand for transparency from the public, organizations and their leaders are learning the importance of interacting openly and honestly with their stakeholders. The leaders and organizations who interact openly and honestly with the media and the public, will be rewarded with trust and credibility. Similarly, those who try to mislead and deceive will find themselves in a hole filled with negative press and public opinion, from which they will find it difficult to emerge unscathed. This episode is a 24-hour glimpse into President Trump’s visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the swirl of confusion that resulted from conflicting reports from Trump’s own chief of staff and press briefings led by his physician. Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 12 May 2020 | 81: What You Need to Be Telling Your Audience Right Now About Your Pandemic Plans | 00:19:12 | |
If you turn on the television or spend any time on social media, there is no doubt you've heard from numerous companies sharing their concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The ad copy is heavy; the music - somber.
It's understandable that many businesses adjusted their advertising, voice-overs, and copywriting to show care and concern for customers during the pandemic. However, when does the somber template become overused and ineffective? When is it time to switch the narrative and tell your customers what they need to hear from you?
The answer is now.
Molly shares a 3-part framework for communicating precisely what your audience wants to hear from you during this phase of the pandemic, or for any crisis impacting your business. Mentioned on this episode:
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 14 Apr 2020 | 77: How to Navigate Through a Crisis: Leadership for a turbulent time with special guest Rear Admiral (ret.) Timothy Sullivan | 00:36:49 | |
In a time of crisis, most of us look to our leaders for both guidance and inspiration. In the turbulence of the current COVID-19 crisis, it helps to tap into the minds of former leaders. With over 36 years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Ret.) Timothy Sullivan is an emergency management expert who knows his way around a crisis. On the podcast, bridging the leadership lessons from past incidents of significance to today.
Mentioned on the episode:
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 May 2020 | 82: Eating Your Words: Cookbook author Alison Roman's recipe for an apology | 00:20:25 | |
“Like, what Chrissy Teigen has done is so crazy to me.” That statement, in part, was one of the reasons why food writer and New York Times cooking columnist, Alison Roman, faced a severe backlash and a place in the Twitter Hall of Shaming after she attacked the business strategies of the face of the Cravings brand along with Marie Kondo - the best-selling author devoted to helping people declutter their homes and live by keeping the items that "find joy." On the podcast this week, a recipe for finding the right words to write online when you have to eat your words. Molly shares a 3-part response framework for mastering an apology. Mentioned on this episode:
© Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 17 Mar 2020 | 73: Communicating COVID-19: The Best Advice for Informing Your Stakeholders During The Pandemic | 00:32:53 | |
If you’re struggling with how to communicate your way through the coronavirus crisis, then this episode is for you. I’ve assembled a group of savvy professionals working in crisis and risk management, public relations, strategy & planning. You’ll hear how to provide timely and accurate information to your audience, and I share my favorite takeaway tips you can implement immediately in your communication plan.
1. Mary Beth West of Fletcher Marketing PR
Listen to the #MsInterPReted Podcast Connect with Mary Beth on Twitter
2. Jared Meade, Founder & Principal, Rayne Strategy Group
Connect with Jaren on Twitter
3. Mark Hoffman, Senior Crisis Management & Business Continuity Consultant
Connect with Mark on Twitter Episode 51: Cybersecurity Issues That Will Keep You Up at Night
4. Jo Detavernier, Principal at Detavernier Strategic Communication
Connect with Jo on Twitter
5. Michelle Garrett, PR Consultant and Prolific Freelance Content Writer
Connect with Michelle on Twitter
6. James Green, Director of Risk Advisory Services at SAI Global
Connect with James on Twitter
7. Adam Schwartz, Founder, The Cooperative Way
Connect with Adam on Twitter
8. Hinda Mitchell, President and Founder of Inspire PR Group
Connect with Hinda on Twitter
9. Julia Angelen Joy, Public Relations Strategist and President of Z Group PR
Connect with Julia on Twitter CEOs Will Lead Way Through Coronavirus - read the article HERE.
10. Stephanie H. Elsea, VP Marketing & Communications at The Lustgarten Foundation Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 08 Dec 2020 | 111: How to Respond to a Grieving Friend | 00:25:34 | |
Knowing how to respond when a friend mourns the loss of a loved one can be confusing.
© Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 10 Nov 2020 | 107: The ONE Winning Strategy I Found in the Chaos of the 2020 Election | 00:20:52 | |
An estimated 161 million Americans took the polls—either by mail or in-person—to elect a president. What happened after that was a week of division and confusion. One president-elect is declared, the other says, "Not so fast. Even in a competitive election, there was one winning strategy that struck me when it came to creating a wave of support for selling your next product, idea, or campaign: learn how to get people to mobilize and engage your product, idea, business, or movement. Learn how to build a groundswell.
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 20 Oct 2020 | 104: How to Memorize a Speech in 7 Easy Steps | 00:14:29 | |
During the recent confirmation hearings, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, asked Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett to show the notes she was working from while answering questions for the past few hours. She held up a blank block of notebook paper and said, “Just a letterhead that says United States Senate.” Now that’s memorization! On this episode of The Confident Communications Podcast, how to memorize your next speech and know it cold in 7 easy steps. It may not get you through days of confirmation hearings, but it can certainly help. Mentioned in the episode
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 04 Aug 2020 | 93: Tell-Tale Signs Someone is Lying to You in Text or Email | 00:18:10 | |
As much of our communication nowadays shifts to remote platforms, we are having more conversations via text, email, instant message, and chat. Even if there is no personal interaction in communication, you may be exposed to deceptions and lies you may not even notice. On the episode this week, the tell-tale signs someone is lying to you when you read a text or email.
Mentioned on the podcast: Episode 16 - How to Spot a Liar. © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 25 Feb 2020 | 70: How to Conduct an Astronomically Bad Press Conference | 00:21:04 | |
Imagine planning a press conference to address a widely publicized cheating scandal and rebuild your baseball team’s reputation. You’ve got your lineup set for what should be a home run, but you end up striking out. In this podcast, I’m dissecting the Houston Astros' failed press conference. The good news is it gives us a perfect example of what not to do. You never know when scandal may arise, so here are some pointers you can add to your reputation management playbook today.
This is the first question an organization needs to ask itself.
How you should appear - and not appear - on camera.
Follow this framework to respond to any crisis.
Here’s the best way to knock your intro statement out of the park.
Why you need to get everyone aligned with the same message.
How to prevent a strikeout at your next press conference.
Mentioned on the episode:
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 26 Feb 2019 | 17: The Best and Worst of the 2019 Oscars | 00:30:46 | |
Did you watch the 2019 Oscar telecast? I did - that's why I’m looking at how the stars’ publicists did on the most important night in Hollywood. It was the first time in the history of the broadcast that the program went hostless. Join me and my long-term friend and fellow pop culture enthusiast Mary Mitschow as we each chose our top three hits and misses by both stars and publicists on Oscar night and riffed on our take. We’re digging into whether the stars’ publicists did a good job of promoting their clients’ brands in a way that kept them on-brand and on message. Or did they leave something to be desired, causing more work for themselves on the back-end of the show?
About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to develop the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded the Communicate with Confidence Leadership Training Program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 01 Oct 2019 | Calming your Critics: How to respond to an online activist group | 00:32:09 | |
No business or individual is immune to online attacks. If you want to be visible and a leader, it’s bound to happen. Groups of unsatisfied customers taking to Facebook to build a community to rise against you--warranted or not. What you need is an action plan so you can quickly respond to these online attacks professionally and appropriately. But unfortunately, too many business owners and leaders either respond defensively or don’t know enough about how social media works to protect themselves. On this week’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m sharing with you:
This is also the topic of this month’s Confident Leader Network training. If you’re not already a member, find out how to join here and get monthly training modules, a live "Ask the Expert" call and access to the online course, "Calm the Critics: How to Protect Your Organization from the Newest Line of Attack - Online Activists." Heard on the episode:
"Ask Molly Anything" -- Have a communication query you want to be answered on the podcast? Click here to submit your question.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputati Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 10 Sep 2019 | 9/11 to Today: Ways We Have Changed in Communications and in Business | 00:25:15 | |
What were you doing 18 years ago this week, on September 11, 2001? If you’re like most people in my talks and workshops, you know exactly where you were, what you were doing and what you thought about first when you heard about the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. But have you thought about how the way you find and react to the news has changed since that day? Today, we wouldn’t run to television stations to find the latest on breaking news; we’d grab our cell phones or laptops. Not only that, but the public now has a bigger voice in how news is disseminated--good or bad. Today on the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m sharing my own thoughts and reactions to the attacks. And I’m sharing why if you’re not changing with the times in your own reactions to big stories, you’re going to be left behind as a leader.
Mentioned In This Episode
If you want to stay relevant in how you get and respond to breaking stories--both in your organization and out--be sure to download my Top 5 Rookie Mistakes guide.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded the Confident Leader Network and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts. © Molly McPher Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 26 May 2020 | 83: How to Bridge the Technical Divide Between Leaders and Employees with Colleen McFarland | 00:32:04 | |
For leaders, it's not always an easy task to figure out their employees' needs, wants, or struggles in their job, especially if there is a significant age gap. The risk of losing employees who don't feel connected to the leadership at a company is far greater if an effective line of communication is not in place. On the podcast this week, how to bridge the gap between leaders who feel out of touch with younger employees. Molly speaks with change management expert Colleen McFarland on ways that connect and engage digitally with their workforce, industry, and community in a way that reinforces their personal and company's strengths. About Colleen McFarland Colleen McFarland believes in building relationships. As an expert in change management, McFarland helps leaders prepare and manage for impacts that business changes can have on their customers and employees. In her book, Disconnected - How to Use People Data to Deliver Realness, Meaning, and Belonging at Work, she exposes a truth that cold, hard facts combined with compassion are what is needed to motivate individuals to do the tough work that change requires.
Listen + Subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Mar 2019 | 18: The Secret to Being a Great Speaker | 00:59:32 | |
For most people, your voice is simply the tool you use to communicate. But for Gina Razón, this week’s guest on the Confident Communications podcast, the voice is much more than that. And when you don’t use your breath properly, your voice (and your credibility) can suffer. A former opera singer and current public speaker and voice coach, Gina shares with us why the voice is a tattletale for your confidence and exactly what speakers do when they’re not as confident or as prepared as they’d like to be. And she passes along tips that any speaker, no matter what kind of room they’re in, can use to be more confident. Even if the ex-boyfriend who broke your heart 10 years ago walks into the room. Probably most fascinating is the connection that the body--even the big toe--has with your voice and how dynamic your speech is. Gina also explores how generational inflection is a part of life today and the superpower that each gender has in their voice. Gina firmly believes that there is one special “birthright to everyone who breathes air.” And the answer comes out loud and clear in this episode. Mentioned in This Episode
About Gina Gina Razón has taught voice and speech for over 16 years to individuals, organizations and in academic settings. She is sought after as a teacher of voice and speech, singing, and public presentation. Gina also performs as a classical mezzo-soprano in concert and opera. Gina has a BM and MM in Voice Performance, is a practitioner of Fitzmaurice Voicework and a certified teacher of Somatic Voicework. She has served as voice coach for TEDxCambridge, and speaks at National and local events on all things voice and speech. Gina is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Voice Foundation, the Voice and Speech Trainers Association and the National Speakers Association. Visit her website or read more about the topics of voice and speech on her blog. Do you struggle with feeling like your own communication is seen and heard? Feel more relevant online with my Power Speak download. Learn what to say (and what not to say) if you want to feel seen, heard and relevant online.
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 14 May 2020 | [Bonus] Creative Pivots for Small Businesses During COVID-19 with Marketing Expert, Krista Fabrick | 00:23:23 | |
As the impact of the coronavirus quarantines forced many small businesses to close their doors to customers, many small businesses have served up news ways to continue to serve customers and expand their offerings. On this bonus episode of the podcast, Molly speaks with marketing expert Krista Fabrick, who shares advice for small business owners to help simplify and improve their marketing efforts during the downturn in business due to the pandemic. © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 25 Jun 2019 | 34: Blaming the Millennial: Been There, Done That, Got the T-shirt | 00:16:57 | |
I’ve heard a lot of disparaging remarks about Millennials during my talks and workshops, and after asking other generations their thoughts on these so-called youngsters I’ve decided it’s time to give them a break. The thing is, most people’s perceptions of Millennials are wrong. Not only are they not the lazy, entitled narcissists I’ve heard them being called, they’re also not even in the age bracket most people assume they fall into. It’s time to give Millennials a break and stop blaming them for what’s going on in your organization. In today’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m sharing two recent news stories that blame people of this generation for big business blunders and why someone else should have taken responsibility.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.
Mentioned in this episode Millennials: Pew Research Center Millennial Definition: Oxford Living Dictionary Generation Next by Jonathan Rauch Ronald Reagan Memorial Day Tribute © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 13 Nov 2018 | 01: Your Guide to Communication "Tells" | 00:33:41 | |
No matter your age or professional level, you need a guide to communication so you can be seen, heard and relevant. Today’s episode gives you the “tells.” Do you know that you can tell how old someone is just by how they communicate? It’s true, and many marketers and other professionals are savvy at using this information to determine whether you’re a good fit for a product or even a job. In this first episode of the podcast, I’m sharing my background in communication and how I used my status as a Gen-Xer and communications professional to understand both sides of the technology spectrum. And I’m also sharing my faux pas in my very first email address as a non-digital native. Here’s a hint: My maiden name is Baker. Molly Baker. (If this doesn’t resonate with you, I can tell you’re likely a Baby Boomer.) In this episode, you’ll learn:
And most importantly, you’ll learn why this all matters. Because it does matter if you want to be a good communicator and remain relevant online and offline. About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 07 Jul 2020 | 89: Six Phrases to Make Your Emails More Upbeat | 00:08:28 | |
The first half of 2020 has been a challenge to live through, let alone work through, so it is no surprise that the stress and anxiety of coping with the upheaval could be reflected in our emails. Too much of a negative tone in your emails means people may peg you as a sourpuss, add more stress onto your customer or colleague, and increases the risk the conversation may find its way onto social media. This episode shares six easy-to-remember phrases to bring a little optimism into your email to help you to build or maintain a positive relationship with customers and colleagues remotely.
© Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Feb 2019 | 14: How to Talk About Racism Without Sounding Like a Racist | 01:02:46 | |
The subject of race is a hot-button topic, one that many people shy away from for fear of offending someone. But in America today, it’s not going away. Part of being an effective communicator means being able to relate to and talk to a range of people, regardless of race, creed, origin, sexual preference, age and more. That’s why I wanted to talk to Jeffrey Blount about the topic. Jeffrey is an accomplished speaker on race and social justice and gives us deep insight into what it means to grow up black in America and why race is truly an American experience and issue. This week’s episode of the Confident Communications podcast explores how African Americans think and talk about themselves, why white people have such a difficult time talking about race and how everyone should relate to one another better. No matter what your race or background, this is an important episode to listen to and one that promises to give you the insight into how you can begin to talk about race in your own life.
About Jeffrey Blount Jeffrey is an award-winning author of two novels and an Emmy award-winning television director. During a 34-year career at NBC News, Jeffrey directed a decade of Meet the Press, The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, The Chris Matthews and other major special events from the Washington, D.C. news bureau. He is an accomplished public speaker, commenting on issues of race, social justice and writing. Visit his website or follow him on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Jeffrey’s newest book, The Emancipation of Evan Walls, is set to be released in Spring 2019.
About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
© Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 22 Sep 2020 | 100: My Love Letter To Communicators | 00:16:37 | |
This episode, my 100th, is my treatise for helping communicators do their job in the crazy age of media mayhem. For over two years I have been sharing my advice and experience from the front lines of my client work to help other communicators and PR people become self-confident in their professions. Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 Jan 2021 | 117: Damage Control: How to Recover from a Tainted Reputation with Warren Weeks | 00:42:31 | |
There does come a point when someone’s behavior puts them in a place of no return when it comes to the acceptance of the public. But where is that line? And who draws it? Was it wrong to attend President Donald Trump’s speech on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C. on January 6th? Did a person cross the line if they climbed the steps and crossed the threshold of the U.S. Capitol? Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 08 Oct 2019 | 49: How To Communicate So People Listen To You With Diana Peterson-More | 00:37:50 | |
We live in the time of the internet, where information travels at the speed of your WiFi connection or data plan. That’s just one reason communication is so important--because communication online isn’t anonymous and anything you post (or say, tweet, etc.) can and will be used against you. This week on the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m speaking with Diana Peterson-More, who has worn many hats over her varied career: author, attorney, corporate manager, executive officer, consultant and more. We talk about her new book, Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times: A Practical Guide to Leadership, which is a compilation of everything she’s learned in her professional career and how to apply that knowledge in your own life. I love her take on how to communicate with others, which she’s dubbed the Platinum Rule of Communication. It’s time we start thinking about what we want others to do with the information we give them and how they might receive our communication. Essentially, we need to focus on communicating the way the other person wants to be communicated with, so we’re seen and heard. This is especially important if we’re leaders because employees who feel valued are more likely to help you work toward the bottom line. Mentioned in this episode About Diana Peterson-More Over the course of her long career, Diana Peterson-More has been a practicing employment lawyer, a corporate manager, director, executive officer, and a sought-after consultant and guest presenter. Throughout her varied career, she has been fascinated by what motivates herself and others to achieve results, to determine their own unique definitions of success, and then to facilitate a roadmap to get there. You can follow her on her website.
About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and public relations experience to develop the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly is the host of the Confident Communications podcast and frequently speaks about crisis communications, public relations and social media crisis response to executives and organizations. Molly was Director of Communications for the Cruise Line International Assoc Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 13 Aug 2019 | How to be a More Authentic Leader | 00:24:21 | |
We hear about authenticity all the time, but what does it mean and how can you use it as a leader? Actions speak louder than words and as a leader, you have people who look to you for information and guidance. Good leaders are authentic in their communication--what they say, how they say it and what they do. But that doesn’t mean that everyone likes them. In fact, often their authenticity repels others--and that can be a good thing when you’re trying to find the right team members or gain visibility for your business. On this week’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m talking about authenticity in leadership and how to use your communication style to be more authentic in everything you do. Because the more authentic you are, the more people will trust you. And that trust is what will elevate you as a leader. Mentioned In This Episode Time 100: The Most Influential People of 2019 Episode 2: How to Get a Handle on Filler Words in Your Vocabulary Episode 30: How to Nail Your Next Media Interview with Brad Phillips
Quotes for Social:
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.
Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.
The Confident Leader Network is now open! This is your online resource for learning how to communicate in the modern age. Gain full access to l Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 11 Feb 2020 | 68: How to Keep Your Passwords and Online Information Safe | 00:12:17 | |
When is the last time you updated your passwords? If you answered never or not sure, take a listen to this episode for tips on how to protect your online identity. Cybersecurity breaches are a real threat to many businesses big and small. But don’t be lulled into thinking it’s only happening to companies. Private citizens are not taking cyber risk seriously and it’s costing people dearly. Did you know that in 2019 the number of publicly disclosed breaches was 3800? Or that 4.1 billion records were exposed? No one is immune to the risks. Banks, Facebook, universities, and online gaming have all been victims of major hacks, and it has cost people billions of dollars. Don’t roll the dice on your online safety. Keep listening to find out how to keep your online information safe.
Things like your kids' names or the street you live on are weak passwords. Find out how to make a stronger password using phrases and characters, and my top password managers for help remembering them all.
Yes it’s a hassle, and people like to wait because they can be “glitchy” at first, but I’ll explain why it’s actually a really good idea to get in the habit of updating them regularly. (Hint: Cyberattacks.)
Your network needs a password, and this is another one you should update often, just in case you have people come over who might ask for it. Find out the one word I recommend never using for network security.
It’s easy to hop on the free WiFi at hotels, airports, and libraries, but if the network is open without a password you don’t want to use it. Find out my other go-to solutions for WiFi while traveling that are much safer than these open and free networks. It’s definitely worth the small investment to keep your data safe.
Hackers can get into your data just by being in close proximity to you. Here’s what to check in your privacy settings to see what you could be unintentionally sharing.
Do you know what will happen if you lose your device? If you have passwords and files stored in there they could end up in the wrong hands. Find out how you can track your device and wipe out sensitive information if you need to.
You might think you don’t need to lock it, but anything can happen. Here’s why locking your phone is always a good idea. -- Needing to book a virtual speaker for your event? Go to mollymcpherson.com/hire for more information. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 12 Mar 2019 | 19: 10 Hacks That Take the Suck Out of Writing | 00:28:07 | |
Too many people get stressed out when it comes to writing, and it’s usually because they’ve told themselves that they’re a bad writer. But that’s not actually true. Most people know how to write. What you need to figure out is how to make writing a little less something you dread. When I was a kid, I loved writing-- as most kids do. But it was when my paycheck started depending on my writing ability, that writing became something I dreaded. I’ve noticed that this is usually when most adults start hating writing. I think it’s because we feel our work is under a much larger microscope and that the stakes are higher. But writing is such an important part of business, from emails to social media to proposals and reports, that it’s important to actually like it. Everyone should work to build their authority with all the written-word opportunities you have. That’s why today’s episode is so important. Listen in to learn some hacks to make writing a little less sucky for you. Mentioned in This Episode
About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts. © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 12 Nov 2019 | 55: Executive Presence: What it Looks like, Why You Need It And How To Get It | 00:32:47 | |
Executive Presence is a term you may hear a lot, but do you know what it means? Simply put, having it means you own a room the second you stand in front of it. It's a mix of confidence and savvy communications that inspire your peers, subordinates and leaders. Lauren Sergy, an expert on all things communications, walks us through the steps for building your executive presence in the workplace. Hear why your pitch, tone, physical stature and gender play a part. Mentioned In This Episode
About Molly Public Relations expert Molly McPherson, APR, reveals the best practices help leaders become indestructible in today's digital age and crisis-proof their organizations. A mix of discussing current news events along with interviews with newsmakers, communications professionals and business owners while providing insight from 20+ years of public relations and crisis communications expertise working for FEMA and heading communications for the cruise line industry to help take the fear out of communicating in the age of scrutiny. This podcast helps leaders communicate confidently--in writing, speaking, body language, social media -- to be heard, seen and relevant. About Lauren Sergy Lauren Sergy is a sought-after expert in the art of speaking and communication in business and work. Armed with a deep understanding of the art, science, and alchemy of interpersonal communication and public speaking, she sheds light on difficult communication situations with refreshing energy, humor, and candor. For more information about Lauren, you can visit LaurenSergy.com. Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 22 Jan 2019 | 12: The Art of Messaging a Divorce: The Jeff Bezos Method | 00:34:57 | |
We’re in a whole new age when it comes to making personal announcements. No matter what the announcement is, the bigger the name, the bigger the story. When Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos announced their divorce on January 9, they chose only one public communication channel - Twitter. Twitter posts for high-profile news announcements have taken the place of the tried and true press release, and Facebook posts have taken the place of phone calls for the general public’s announcements. Both of these have their benefits, as long as it’s done right. On this week’s episode of the Confident Communications podcast, I’m talking about the messaging behind the Bezos announcement, including how the announcement was shared and some of the key phrases and words used in the announcement. I also share how you can use The Bezos Method to craft your own announcement if you have a big event or life change to share with others. Mentioned in this Episode:
About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media. Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts. © Molly McPherson 2019 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 18 Dec 2018 | 07: Top Communication Wins that Made the Headlines in 2018 | 00:37:20 | |
With the year coming to an end, this week's episode delves into ten communication wins of the year by the people, politicians, brands, and beer drinkers who made headlines and then made hay from an earlier challenge they faced at some point in 2018. The stories on the list range from publicity stunts to political maneuvers that captured the public's attention over the past year. From #10 to #1, you will hear what made the story memorable and what was the communication strategy behind it landing it on the list. Want to make sure you are prepared to have only communication wins in 2019? Sign up for my free download, "The Top 5 Rookie Mistakes Seasoned Business Leaders Make."
Mentioned in this Episode:
Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If not, I encourage you to do so today. Let's make 2019 the year for communicating your confident self. Now, if you’re in the mood for sharing, I would be grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts. These reviews help other people find my podcast, and then that means we'll all be a bunch of confident speakers in 2019. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
© Molly McPherson 2018 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 21 Apr 2020 | 78: The Do’s and Don’ts of Video Conferencing | 00:43:55 | |
With over 200 million people now using Zoom to connect (btw, that’s up from 10 million users from just a couple of months ago), this signals a major shift in the acceptability of using tech to communicate. If you’re using these platforms to conduct your business or for meetings, you’re definitely going to want to listen in on this episode. Communication expert Lauren Sergy spoke with me (on Zoom, natch) on techniques for presenting yourself in a polished and professional way during your video conference calls.
Mentioned on the episode:
Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 26 Jul 2020 | [BONUS] Rethinking Success with J. Douglas Holladay | 00:49:54 | |
If the quarantine has you feeling a little lost; like you’ve lost your sense of direction, then it’s time for a mental reset to find out matters to you in work and life. Listen to Molly’s conversation with J. Douglas Holladay, author of Rethinking Success, to hear the essential principles to consider to refocus, stay connected and be joyful - starting now. © Molly McPherson 2020 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 08 Feb 2022 | 173: How Jeff Zucker's Resignation from CNN Signals a Shift in Crisis Communications | 00:10:57 | |
The news of Jeff Zucker resigning as the president of CNN after admitting not disclosing a romantic relationship with another senior executive at the network was certainly a bombshell. It was also a story with similarities to many of the crises we hear about that land on the front page. This episode features an interesting element about Zucker's departure that points to a significant shift in crisis management. What is one red flag you need to be on the lookout for that indicates a potential crisis? Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
© Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 15 Feb 2022 | 174: Sorry, Not sorry: How to Apologize for a Crisis of Your Own Doing | 00:17:54 | |
When a brand is dealing with a crisis of their own making, one aspect of the response must be absolute - the apology. Mentioned in this episode:
Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 21 Feb 2022 | 175: How Rachel and Dave Hollis Destroyed Their Million-Dollar Brand | 00:53:18 | |
What happens when self-help influencers can't seem to help themselves? From a viral bikini photo to a failed book tour that led to a two-hour manic rant, what transpired from a business and PR perspective that negatively impacted the joint Hollis brand? Mentioned in this episode:
Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 28 Feb 2022 | 176: How to Write a Royally Good Media Advisory | 00:09:59 | |
When Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty the Queen had tested positive for Covid-19, the press was alerted to the news via media advisory. In this episode, we'll discuss how to craft a media advisory: What is the point of writing an advisory and how to structure it. Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 22 Mar 2022 | 179: TikTok: Waste or Worth Your Time? | 00:10:47 | |
Let's start here: TikTok is not for everyone. Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 08 Mar 2022 | 177: Is it Okay to Post on Social Media During the Ukraine-Russia Conflict? | 00:08:35 | |
Wondering if it's okay to keep marketing during times of unrest? Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | 178: Why Zelensky’s ‘Selfie Game’ is Helping Ukraine Win the PR War Against Russia | 00:15:03 | |
President Zelensky knows how to work a medium to his advantage.
Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | 180: The Real Scoop on How to Get a Wikipedia Page | 00:39:19 | |
Ever wondered what it takes to get your own Wikipedia page? In this episode, we get into the details about one of the most visited websites in the world and why outsourcing might be your best option for getting a Wikipedia page of your own. This week's episode:
Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Apr 2022 | 181: When Will Smith Slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in Real Time | 00:28:57 | |
By now most people will be somewhat familiar with the controversial events of the 2022 Oscars. Apart from the awards and winners, the incident in which Will Smith hit Chris Rock after a joke aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith, has clearly stolen the headlines and overshadowed the entire night. Key Points From This Episode: • A quick replay and recap of the event in question on Oscar night. • The different strengths of TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram for posting content. • Some of the responses and comments online to Will Smith's actions. • A clip of Will Smith's acceptance speech after winning the Best Actor Oscar. • Thoughts on the effects of the incident on Chris Rock's career and reputation. • What this means for Will Smith going forward for the rest of award season, and his career. • Putting the event in the context of the last two years and the Black Lives Matter movement. • The PR teams that will be helping both actors with their responses. • A theory on Will Smith's mindset going into the award show and how this played out. • Final thoughts on the aftermath of Oscar night for the two actors. • Today's Indestructible PR Tip: the dangers of out-of-control emotions, and the importance of accountability. Tweetables: “There's certainly a lot of commentary about the Oscars. But what happened with Will Smith and Chris Rock, it doesn't even matter who won.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:08:23] “TikTok gives me the personal perspective. What are people saying? It's my water cooler social media network.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:06:02] “If you ever want to follow a crisis in real-time, I always tell people to go to Twitter.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:06:30]
Tyler Perry Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Apr 2022 | 182: Public Speaking Tips No One Ever Tells You | 00:22:00 | |
There is no quicker way to make an impact on your reputation than standing on stage in front of a room of people staring at you, listening to your every word. Key Points: • A snippet from Molly’s introduction at a recent conference she spoke at. • How she felt while the host was setting the stage for her to speak. • What we will discuss during today’s conversation: public speaking tips nobody tells you about. • Tip number one: listen to the tech people’s advice, but don’t let them run your presentation. • Why she recommends having a backup deck with you in case of last minute changes. • Tip number two: have a rehearsal run-through. • Tip number three: don’t have bullets or anything you have to read on the monitor. • Why it’s a great idea to have a buffer slide. • Tip number four: don’t make your wardrobe a part of your talk. • Tip number five: dress for the temperature. • This week’s indestructible tip: have a person in the crowd who is going to manage your reputation.
Tweetables: “You should have a backup deck with you. Sometimes in the transfer they could lose fonts, perhaps video, didn't make its way onto the deck, and you're going to have to make those last minute adjustments.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:06:10] “Wear a wardrobe or pick a wardrobe that has flexibility to it, that you feel comfortable in it and you won't have any malfunctions.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:19:50] “For every talk, it helps to have a person. What I mean by that is a person who's going to help manage your reputation.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:20:42] “What we want when you are speaking is someone who feels indestructible.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:22:20]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly McPherson
© Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 19 Apr 2022 | 183: Delete or Not Delete That Tweet | 00:15:04 | |
Today’s topic is relevant to everyone who dares to engage in online dialogue, no matter our standing in the public eye. Using the ever-relevant example of ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s controversial tweet following the untimely passing of NFL quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, we tackle the great question: Delete or Not Delete That Tweet? Key Points From This Episode: • How an incorrect tweet can irreparably harm a reputation. • The tweet that has ESPN’s Adam Schefter under scrutiny. • The function of Twitter’s auto-block feature. • The archival digging people tend to do following a controversial tweet. • How Schefter dealt with the backlash. • How to navigate the aftermath of an insensitive tweet and repair a soiled reputation. • The importance of an apology. • Molly’s indestructible PR tip for Twitter.
Tweetables:
“An incorrect tweet, whether posted on behalf of a company or on your own account can irreparably harm a reputation.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:01:36]
“What often happens when someone’s in the hot bright light of a mistake of their own doing, people not only get angry but they also start to dig.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:05:38]
“Nothing on Twitter has to stay on Twitter.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:09:37]
“When in doubt, delete or keep it in draft for a bit, see if the story changes, wait for the mood to shift. If it still feels safe, if you have thought it out, then go ahead and tweet it. However, if you have any doubt, don’t. You’ll never regret a tweet you never sent.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:11:07]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
© Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 26 Apr 2022 | 184: Protest PR: The One Thing to Watch Out For When Someone Targets Your Business | 00:09:57 | |
Social media has made it exponentially easier for activists to share their grievances and find like-minded individuals online to join their cause. In today’s episode, we take a look at the root cause of dissent, why it happens, and how you can respond.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Learn about the primary reason that customers dissent. • How to identify and respond to the underlying cause of the dissent. • The role of social media and technology in the rise of customer dissent. • How social media allows customers to make complaints and air grievances. • The profile of the typical activist targeting businesses. • Why the key driver of activism is a desire for control. • Molly’s indestructible tip for engaging with activists: don’t take it personally.
Tweetables:
“What you need to do is identify and respond to the underlying cause of the dissent. What is the root cause?” — @MollyMcPherson [0:01:57]
“The activist that I am talking about. These are the customers. The consumers, the members, the people. If you run a business or own the business, these are the people that you deal with.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:04:53]
“They want to be in control of what you do. They may want you out of your job, they may want your board of directors out of their seats, but what we know they want is to be in control.” — @MollyMcPherson [0:08:09]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly McPherson © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 03 May 2022 | 185: When Past Tweets Come Back to Haunt You: Tinx and Twitter | 00:21:10 | |
The unfortunate circumstance of a social media storm is part of modern life on the internet. We have all seen the high-profile cases of cancellations and controversy that occur as a result of tweets and videos, and these may even extend to people we know more closely. So what can you do if you encounter such a problem, especially in light of old tweets and content, and the way the connected world has the potential to remember everything you have ever done? In today's episode, we consider this surprisingly important question and have a quick look at the example of Tinx and her recent episode and response. As usual, you can expect an actionable procedure to follow, as well as some helpful tips on how to avoid a difficult situation. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: • Some examples of high profile individuals facing backlash over old tweets. • The online influencers who inspired this episode! • Unpacking the situation involving Tinx and her behavior online. • Examples of some of the troublesome content that Tinx posted. • A walk-through of how Tinx took accountability, owned it, and contextualized her actions. • Where Tinx's statement fell short: the final step of making a promise. • What these examples teach us about our own social media use and activity. • Helpful resources for cleaning up old tweets and potential problems. • Today's indestructible tip: the step-by-step process to follow if something offensive comes to light.
Tweetables:
“Whether it’s tweeting something without fully thinking it through or posting a photo that later makes us cringe, we’ve all fallen victims to the hazards of not being careful online.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:00:52]
“There’s always the risk that your old tweets could resurface and create a PR crisis for you. It has happened to a number of people in the public space.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:01:31]
“When someone takes note of something and they take note on a viral platform then, watch out. When one’s reputation is on the line, one needs to respond.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:09:28]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 10 May 2022 | 186: How to Respond to Questions You Don’t Want to Answer: Bill Gates on the Today Show | 00:21:47 | |
Making regrettable choices is inevitable for anyone but, when you're in the public eye, the stakes are higher and the risks are greater if you refuse to answer certain questions pertaining to your misdeeds. The purpose of today’s episode is not to help you respond when you are asked about divorce, infidelity, or being palsy with a convicted sex offender.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Bill Gates’ PR push to clean up his reputation. • Gates’ laudatory introduction on the Today Show and what we can read into it. • Insight into Gates’ promotional tour; who, where, what, and when. • How Gates’ body language betrays the message he tries to impart through his answers. • Examining how he deflects when asked questions he doesn’t want to answer. • The little tells that give away how you truly feel at the moment of a question. • Some non-verbal communication cues that illustrate Gates’ discomfort. • The importance of owning your mistake, explaining it, and making a promise. • Why we believe Bill Gates did a sound job in the end, particularly when it comes to timing. • Today’s Indestructible PR tip: if you have to respond to a question you don’t want to answer, answer the question always!
Tweetables: “The message is clear, the message is good, however, the body language does not match what he’s saying.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:10:33] “You can be media trained within an inch of your life and those little tells will always give away how you truly feel at the moment of the question.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:13:25] “If you are not going to promise something of your behavior or promise something of your character or your actions, you talk about moving forward at least. You talk about where you’re going.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:18:34] “If you find yourself in that difficult situation when you are answering to something, just answer it. Rip off the BandAid, use the framework. Just own it, explain why it happened, and what you’re going to do moving forward.” — @MollyMcPherson[0:20:55] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sunday Times: 'Bill Gates: ‘I’m grieving the same way Melinda is’' Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 17 May 2022 | 187: How To Explain A Public Blip In Your Career That Affects Your Reputation | 00:21:58 | |
So you've had a misstep at some point in your career.
Key Points From This Episode:
Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 24 May 2022 | 188: How to Write an Opinion Piece for a Newspaper | 00:24:01 | |
Have you noticed the benefits of writing an opinion piece for expressing yourself? Do you want to start writing an opinion piece but don’t know where to start? Then today’s episode of Indestructible is for you! The power of opinion pieces has grown rapidly in recent years, becoming a popular form of communication and expression.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Brief background about Chad’s professional background and his communications firm. • The moment that Chad realized the power of opinion pieces. • Chad explains what an opinion piece actually is and the standard length. • The power and benefits of using an opinion piece to offer perspective. • What the modern perspective is on opinion pieces and using it unique for Public Relations. • Chad explains some of the basics of using opinion pieces for public relations. • How Chad decides on a topic about an opinion piece for clients. • When Chad has had to decide against using an opinion piece after it has been written. • Advice that Chad has for people who want to write an opinion piece for the first time. • The optimum length of an opinion piece to ensure you get published. • Examples of alternative platforms to publish opinion pieces. • The difference between an opinion piece and a letter to the editor. • Outline of the basic steps to start writing an opinion piece. • What is the suitable place for publishing an opinion piece, according to Chad. • Ways in which an opinion piece differs from other publications. • An insider tip to increase the chance of publishing an opinion piece. • A takeaway message that Chad has for listeners regarding the reputation of your organization. Tweetables: “Begin with the end in mind. What is it that when you have written your piece you want readers to understand, know, and walk away with.” — @chadmcleod [0:15:51]
“It always helps if it is a current topic that people in your community, your media market, state, and nation are talking about.” — @chadmcleod [0:18:27] “Oftentimes there is another side, there is another perspective or issue. Do your best to address some of the criticisms as objectively as you can.” — @chadmcleod [0:20:58] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: McLeod Communications © Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 31 May 2022 | 189: Should You Hide Your Grief? | 00:13:46 | |
In our digital age, it’s hard to hide from the ugly side of life. Social media has allowed us all to bear witness to some of the most tragic moments in human history. From videos of natural disasters to intimate updates from people in the midst of personal crises, we are constantly barraged with images and stories that are hard to stomach. Amidst this onslaught of sadness and suffering, it can be hard to know how to cope with our own grief. How do we balance our need for solace with our desire not to impact our professional reputation? What should we do when we find ourselves grieving in public? In this episode, Molly explores some ways to handle grief in a way that is respectful both to ourselves and to others.
© Molly McPherson 2022 Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 07 Jun 2022 | 190: The Patterns of Bad Planning in a Crisis: The Uvalde School District Police Response | 00:18:15 | |
In any crisis, the first 48 hours are make-or-break. Things can quickly spiral out of control if you don't have a solid plan in place. The patterns that lead to a crisis are discussed this week on the podcast. Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | 191: How Bill Simmons Recovered from the Jalen Green Ding on the Ringer Podcast | 00:23:43 | |
There is more to you than your worst moment. Key Points From This Episode: • Introducing the topic of today’s discussion: the Bill Simmons Jalen Green podcast incident. • Dan reflects on whether the way hosts react to controversial issues is different from the past. • Whether or not hosts are treading on thin ice when it comes to their opinions. • Why unscripted moments can sometimes be the best moments. • What Dan thinks about how Bill responded when Jalen called him out on his comment. • The good crisis management framework Bill followed: acknowledgment and explanation. • A story of how Dan has been on both sides of a process like this and how he responded to it. • Today’s indestructible tip: what we can take away from this incident and what the lesson is.
Tweetables: “Bill Simmons really – impacted the player more than I think he thought it did.” —@danfarkas[0:13:08] “If you go through that Framework you can come out – looking like good guys!” — @MollyMcPherson[0:14:44]
“There’s more to you than your worst moment.” —@danfarkas[0:18:15]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Strategic Communicator Podcast with Dan Farkas Bill Simmons on Twitter
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 15 Jun 2022 | 192: A Week in Press Conferences: The Good and Not So Good with Warren Weeks | 00:30:29 | |
Focusing on who you are speaking to and what they want to hear before stepping into the public eye can help prevent press conference mishaps.
Key Points From This Episode: • The changes in the media environment nowadays. • Matthew McConaughey’s reaction to the shootings and why it’s resonating differently. • Comparing Matthew’s action to Meghan Markle’s. • How Matthew justifies being a gun owner and being against gun violence simultaneously. • What feels different about this school shooting and its impact. • The importance of staying in your lane. • Discussing the disregard Jack Del Rio showed in his comments about politics. • The importance of training your spokespeople and preparing for media confrontation. • Talking about the possibility of Matthew McConaughey running for office.
Tweetables:
“There are more guns than people in the US.” — @warren_weeks [0:12:11]
“Media train your spokespeople.” —@warren_weeks [0:19:18]
“It’s about mindset and leaders making the decision. You can’t get good at this stuff on the day that it hits the fan, you have to build those muscles ahead of time.” —@warren_weeks [0:21:01]
“Make it about the audience instead of about yourself or your organization and all of the other content pieces, I find, tend to fall more easily into place.” —@warren_weeks [0:28:26]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Warren Weeks on Linkedln Matthew McConaughey on Instagram Matthew McConaughey on Twitter
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | 193: Why Lizzo's Lyric Change is About Damn Good PR | 00:12:32 | |
When music artist Lizzo released her new single ‘Grrls’ she was faced with backlash from the disabled community about a specific lyric used. Lizzo was labeled as an ableist, and fans of her work quickly pointed out why the word was so offensive and that it needed to change.
Key Points From This Episode:
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | 194: Ingredients in a Social Media Crisis: Daily Harvest’s Crumbling Credibility | 00:22:51 | |
When there are victims involved in a crisis, they need to be shown compassion and assured that there will be no more victims.
Key Points From This Episode:
Tweetables: Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions! Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:
© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||
| 05 Jul 2022 | 195: Why Your Customer Is Coming After You: Behind-The-Scenes From My Clients’ Pain | 00:19:58 | |
An inside look at how a PR crisis manager helps a client with disenfranchised customers.
Key Points From This Episode:
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson | |||