Monthly Archives: November 2016

The Truth About PR Agencies and Media Training

November 29, 2016 · by · in Consultants, Media training, Professional development

Every now and then public relations agencies get caught in a bind. An existing client calls in need of media training services. Sure, the agency lists it among its capabilities on its web site. But they don’t have anyone on staff who holds such specialized expertise. What is an agency to do to service this […]

The Renegade Worker Strikes

November 22, 2016 · by · in Communications strategy, Messaging, Reputational risk

Today’s entry is based on one of the 20 case studies in my position paper, “Beyond the Bottom Line: 20 Ways to Reduce Reputational Risk.” The risk One of your workers tweets about drunken escapades at your employee development retreat. The Background A series of ribald Twitter messages over a one-hour period exposed (pardon the pun) […]

How Often Do You Deal with Q&A?

November 15, 2016 · by · in Messaging, Q&A

Day in and day out, smart, business-savvy corporate executives answer questions from reporters, public officials, and audiences of various stripes and sizes. Amazingly, however, few have given thought to what they can do to properly manage their responses. We are taught from an early age to reply literally. Does the phrase, “Honesty is the best […]

What’s Your Message for the New Administration?

November 10, 2016 · by · in Communications strategy, Messaging, Thought leadership

I was talking yesterday with a friend who’s a government relations (GR) expert. He works for a trade association with some heavy hitting corporate members. Naturally, our conversation turned to the aftermath of Tuesday’s presidential election. He raised a public policy dilemma that I suspect most if not all organizations active in the public policy […]

Ten Techniques to Employ when the Media Glare Shines on You

November 8, 2016 · by · in Communications strategy, Media training, Messaging · 2 Comments

When the reporter opens her notebook or the klieg lights go up, it’s your job to deliver your organization’s message powerfully and succinctly. Follow these performance rules if you want to achieve success as a source reporters turn to time and again:  Stick to your message throughout your interview. Return to it in response to […]

Annoying Weasel Words

November 1, 2016 · by · in Communications strategy, Media training

You see experts use these words when interviewed on TV news programs. It’s strange, for these are, for the most part, really smart people who ought to know better. My advice to you: Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of thinking that, because these high profile interviewees respond to reporter questions with these weasel […]