The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Everyone has been in a situation where they’re asked a question and don’t know how to answer it. Whether it be during an interview, a meeting, or a media interview, being able to provide clear, concise answers can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you give good answers to any question:  Mastering the art of giving good answers takes time and practice; however following these tips should help ensure that no matter what type of question is put forth, you can confidently provide an effective response.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsMolly McPherson on PatreonWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

After body cam footage emerged showing Mary O’Connor, the Police Chief of Tampa, Florida, trying to get out of a traffic violation by showing her badge and the internal affairs investigation that followed, she was ultimately forced to resign. This episode takes a look at this incident to see what can be learned from a PR perspective, and breaks down three easy choices in ethical leadership that can save your reputation. Hear the entire body cam clip and learn what guilt sounds like, how guilty people behave, and how this sheds light on unethical leadership. Also covered is the statement that was released when the truth came out and how Mary tried to protect the lie instead of taking responsibility for her actions. Hear more about what it means to be an ethical leader in any organization and how to build an indestructible reputation.Key Points From This Episode:The traffic stop incident that resulted in Mary O’Connor’s resignation as Police Chief of Tampa, Florida.What guilt sounds like and how this relates to a media interview.How this sheds light on unethical leadership.Assessing the ethical ramifications of her actionsA sense of relief, and insight into how guilty people behave.The statement that was released when the truth came out and how she tried to protect the lie.How the first statement tells you the intent of the person. A previous incident and speculation that she may be driving under the influence of alcohol.What it means to be an ethical leader and how this relates to an organization’s core values.The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about taking responsibility.\Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:YouTube: "#Tampa #Police Chief Resigns After Flashing Badge To Get Out Of Golf Cart Stop" Official statement: "Incident involving chief of police" "Tampa police Chief Mary O’Connor resigns amid traffic stop controversy" Molly McPherson Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

These days news happens in milliseconds and with the social media algorithms functioning the way they do, a negative comment can result in a disruption that can damage your public image in a very short space of time. This episode takes a look at the public relations strategy that effectively got two of Molly’s clients out of crises. It breaks down the three elements of the 'Social Media Checklist' and covers why you need to consider the intent of the person attacking you or your brand, the different intentions someone may have for attacking you, and whether you should delete a post or reply to it. You’ll learn what to consider when responding to a post like this, why you want to reply early, and why you should build your statements around key messaging. It also explains exactly how the Indestructible PR® response framework can be implemented into your response to make for an indestructible reputation.Key Points From This Episode:Patreon and other platforms where Molly engages with her followers.  A question from one of Molly’s Patreon subscribers about what Molly does behind the scenes.How what Molly talks about on TikTok translates into her work.The definition of a social media disruption and how this is different from a crisis.The social media disruption checklist that Molly created for one of her clients.How she applied this same checklist to the disruption faced by another client.The three elements of the Social Media Checklist. Why you need to consider the intent of the person attacking you before replying. The different types of people who may attack or challenge you on social media.Why Molly’s belief that you should never delete anything on social media has changed.What to delete and what to respond to. Other things to consider when responding to a post like this. Why you want to reply early and what to consider as you draft your response.Why you should build your statements around key messaging.How to implement the Indestructible PR response framework into your response.The importance of monitoring all your social media channels when navigating a disruption.The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about not taking things personally. More from Molly:Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

If you say the wrong thing in front of the press, it could live online for years to come and greatly damage your reputation. This episode takes a look back at a previous podcast episode and webinar with media trainer extraordinaire Warren Weeks, where he broke down the three mistakes that most spokespeople make in media interviews, why these faux pas can be so damaging, and how to avoid them. From not treating an interview like it’s a conversation to identifying and avoiding the traps set by reporters, learn how to perfect the art of the media interview and protect your brand. Also covered are some helpful tips for the preparation of “quotable quotes” to ensure that you don’t just avoid saying the wrong thing, but also get the right message across.Key Points From This Episode:The challenges faced by spokespeople in media interviews and how they are based on fear. The practice and patience required to craft the right messaging to protect yourself in a media interview.Why you should never treat a media interview as a conversation and why people do this. The awkward pause, what it is, and how journalists use this against spokespeople.How to avoid falling into the trap of the awkward pause. Why spokespeople often avoid repeating themselves and why they shouldn’t.Why you shouldn’t repeat the reporter’s words in your answer and how to avoid this reflex.The importance of discipline and control. The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day regarding the preparation of “quotable quotes.”Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Warren Weeks Media Training TorontoMolly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

How a leader handles layoffs can have a major impact on the future success and reputation of their company. This episode takes a look at some of the recent layoffs that have made the news before breaking down five tips on how to handle layoffs during this time of year. It unpacks how Mark Zuckerberg handled the Meta layoffs differently from how Elon Musk handled the Twitter layoffs and what we can learn from both these situations. From managing expectations to supporting your employees, and ongoing communication, this episode will help you to mitigate unnecessary distress and protect your reputation in the unfortunate event of corporate downsizing. Key Points From This Episode:Some of the companies that have been in the media for layoffs recently.Why it’s so important to a company’s future success and reputation for its leader to handle a layoff well.Today’s topic: How to handle layoffs during this time of year. The difference between how Mark Zuckerberg handled the Meta layoffs and how Elon Musk handled the Twitter layoffs.Why, as a leader, you should be clear about the situation upfront. How to support both the employees who are being laid off and those who are staying.Why this process should be followed whether you’re laying off many people or only a few.The value of ongoing communication and updates.How to manage expectations by answering questions.The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day about framing the bad news. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly's TikTok video about the Meta Layoffs "Mark Zuckerberg Said He Cut Meta Jobs Better Than Elon Musk"Molly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

This week’s podcast discusses the anger algorithm and why social media platforms favor aggression, enraged behavior, and the shaming of people. It looks at the 60 Minutes episode “Angry in America,” what it reveals about the combative ecosystem of social media, and why you should watch it if you are a business leader or someone involved in communication. Our Indestructible PR Tip discusses how you might be able to hack the social media algorithm to stop the negative commentary. Key Points From This Episode:The 60 Minutes episode “Angry in America” and what it revealed about the social media algorithm. Why you should watch it if you are a business leader or someone involved in communication.The concept of shaming people online and how it relates to anger.Why you should factor in that people may not watch the whole video.Thoughts on when it’s okay to shame someone and when it is not. The Indestructible PR tip for the day about hacking the algorithm. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:60 Minutes: Angry in AmericaIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

While you may think it’s unlikely that you will end up on a live television interview, with webinars, streaming, short-form videos, and other channels, there are so many opportunities for you to find yourself on screen. This episode breaks down five tested prep tips for appearing on camera for a live interview on very short notice, from the perspective of someone who understands this experience well. Hear about how Molly ended up on NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson at short notice, and how she prepared herself for this. This podcast explains why you should keep it simple and interview with three talking points. It also covers how to dress, how to frame yourself, why you should smile, tips on how to overcome your nerves and everything you should keep in mind if interviewed on screen. Key Points From This Episode:Why this episode is relevant to you, even if you think you’re unlikely to be on a television interview. How Molly ended up on NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson at short notice.Why you should keep it simple when prepping for an interview like this. How to dress for a broadcast interview.Why you should interview with three talking points.Why you should always prepare and never wing an interview like this.The importance of remembering to smile when you are on camera.Why you should keep framing in mind if you’re being interviewed online.The importance of thinking quickly on your feet.A tip to overcome your nerves. The Indestructible PR tip for the day about the one thing Molly forgot in her live interview.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson - Oct. 25 | NBC News NOW Room Rater tweet on MollyMolly McPhersonIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Kanye West (better known simply as Ye) has always been a contentious figure, but after his latest string of racist and anti-Semitic remarks, major brands like Adidas are dropping their endorsements with the rapper. This episode delves into this controversy to explain what happened, how Ye redefined the term 'cancel culture' and how the use of it can actually damage your brand. You’ll hear about Adidas’ termination of their partnership of Ye, as well as what they did wrong and what they did right, plus you’ll discover a possible strategic motivation behind Ye’s recent actions. You’ll also learn more about the ‘alt-right playbook’ that Ye seems to be following, and the elements of it that can be seen in his behavior, before hearing how he and the alt-right have attempted to weaponize cancel culture, and why you may never want to use the term in a defensive response again.Key Points From This Episode:The story behind the controversy surrounding Ye. The statement released by Adidas and why it’s a good example of how to respond to a crisis.Blowback Adidas has received for taking its time to sever its partnership with Ye. Why silence is so damaging and what Adidas should have done in the interim. Netflix’s decision not to drop Ye’s documentary, Jeen-Yuhs. The idea that Ye is following a playbook that is commonly used by the alt-right. How the alt-right is using this situation to further its cause.Insight into the ‘alt-right playbook’ and what it entails, including deliberately offensive speech. The preservation of ambiguity and Poe’s law as a tactic of the alt-right. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Press release: 'Adidas Terminates Partnership With Ye Immediately' Molly’s TikTok post: 'Adidas Terminates Partnership With Ye Immediately''Netflix will not remove Kanye West’s doc ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ amid anti-Semitic rants'Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for sexual assault.After a long series of other troubling accusations, including one by a woman sexually assaulted by eight hockey players, and cover-ups, secrecy, and poor leadership, the reputation of Hockey Canada is severely tarnished. This week’s podcast breaks down the three reasons why the crisis has been so deadly for the brand and so devastating for the victims and the stakeholders. This episode sheds light on how long this crisis has been going on, some of the attempts to cover it up, and the lack of transparency on the part of Hockey Canada when it came to the media. Hear about how the problem of leadership not backing down fed the scandal and the additional crisis caused when the entire board stepped down at the same time. Listen in for some key takeaways to consider to prevent a future crisis at your organization. Key Points From This Episode:A clip from TSN Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead breaking the story about Hockey Canada. TW: For listeners who wish to avoid his account of an incident involving sexual assault, please skip audio between [00:17] and [00:44].The framing of this story for the purpose of this podcast, and why it feels so American.TW: For listeners who wish to avoid further details about the sexual assault, please skip audio from [05:24] to [08:00] The masculine nature of the sport and the risky behavior that accompanies it.Other Canadian PR crises from recent times. Insight into how long this crisis has been going on and some attempts to cover it up.The stepping down of President and CEO Scott Smith, as well as the entire board, and how it caused an additional crisis.The problem of lack of transparency and the company’s silence towards the media. How leaders not backing down fed the scandal. The survey Hockey Canada sent to supporters and how this can be seen as a doubling down tactic. The Indestructible PR TipIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - on AudWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

You can unleash a full-blown PR crisis on social media with one bad move against someone with a social media platform. To handle these situations, companies and brands need a plan. Who didn't prepare for her social media crisis? Bethenny Frankel. The "Real Housewives of New York City" alum has gained popularity on TikTok for her beauty product reviews and sometimes harsh criticism of other celebrities like Meghan Markel. However, when Frankel appeared to silence two creators on TikTok for critiquing her brand, users of the app took notice. She effectively destroyed her reputation by sending legal notices to two TikTok creators who criticized her brand. First, for being a bully. Second, for botching her social media response. Avoid these mistakes when dealing with a social media PR crisis. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #1 Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #2Molly McPherson on YouTube Molly McPherson on Instagram Molly McPherson on TwitterIndestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts    © 2022 Indestructible PR PodcastWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...