The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Just found out your dear friend or family member was giving a scary diagnosis?Do you not know how to deal with it? Wondering how to respond?This episode is here to help.A deeply personal episode about how to respond to a friend or loved one who has recently been diagnosed with a shocking and serious diagnosis.Although there may not be a set script for the best words to say to a friend or loved one who is dealing with a frightening diagnosis, there are words of comfort that are the right words at the right time.  Mentioned in this episode: #116: How to Respond to a Grieving Frien‪d‬-- Needing to book a virtual speaker for your event? Go to mollymcpherson.com/hire for more information. -- To help JDRF's mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through the support of research, donate here. 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/...

The first day of February opens a month that offers many opportunities to acknowledge the achievements and struggles of this group, both past and present.In this episode, why many companies and organizations may choose to overlook this important communication opportunity in February, and the potential negative impact if they do not. A must-listen for communicators who are struggling how to approach the topic of communicating about this historic month to their leaders.Mentioned on the podcast: Episode 116: What Executives Should Know About Speaking Out on Politics and Social Issues with Anthony Hayes  -- Needing to book a virtual speaker for your event? Go to mollymcpherson.com/hire for more information. 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/...

Sometimes the hardest part of dealing with a bad news story for communicators, is dealing with a boss whose opinions or behavior become the story. In an episode inspired by the recent story of the CEO of a restaurant group wading in on the 2020 election results with disastrous results, Dr. Abby Medcalf offers a guide for people who need to navigate complicated situations with a difficult boss. From being selfish and self-centered to constantly seeking praise and assurance, people can react negatively to any feedback, especially from a junior colleague. On the episode, what to say first to a problematic person and what never to do to bring them onto your side of the street. -- Needing to book a virtual speaker for your event? Go to mollymcpherson.com/hire for more information. 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/...

Is there anything worse than having to deliver a message to someone when you know they don’t want to hear it? Not only is it one of the most dreadful conversations you can have, it can also lead to permanent pain if not handled properly. On this episode of the podcast, how to deliver bad news and not be left in a position where the recipient wants to shoot the messenger - you. Whether in an official statement to the press or when sharing bad news with employees, listen to three tips to help you break the news. -- Needing to book a virtual speaker for your event? Go to mollymcpherson.com/hire for more information. 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/...

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?   One of my favorite media trainers joined me on the podcast to discuss damage control in January 2021.   Warren Weeks, the principal of full-service corporate communications firm Eleven Strategic Communications, Inc., sat down to chat with me about some of the names facing public backlash this month. From actor Armie Hammer to Jenna Ryan, the “riot realtor” from Texas who livestreamed her way into infamy from the U.S. Capitol, we give our two cents about people who are paying big time for their recent behavior.  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/...

There were a lot of questions surrounding the storming of the U.S. Capitol last week. Of the many—what should my company say, if anything, about the events in Washington, D.C.?  My guest, Anthony Hayes, sets out a strategy for how executives can respond to any political or social issue without experiencing the backlash. Anthony Hayes has spent more than 15 years in communications, crisis and issue management and political and legislative campaigns. He founded The Hayes Initiative to apply his experience steering organizations’ public affairs and media relations to clients across business, politics, nonprofits, and philanthropy.  © Molly McPherson 2021   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/...

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 2021Want 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/...

The third part of a series on the best communication tactics during COVID-19, these are episodes I am replaying that are still relevant today as they were in the spring of 2020.*I have assembled a group of savvy professionals working in crisis and risk management, public relations, strategy & planning to offer their take on how to communicate for COVID-19, still! *Except for the mention of presidential candidate, Joe Biden.  My contributors:1. Mary Beth West of Fletcher Marketing PRListen to the #MsInterPReted PodcastConnect with Mary Beth on Twitter 2. Jared Meade, Founder & Principal, Rayne Strategy GroupConnect with Jaren on Twitter 3. Mark Hoffman, Senior Crisis Management & Business Continuity ConsultantConnect with Mark on TwitterEpisode 51: Cybersecurity Issues That Will Keep You Up at Night 4. Jo Detavernier, Principal at Detavernier Strategic CommunicationConnect with Jo on Twitter 5. Michelle Garrett, PR Consultant and Prolific Freelance Content WriterConnect with Michelle on Twitter 6. James Green, Director of Risk Advisory Services at SAI GlobalConnect with James on Twitter 7. Adam Schwartz, Founder, The Cooperative WayConnect with Adam on Twitter 8. Hinda Mitchell, President and Founder of Inspire PR GroupConnect with Hinda on Twitter 9. Julia Angelen Joy, Public Relations Strategist and President of Z Group PRConnect with Julia on TwitterCEOs Will Lead Way Through Coronavirus - read the article 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/...

The second part of a series on the best communication tactics during COVID-19, these are episodes I am replaying that are still relevant today as they were in March 2020.The focus is on leadership during the pandemic. Even months later, it's easy to spot the leaders who get how to lead in public, and the ones who are missing the mark.  Here are seven different tactics leaders can use to build confidence and trust during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.(Original episode aired on March 24, 2020)  © Molly McPherson 2020Want 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/...

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.  I hear you. That is why I launched the COVID 19 communication series at the end of 2020 to recount episodes from the first months of the pandemic that still provide valuable insights and tactics that can be used now, months later. In this episode, my favorite writing coach Ann Wiley discusses with me how to write during a crisis to get your messages across clearly, compassionately and confidently.  You’ll learn how to balance communicating early and often in an environment that’s changing by the minute.Mentioned on the episode: Ann’s E-ZineAnn’s Membership SiteConnect with me on Twitter. (Original episode aired on April 27, 2020)Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020Want 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/...