The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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. [1:14] What was Captain Crozier’s “devil” and what was his ”deep blue sea?” [2:00] Hear a clip from Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly’s press conference.  [2:54] What is the chain of command in the military?  [3:24] Learn why I’m sounding the alarm on this matter. [4:46] Here’s the message that the firing of Capt. Crozier is actually sending to the public, and how they’re reacting. [6:24] My new leadership theory due to the coronavirus. [8:08] What could motivate a captain to sabotage his own career? [10:48] Here’s the PR takeaway.   © 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/...

You know a memorable quote when you hear it. You see it published repeatedly or going viral on social media, you have a quote for the ages. We are weeks into a global pandemic and there are multiple heads of organizations attempting to make their mark on this historic moment. How will they succeed? In this episode, you’re going to learn how to create a memorable quote plus hear examples of memorable quotes throughout history.   [4:31] 1: Write like people actually talk.   Learn how to be conversational while leaving out the unnecessary filler language.   [7:29] 2: Use memorable language.   Find out how to use your words to help paint a picture.   [8:52] 3: Avoid the hype.   Lose the hyperbole and focus on the facts.    [9:53] 4: Skip the jargon.   No one wants to burn calories struggling to understand your acronyms.   [11:38] 5: Fancy facts.    Sprinkle storytelling to add depth to the story.   [13:12] 6: Use this grammar style to attribute a quote.   Certain styles lend themselves to speaking; others to writing.   [14:02] 7: Consider the appropriate tense.   Different word choices should be used for something that has just happened vs. something that’s more timeless.   [15:33] 8: No fake news.   Keep it real; avoid the bias.    [16:58] 9: Boil down your big idea.   © 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/...

Adam Schwartz, the founder of The Cooperative Way, speaks with Molly McPherson, creator of the COVID-19 Response Kit about the best practices for cooperatives to follow during the first stages of the coronavirus crisis. Interview Date: March 20, 2020 Mentioned on the episode:  The Communication Response Kit (responsekit.org) is a free online resource for business communications in response to COVID-19.    © 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/...

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.   Lead with Compassion: Find out what this might mean for you and how it’s changed over the years. Lead with Communications: Learn why now, more than ever, a senior communicator is well worth the investment. Lead with Flexibility: Here are the tactics you can use to show how proactive and flexible you are as a leader. Lead with Information: Learn how much information you should be sharing during a crisis. Lead with Speed: Find out how to show proactive sharing starting today. Lead with People in Mind, Not Profit: Get help figuring out how your specific industry can also support your community.   Mentioned on the episode:  Institute for Public Relations Study - COVID-19: How Businesses are Handling the Crisis Video Interview with Julia Joy, Z Group PR, How CEOs Can Lead the Way Through a Crisis  How CEOs Can Lead the Way Through a Crisis, [Article] by Julia AngeWant 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’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.  My contributors: 1. Mary Beth West of Fletcher Marketing PR Listen to the #MsInterPReted PodcastConnect 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 TwitterEpisode 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 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/...

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: [7:51] 1: Shh.  [8:52] 2: Thank you, Carol Brady. [9:15] 3: Grab this tool. [9:32] 4: Choose your beverages wisely.  [10:18] 5: Don't sing us a song, Piano Man.   What to do: [11:25] 1: Get help. [11:59] 2: Seriously, shh. [12:10] 3: Take a couple of these. [12:31] 4: Drink up. [13:27] 5: Decaf. [13:55] 6: An oldie but a goodie. [14:19] 7: Get steamy. [15:04] 8: Ask your hotel for one of these. 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/...

All wonderful relationships began with a conversation.That’s why having a conversation starter handy is the gateway for a future connection with a person, whether it be for networking or in a new friendship. These are my six secrets that work like a charm for starting a conversation with anyone.[2:34] 1: The first one is my go-to. Everyone loves to be complimented on their appearance. (But it comes with an important warning.)[3:50] 2: This opener is gold. This tip works particularly well when you’re wondering what to say when you run into a speaker, podcaster, or even a celebrity. [4:42] 3: Slide in with these topics. Take a cue from what they’re wearing, and when in doubt, there’s always this tried and true topic.[6:28] 4: Questions to ask. Even if you don’t actually need the information, it's a good place to start.[7:09] 5: Ask this to sound inquisitive. It’s an assertive question, but also an effective one people can’t help but answer.[7:42] 6: Ask this, then let them take the lead.Your best bet for getting a good story out of a person.[8:44] BONUS: The outlier.Simple but effective… for most situations.Mentioned on the episode: Want to continue our conversation? Follow me on Twitter and tell me your go-to conversation starter. I’ll have a starter tweet waiting for you.© 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/...

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.  [4:44] The planning.  This is the first question an organization needs to ask itself. [9:16] The optics.  How you should appear - and not appear - on camera. [11:53] The messaging.  Follow this framework to respond to any crisis. [17:33] The opening statement.  Here’s the best way to knock your intro statement out of the park.  [18:09] The sentiment.  Why you need to get everyone aligned with the same message. [19:44] The moral.  How to prevent a strikeout at your next press conference.    Mentioned on the episode:  Head to my website and scroll to the bottom to download “Writing a Press Release for the Digital Age.”  Connect with me on Twitter.    Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts © Molly McPherson 2020  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/...

Where do you do most of your communicating in your work and in your life? Chances are it’s mostly email and text. You’ve probably noticed that some correspondence sounds confident and some make you want to say “get to the point already.”In this episode, I’m going to cover the five words and five phrases to get rid of in your emails to make them more concise and direct. [3:41] Filler word 1. Unless this is an apology email, don’t use this word.[4:22] Filler word 2.Taking this word out makes people pay closer attention to your email. [5:08] Filler word 3. Instead of using this word, be specific.[5:40] Filler word 4. Taking it out will add confidence and conviction.[6:06] Filler word 5. It comes across as snappy and rude. [7:07] Filler phrase 1. Avoid these and choose an imperative voice instead.[7:31] Filler phrase 2. It’s a nice sentiment, but not necessary. [8:08] Filler phrase 3. The cliche of cliches of emails. Don’t do it.[8:25] Filler phrase 4. This one’s too soft. [8:38] Filler phrase 5. Instead of this, use a better option for scheduling appointments.  Mentioned on the episode: Calendly appointment scheduling softwareGet on my email list HERE. Episode 2: How to Get a Handle on Filler Words in Your Vocabulary  How to Leave a Rating and Review on Apple PodcastsWhich words and phrases are you dropping immediately? Let me know on TwitterWant 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/...

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.[1:37] Tip 1: PasswordsThings 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. [3:09] Tip 2: Operating SystemsYes 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.)[3:49] Tip 3: Wireless networksYour 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. [4:44] Tip 4: Open WiFi networks 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. [5:18] Tip 5: Privacy settings 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. [5:38] Tip 6: Device wipingDo 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 hWant 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/...