The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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. About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowWant 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/...

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 EpisodeAmerica'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” WebsterWebster 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 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 bWant 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/...

My job is professional development. I teach business leaders how to up their communication game in workshops, talks and online forums...and podcasts.  I’d like to think that I have my presentation and curriculum development skills up to par with some of the best--a requirement when you’re trying to keep high-achieving students engaged. But I hear two things from many of my audience members: either they feel like their organization doesn’t offer much in the way of professional development for someone at their level or they just don’t have time to engage in developing their professional skills. I don’t care if you’re an entry-level employee or running a department, interning out of college or are CEO of your organization, every person in business today needs to focus on professional development. If you don’t keep developing your skills, you’re going to get left behind. And those books on your bookshelves don’t really qualify as professional development. How do you find the time? On-demand learning, when you learn exactly what you need, at a time that’s convenient for you. And right from the comfort of your home or office. Mentioned In This Episode Cutlip and Center's Effective Public Relations (11th Edition) AP Stylebook (2019 Edition)  Crisis Communications: Master of Disaster Dave Ramsey Suze Orman: Women and Money  Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss Profit First by Mike Michalowicz 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/...

No matter your profession, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be on camera (whether you welcome the idea or not). But like speaking in front of a crowd, not everyone is a natural at it.  You worry about looking frumpy, saying the wrong thing, sweating through your suit jacket or stuttering through your remarks. These are all common concerns, but with some practice and the tips on this episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, you’ll be a natural. I’m sharing how to deal with on-camera distractions, feeling more comfortable, being yourself, preparedness (and the risks of being over-prepared), body language and even how to stand properly. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to put into practice when you do find yourself on camera. Because let’s face it, you know you will!   Mentioned in This Episode: Broadcast News “flop sweat” scene with Albert Brooks  Episode 18: The Secret to Being a Great Speaker  Neewer Ring Light Entertainer’s Secret Throat Spray       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. 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/...

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. 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.   Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.   Mentioned in this episode Millennials: Pew Research Center Millennial Definition: Oxford Living Dictionary 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/...

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 neWant 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/...

Leaders must continue to work to be more relevant in modern times. As technology changes, it can become more and more difficult to stay in the know. But if you’re off the grid and not online--or struggle to keep up with new communication trends--you’re hurting your brand.This week, I share four ways in which you can be seen, heard, and remain relevant. Yes, social media is a big part of the puzzle, but there is also much to talk about with interpersonal communications. How you speak and connect with your team and colleagues matters. A lot. Just look at all the high-profile cases of people who have recently suffered a communication breakdown.Tune in to this episode so you can feel more confident no matter where you are communicating. Mentioned in this EpisodeEpisode 2: How to Get a Handle on Filler Words in Your VocabularyThe Secret Life Um article in The AtlanticEpisode 19: 10 Hacks that Take the Suck Out of WritingEpisode 25: 5 Quick Hits for Using Social MediaListen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.© Molly McPherson 2019Want 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’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 The Dress - Blue or Gold? Tony Robbins response via MediumEpisode 12: The Art of Messaging a DivorceAl Franken’s apology videoTony 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.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 thought of a call from the media, or (yikes!) a request for an interview is the stuff of nightmares for many business owners and executives. But it’s also par for the course if you want to stay ahead of the story, put out the right message and stay transparent and relevant to your audience.If you want to run and hide when you hear a reporter is on the line, or avoid speaking in public because it makes you uncomfortable, you need to take a step back and listen in to this episode of the Confident Communications podcast.Media training looks very different today than it did 10 years ago, and learning how to talk to the media and the public is critical to your success. Anything you say, at any time, could be recorded and taken out of context.This week, you’ll learn from author and trainer Brad Phillips, someone I’ve followed and learned from for years. The knowledge he has spans decades, including stints for ABC’s Nightline, CNN’s Reliable Sources and others.  Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need to Know Before Your Next Interview by Brad Phillips About Brad PhillipsBrad has trained thousands of media spokespeople and public speakers including members of Congress, Olympic athletes, top CEOs, directors of nonprofit organizations and heads of government agencies. He’s prepared speakers for TED Global and TEDx Talks, the World Economic Forum in Davos and thousands of other business- and issue-oriented presentations. His book, The Media Training Bible, has been Amazon’s top-selling title on the topic since its release in 2012. Prior to starting his businesses, Brad worked for ABC’s Nightline with Ted Koppel and CNN’s Reliable Sources, The Capital Gang and Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer. His current business is Throughline Group and you can connect with him on Twitter or  LinkedIn. 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 inWant 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 do you ask for your check at a restaurant? Are you a “Check, please!” person or someone who waits to make eye contact with their server then air-signs to let the server know what you want? Do you know which is the more appropriate thing to do? In honor of National Waitstaff Day, this week’s episode of Confident Communications focuses on all the things your waitstaff wants you to know about dining in a restaurant--but can’t actually tell you. Waitstaff are key personnel in my business because I travel so much. I rely on restaurant staff to feed me and to make sure I have my receipts for tax purposes. And even though I spend a lot of time in restaurants and bars for work, even I learned some things in my research for this episode. We all want a good experience when dining out, and your waitstaff would like to have a great day at work. Be sure to listen in so you can hear some of the most annoying things restaurant patrons do and say--and what to do or say instead. 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. Click here to be first to know when the program goes live so you can be heard, stay seen and maintain your relevancy.     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.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/...