The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Latest Episodes:

96: How to Get People to Admire You (Without Being Obnoxious) Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

Is it wrong to want to be admired? Of course not!

It is natural human behavior to want people to view you in a positive light. This is neither narcissistic nor selfish behavior.

It’s a healthy desire that inspired people to do better — to live up to the admiration. It also helps with your reputation if you find yourself in a PR crisis.

On this episode, three approaches for becoming an admirable person.

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© Molly McPherson 2020

95: How to Politely Ask People to Wear a Mask Aug 18, 2020

Show notes

People are social beings who not only thrive on interactions with others but rely on it daily. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, time with family or a business interaction, I think we can all agree we miss mixing with people.

However, with all the chaos and fear COVID-19 brought into our lives, our typical social opportunities as well as norms have gone sideways. Even if when we do have the opportunity to see people in person, there’s an enormous elephant in the room with us — mask or no mask?

The rules for interacting during a pandemic are complicated, but the mask issue is as huge as the elephant.

Here's how get someone to politely wear a mask without sounding obnoxious.

94: How to Apologize During a PR Crisis: Why Ellen DeGeneres Kept Quiet (And Why You Shouldn't) Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

A few weeks back, The Ellen Degeneres Show fell under heavy scrutiny for how it's treated its employees in the past.

Reports came flying in about the working conditions that many employees have been experiencing while filming the show. Many of which include racism and intimidation.

The calls for cancellation are loud and clear - not the for the television program necessarily - but for the host, Ellen DeGeneres.

Anyone can find themselves in a public peck of trouble that spills out online, causing reputational harm.
On the podcast this week:

Why you need to apologize
When to apologize
What not to do when you make a public apology

93: Tell-Tale Signs Someone is Lying to You in Text or Email Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

As much of our communication nowadays shifts to remote platforms, we are having more conversations via text, email, instant message, and chat.

Even if there is no personal interaction in communication, you may be exposed to deceptions and lies you may not even notice.

On the episode this week, the tell-tale signs someone is lying to you when you read a text or email.

Mentioned on the podcast: Episode 16 - How to Spot a Liar.

92: How to Win an Argument Every Time Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

For many people, arguing is something they would rather avoid. Confrontation is stressful and it sometimes seems like a waste of time. However, in a cultural climate more divisive than ever, it is not unusual to be drawn into a dispute.

Learn strategies for getting the upper hand in an argument so you can get your point across and win it in the end.

[BONUS] Rethinking Success with J. Douglas Holladay Jul 26, 2020

Show notes

If the quarantine has you feeling a little lost; like you’ve lost your sense of direction, then it’s time for a mental reset to find out matters to you in work and life.

Listen to Molly’s conversation with J. Douglas Holladay, author of Rethinking Success, to hear the essential principles to consider to refocus, stay connected and be joyful - starting now.

Buy the book: Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Life and Work

91: How to Avoid Writing a Social Media Post You'll Regret Later Jul 21, 2020

Show notes

The political meme posted to Facebook.

The tone-deaf tweet.

The clip of your video rant.

The indiscreet post.

If you’re on social media, then the odds are you’ve posted something regrettable online.

It may seem obvious that people shouldn't post off-color, racist, sexist, and inappropriate comments on social media, but lapses in judgment can happen when people start posting when they are in a "hot" state.

On this episode, how to prevent writing a regrettable social media post. And if you do, what to do next.

90: How to Run a First-Class Virtual Presentation or Meeting Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

As organizations scramble to turn their in-person meetings into virtual events, the session moderators are scrambling as well, transitioning their in-person presentations for the small screen.

For these presenters delivering an captivating presentation in person can be challenging enough, but now they need to compete with technology and distractions.

On the podcast this week, twelve tips to help you perform a first-class virtual meeting or presentation.

89: Six Phrases to Make Your Emails More Upbeat Jul 07, 2020

Show notes

The first half of 2020 has been a challenge to live through, let alone work through, so it is no surprise that the stress and anxiety of coping with the upheaval could be reflected in our emails.

Too much of a negative tone in your emails means people may peg you as a sourpuss, add more stress onto your customer or colleague, and increases the risk the conversation may find its way onto social media.

This episode shares six easy-to-remember phrases to bring a little optimism into your email to help you to build or maintain a positive relationship with customers and colleagues remotely.

88: Being Black in the White Workplace. A perspective on race-related challenges from Cedric Brown Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

The month of June in the year 2020 will always be known as the month that racial inequality was recognized at a global level and discussed on a digital level like never before in history.

One area of the discussions that arose from this month - the experience for racial minorities in the workplace.

On this week's podcast, Molly speaks with PR professional Cedric Brown about his work experience as a black man working in traditionally white-collar positions.

From code-switching (alternating how you speak in conversation) to questioned work attire, Cedric offers a glimpse into the life of a professional of color.

About Cedric Brown

Cedric F. Brown, APR, is a digital strategist with an interest in the intersection of racial justice activism and public relations. Find him being his most authentic self on Twitter: @abrothanamedCed

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