The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Latest Episodes:

12: The Art of Messaging a Divorce: The Jeff Bezos Method Jan 22, 2019

Show notes

We’re in a whole new age when it comes to making personal announcements. No matter what the announcement is, the bigger the name, the bigger the story. When Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos announced their divorce on January 9, they chose only one public communication channel - Twitter.

Twitter posts for high-profile news announcements have taken the place of the tried and true press release, and Facebook posts have taken the place of phone calls for the general public’s announcements. Both of these have their benefits, as long as it’s done right.

On this week’s episode of the Confident Communications podcast, I’m talking about the messaging behind the Bezos announcement, including how the announcement was shared and some of the key phrases and words used in the announcement. I also share how you can use The Bezos Method to craft your own announcement if you have a big event or life change to share with others.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Jeff Bezos’s tweet about his divorce
How We Apologize by Lindsey Weber (Published in New York Times on Jan. 12, 2019)
Lady Gaga’s apology to her followers

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 build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with 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 Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

11: How Not to Be a Bridezilla Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

December is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged, which means that many brides (and their mothers) are planning weddings! There are so many communication dynamics that go into wedding planning--from announcing the big day to booking vendors to managing family relationships and opinions.

In this episode, we’re tackling all of these issues, as well as how vendors can help brides feel a little less overwhelmed during this busy time of their lives. Wedding planning requires two-way communication and understanding and we talk about how all parties involved can help--or hinder--the process.

Mentioned in this episode

About Lena Hartford

Lena is a hair stylist with 20 years of experience, working with brides to create beautiful, unique and long-lasting wedding hairstyles. Visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

About Molly

Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

10: A Golden Globes Recap: Who was on message and who missed the mark Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

In this non-traditional Golden Globes recap, I’m looking at how the stars’ publicists did on one of the most important nights in Hollywood.

More than 18 million people tuned in to the 2019 Golden Globes on Sunday night and I was among them, as usual. As a Gen-Xer, I’m a pop culture fan and usually tune into the awards shows for both the entertainment value and to theorize about publicists’ angles.

The show did not disappoint, as I discuss with my long-term friend and fellow pop culture enthusiast Mary Mitschow. We each chose our top three hits and misses by both stars and publicists and riffed on our take.

We’re digging into whether the stars’ publicists did a good job of promoting their clients’ brands in a way that kept them on-brand and on message. Or did they leave something to be desired, causing more work for themselves on the back-end of the show?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Tune in now and let me know your thoughts on the awards ceremony. Are these stars (and, better yet, their publicists) ready for the Oscars?

Are you confused by social media and communicating confidently? Grab my guide on the rookie mistakes many professionals make online. Don’t be "a miss" like some of the stars we’re talking about in this episode!

09: How to Write a Hollywood Ending with your Internal Communications Jan 01, 2019

Show notes

Every business needs a foundation to communicate with its employees, which is why I brought Victoria Dew of Dewpoint Communications to talk about this critical piece of the communication puzzle.

Victoria’s unique perspective as a former entertainment industry professional and in-house communication professional both in the U.S. and overseas helps to bring a new voice to the creativity and transparency that goes into communicating with employees.

In this episode, we talk human-centric business, changes in work culture over the last 30 years, why a bigger budget doesn’t always mean better results and how internal communications changes in times of crisis.

As it becomes increasingly difficult to recruit and retain great employees, perfecting internal communications is vital. Listen in now and learn how you can do more with what you have to move the needle in your business.

Mentioned in this Episode:

How to Get a Handle on Filler Words in Your Vocabulary

About Victoria

As a consultant, coach and in-house practitioner, both in the US and overseas, Victoria has worked in more than a dozen industries and verticals, and with diverse businesses, ranging from solopreneurs to some of the world’s largest technology companies.

Victoria holds a BA from Skidmore College, an MA from King’s College London, a PG Dip in Communications Management from Massey University and a Cert MS in Business Administration from Victoria University of Wellington. Victoria has earned the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) designation, and is also a certified business coach.

Victoria also serves as 2018-19 Vice Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators' (IABC) International Executive Board.

Want more information on Victoria and receive her guide to better writing? Click here to get her guide on writing tips.

About Molly

Listen + subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

08: Top Communication Fails that Made Headlines in 2018 Dec 25, 2018

Show notes

Communication fails are a starting point in talking about the importance of having a sound communication skill set. And there were a lot of them in 2018.

It helps to know what mistakes look like so you can avoid them, and even learn how to come back from them effectively. Last week, I talked about the top communications wins in 2018; in this week’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, we’re looking at the flubs.

From mistweets to apologies gone wrong, from insensitivity to public safety scares, we have quite a list. And there’s a lesson in each of these 10 mistakes that you can learn from, whether you’re a corporate executive, a business owner, a public figure or just someone who wants to be deliberate in the way you present yourself.

People pay attention and people are quick to point out when you make mistakes in your communications and PR. When you make mistakes, people lose faith in you and your organization. Take the time to learn how to win in communications in 2019.

*SPOILER ALERT*

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hawaii erroneous missile alert
Air Force ‘Yanny’ or ‘Laurel’ tweet
Red Hen Controversy and Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s response
Megyn Kelly’s racist remarks
Rob Porter abuse allegations
Melania’s “I really don’t care”
Papa John’s N-word scandal
Men of #MeToo - Les Moonves and Louis CK
Facebook (voter suppression and more)

About Molly

Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practic

07: Top Communication Wins that Made the Headlines in 2018 Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

With the year coming to an end, this week's episode delves into ten communication wins of the year by the people, politicians, brands, and beer drinkers who made headlines and then made hay from an earlier challenge they faced at some point in 2018.

The stories on the list range from publicity stunts to political maneuvers that captured the public's attention over the past year. From #10 to #1, you will hear what made the story memorable and what was the communication strategy behind it landing it on the list.
This episode is the first in a two-part series of Top Communications for 2018. Next week I'll explore the top communication fails of the year.

Want to make sure you are prepared to have only communication wins in 2019? Sign up for my free download, "The Top 5 Rookie Mistakes Seasoned Business Leaders Make."

Mentioned in this Episode:

"KFC apologises for chicken shortage with witty 'FCK, we're sorry' advert"
(Evening Standard, February 23, 2018)
Kavanaugh Hearing Cold Open - SNL
(Published on Sep 29, 2018)
Kavanaugh, Klobuchar tangle over drinking habits during Senate testimony
(Published on Sep 27, 2018)

Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If not, I encourage you to do so today. Let's make 2019 the year for communicating your confident self.

Now, if you’re in the mood for sharing, I would be grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcasts. These reviews help other people find my podcast, and then that means we'll all be a bunch of confident speakers in 2019. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!

06: The State Funeral of President George H.W. Bush Dec 11, 2018

Show notes

As the country mourned the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush, former presidents, congressional leaders and figures from across the political spectrum gathered for his funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

While millions of people watched the service to honor Bush as a member of Congress, an ambassador to the United Nations, the director of the CIA, and the vice president and president of the United States, they were also watching the dynamics of the current and former presidents and their wives situated in the front pew.

Did Hillary Clinton snub President Trump? Or was it the other way around? Did the Clintons ignore the former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn? Or was that fake news?

In this episode, I respectfully analyze the body language and social cues happening in that front pew as they attended the state funeral. I also take a moment to appreciate the fitting tributes paid to our 41st president by his son and the agency that served him.

Mentioned in this Episode:

George W. Bush cries delivering the eulogy for his father, George H. W. Bush (Full Eulogy)

George W. Bush Ground Zero Bullhorn Speech 9-14-01
(Source: 911archives.webs.com)

05: Just Listen! The Secret to Getting Through to Just About Anyone Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
- Stephen R. Covey.

Are you really listening? One of the most valuable tools for communication is the ability to listen and understand what someone is saying and feeling. Whether we are solving issues at home or tackling tasks in the workplace, effectively listening can help us reach our goals sooner.

In this episode, I explore some great tips for improving your listening skills, as well as some personal ways these very tips have helped me.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to connect by showing genuine interest.
How to ‘rewire’ yourself to listen and suppress your predispositions.
How to achieve better results with targeted responses.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone

04: How to Be a Great Conversationalist Nov 27, 2018

Show notes

With our daily communications frequently moving to the online world, we have forgotten some of the nuances of face to face interaction. Improving our conversation skills, both as a speaker and a listener, allows us to sharpen our message and get a better understanding from those we communicate with.

This episode features a recent NY Times article about NPR's Terry Gross and the art of a good conversation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The only icebreaker you'll ever need.
How to prepare for a great conversation.
When to pivot, when to dodge and when to push back.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Terry Gross on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Kerr, Jolie “How to Talk to People, According to Terry Gross. The NPR host offers eight spicy tips for having better conversations.” New York Times, November 18, 2018. Print.

03: Interview Secrets from the Other Side of the Desk. Lessons from Harvard Business School H.R. Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

Interviews don’t have to be stressful.

Chances are you’ve been in many job interviews over the course of your career, and maybe even interviewed some candidates for your organization. Ellen Mahoney, chief human resources officer of Harvard Business School, has more than 30 years of experience interviewing applicants from a wide background, and she’s seen it all.

Ellen dives into interview secrets from the interviewer’s perspective so you can nail your next interview--whether you’re looking for a corporate job, trying to land a freelance gig or even interviewing candidates for an opening you have. This episode runs the gamut.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the interview process has changed over the last century (or has it?)
How to explain gaps in your employment history
Whether to divulge you lack technology skills
How to answer questions about being let go
What your appearance has to do with your competency
What you need to do to walk away knowing you’ve aced the interview

Mentioned in this episode:

The Confidence Gap

About Ellen

Ellen is the chief human resources officer of Harvard Business School and the executive director of HBS Initiatives. She is responsible for managing HBS’s human resources functions for the more than 1200 administrative staff who support the school’s mission.

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