The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

This episode, my 100th, is my treatise for helping communicators do their job in the crazy age of media mayhem. For over two years I have been sharing my advice and experience from the front lines of my client work to help other communicators and PR people become self-confident in their professions.   From crisis management to social media wins and fails, this weekly podcast is my commitment to he...

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 memorab...

Given that an estimated 75% of people suffer from fear of public speaking, it is safe to assume that most people, when asked, would say that they want to become more confident in their public speaking.   This means there will never be a shortage of speakers who need a tip or two to calm their nerves when speaking in front of a crowd.   The pandemic may have put a pause on in-person presentations,...

*Jerry Seinfeld voice* What's the deal with all these lame excuses from people??!! The last weeks of August 2020 were far from sleepy and dull. From the DNC to the RNC; from Jerry Seinfeld to Jerry Falwell, Jr. - what a week for people speaking their minds about the heated issues of the week.   On the podcast, the best/worst excuses we heard from the week from people and organizations that la...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 : E...

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.      © Molly McPherson 2020

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...

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...

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 y...

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 med...

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 experi...

In the week leading up to June 19, 2020, many communicators were faced with the question: to celebrate Juneteenth or not to celebrate Juneteenth on the company's social media feed. For big brands, the choice was an easy one to make: definitely.   But if you’re that lone communicator still agonizing over your organization’s silence on racism in the month of June—whether in its public statement...

As organizations grapple with their responses over recent racial injustice issues, many boards of directors are recognizing the need to change policies at practices at the organizations they govern. However, one overlooked policy could bring the greatest scrutiny straight back into the boardroom - the lack of diversity on the board.   On this episode of the podcast, discussing how the composition...

A sense of belonging is a human need. People need personal connections to feel accepted and supported. Without it, the feeling of exclusion can create toxic environments at home and at work. According to my guest, the key to these personal connections to feel accepted and supported can come from the traits, tragedies, and traumas of our ancestors for over 200 years in our cellular biology. Rajkuma...

The emotions are raw, the disbelieving television coverage from the protests and riots over George Floyd's death is fresh. In such a tragic and confusing time, one thing is clear - the actions from four officers from the Minneapolis Police Department created a nationwide outrage that spilled onto the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and eventually, cities across the country. Bu...

For leaders, it's not always an easy task to figure out their employees' needs, wants, or struggles in their job, especially if there is a significant age gap. The risk of losing employees who don't feel connected to the leadership at a company is far greater if an effective line of communication is not in place. On the podcast this week, how to bridge the gap between leaders who fe...

“Like, what Chrissy Teigen has done is so crazy to me.”   That statement, in part, was one of the reasons why food writer and New York Times cooking columnist, Alison Roman, faced a severe backlash and a place in the Twitter Hall of Shaming after she attacked the business strategies of the face of the Cravings brand along with Marie Kondo - the best-selling author devoted to helping people declutt...

As the impact of the coronavirus quarantines forced many small businesses to close their doors to customers, many small businesses have served up news ways to continue to serve customers and expand their offerings. On this bonus episode of the podcast, Molly speaks with marketing expert Krista Fabrick, who shares advice for small business owners to help simplify and improve their marketing efforts...

If you turn on the television or spend any time on social media, there is no doubt you've heard from numerous companies sharing their concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The ad copy is heavy; the music - somber.  Now more than ever... In these times of uncertainty... As the doors may be closed... It's understandable that many businesses adjusted their advertising, voice-overs, and c...

Podcasting has become one of the most effective communication mediums today. Whether it's a weekly internal program for employees or sitting in as a guest in an area of focus, leaders can utilize podcasting for optimal reach and influence.   On this week's podcast, Molly speaks with Kelly Glover, the founder of the Talent Squad, who helps clients get booked on podcast interviews to reach...

As leaders and communicators head into month three of responding to the coronavirus outbreak, many are starting to feel the stress creating content.  I know I feel it. However, writing would feel far more overwhelming to me if I couldn’t tap into one of my favorite writing resources: my favorite writing coach, Ann Wiley.   Her workshops have transformed my writing, and now I’m sharing these valuab...

With over 200 million people now using Zoom to connect (btw, that’s up from 10 million users from just a couple of months ago), this signals a major shift in the acceptability of using tech to communicate. If you’re using these platforms to conduct your business or for meetings, you’re definitely going to want to listen in on this episode. Communication expert Lauren Sergy spoke with me (on Zoom,...