By Gerard Braud, CSP, Fellow IEC Rural electric cooperatives are facing a crisis. Distrust of co-op boards and directors is increasing. Negative news stories and protests across the country are on the rise. Will this affect you? Should you be concerned? You may be doing everything perfectly, legally, and ethically – but you could still […]
By Gerard Braud, CSP, Fellow IEC Your spokespeople need media training and I’d like to be your media trainer. There. I said it. I’m asking you to please consider me. Below are three reasons why my training can offer you techniques that other trainers don’t offer. Plus – if you book your training in November […]
It’s been said that “If you fail to plan, then you should plan to fail.” Sadly, most brands and companies lack best practices in crisis communications and lack the know-how to write a crisis communication plan. Hence, generally, organizations are reactive, rather than pro-active. This FREE 5-part video series is a perfect way to put you on the […]
1) Too many people in public relations fail to ask for help when they need it. There are many sources for expert help and advice. There are great professional organizations like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRA), and the Southern Public Relations Association (SPRF). Many […]
By Gerard Braud Prepare for your crisis on a clear sunny day. Your darkest day is the worst day to deal with a crisis. So, how do you do that? With a Crisis Communications Drill. A Crisis Communications Drill can simulate realistic emotions and pressures in a controlled environment, where you can mess up in private, rather than […]
By Gerard Braud Many crisis communication experts have one goal – they want YOU to have a crisis so that you call THEM to repair your reputation so that THEY make a lot of money. That is such Bull$&*t. But then again, that’s why I am a maverick and a contrarian when it comes to […]
Have you put a spokesperson through media training only to have the news report turn out less than favorable? Have you ever put a spokesperson through media training, only to have the interview miss its mark? If you answered yes to one or both of these, it is time to adopt maverick media training. What […]
In public relations, corporate communications, and media training, the concept of identifying your “Three Key Messages” is often taught. In other words, what are the three most important things you need to communicate during your interview with the reporter? But wait, what exactly is a key message? Is it a talking point? Is it a bullet […]
By Gerard Braud Public relations and corporate communications professionals: It’s time to look at your life. The kids are back in school. The Labor Day weekend is behind you. Co-workers have all wrapped up their summer vacations. For the first time since Memorial Day the entire staff is all in one place at one time. What […]
By Gerard Braud Before every media training class I teach, I ask the PR team to provide me with their existing key messages. Most are word vomit. Many public relations people “vomit” every word they can, every cliché they can, and every statistic they can onto the page they submit to me. As you might guess, […]