“I’m Lovin’ It”: McDonald’s Diplomatic PR Response to Former President Trump’s Visit
“We are not Red or Blue but Golden” Politics is a blood sport. Corporations can instantly, unwittingly be sucked into the political arena. Kudos to McDonald’s who delicately tiptoed the political divide by tactfully responding to former President Donald Trump’s recent stop at a Pennsylvania restaurant, where he worked the drive thru. “We are not…
Media Interview 2.0; Upping Your Game
Now that you have a few media interviews under your belt it is time to up your game. But before you say yes to the networks or Wall Street Journal let’s review the nuanced subtleties that will have you graduate to the “Interview Master Class.” Never say Again, Again The one word that has me…
Covid-19 the On-Going Crisis; Responding to the Worldwide Pandemic
As my family and I prepared for a long-planned trip to Dublin, Ireland last March the consistent background murmur of a virus originating from China caught my attention. Should we cancel, or was it just another hyped news story to bolster ratings? We went. Thankfully, we returned the day before international travel was shutdown. Now,…
Continue Reading Covid-19 the On-Going Crisis; Responding to the Worldwide Pandemic
James Bond, Don Draper on Keeping it Straight
Whether evading Gold Finger, romancing Ursula Andress, or kicking back a double martini lunch, 007 and the advertising king of Madison Avenue clearly appreciate the importance of packaging. A Crooked Tie is Counterintuitive Whether it a traditional Windsor, exotic Trinity or stylish Cavendish, a loose, crooked, sloppy knot is telling. It’s off-putting, and distracting from your…
Continue Reading James Bond, Don Draper on Keeping it Straight
Communicate Like a President!
As a White House Correspondent under the Obama Administration I can guarantee the camera never blinks, especially for the President of the United States. After years before the camera I’ve had my fair share of on-air gaffs. No one is perfect, but we can eliminate most obstacles that trip us up. As a media expert…
What I learned From my Mother-In-Law
It is an unfortunate human condition that many of us often gravitate towards the negative side of things. I suffered this truth when faced with my mother-in-law’s most recent comment at our latest family gathering: “Oh, that’s different!” My immediate thought was, hey, did my mother-in-law just insult me? Where is that kitchen knife I…
The Anatomy of a News Story – Knowing Your Preordained Role is Key
It may seem counter-intuitive, but never, ever consider speaking to a journalist before determining your role in their story. Are you the protagonist, antagonist, witness, hero? At the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, I teach MBA students to consider the anatomy of a news story to strategically dissect the likely scenario and their…
Continue Reading The Anatomy of a News Story – Knowing Your Preordained Role is Key
The Art of Presenting; Act Like a Preacher
Most of us would rather walk on hot coals than give a presentation. According to one survey, many prefer dying to getting up and speaking to a group of people. Yet with presentations, as almost all skills, the more we practice, the better we become. Delivering effective, clear, concise communication is a necessary skill set…
My Favorite Interview; The Lady in Pearls
As an experienced journalist, I’ve had the privilege to meet and interview countless people in varied often difficult circumstances. Among my subjects: criminals, victims, politicians, actors, athletes and everyday people. However, as I’ve often told my MBA students at Wharton, my most memorable subject remains former First Lady Barbara Bush. The “country’s grandmother” has been…