Public Relations, Crisis Communications and media relations - Mack Communications

Matching the Presentation with the Press Release

2/1/2012

You've arranged the ribbon-cutting ceremony, sent out the advisory, crafted the press release, put together a press kit for reporters. It's all set to go.

The event begins and you realize something is wrong. The CEO is talking, but his remarks are all over the place. He's so busy thanking people and caught up in the moment, that he fails to articulate the key message of the press release.

Then, it hits you.

Fantastic Photos Brand the Story

1/11/2012

If you're looking to ensure media coverage of your story, look no further than the images reporters and photographers will use when they cover your event. As we at Mack Communications have often said, a picture is worth not a thousand words; it's worth 10,000.

To understand why, consider your own viewing and reading habits. We are all drawn to compelling images. They can help us understand issues. They help capture the emotions of a moment. They simplify what may otherwise be complex. They often get us to click on the accompanying story.

Convincing Some of the People

11/9/2011

Herman Cain's battle over sexual harrassment charges has continued to evolve as more women go public with their allegations. Cain has tried in various ways to answer the questions, including a news conference much of the media carried live, but has yet to put the matter behind him.

It's easy to assume Cain will not survive these allegations. Easy, but it would be a mistake.

The Rule of Threes

9/16/2011

When crafting your remarks for a press conference or presentation, consider a tool that's been used in literature and speech writing throughout history: the rule of threes.

People respond well to three points. We think in terms of good, better, best. Scripture talks of faith, hope and love. Lincoln employed the tactic in his Gettysburg address with "...of the people, by the people, for the people."

It Ain't Over Til it's Over

8/29/2011

One thing you can be pretty sure of: one day's news coverage is not the final say on any single subject. In other words, just because the media seemingly ignored your story one day doesn't mean that's the end of the story.

When it comes to media relations, there may be several reasons your story didn't gain any traction with reporters, many of which had little to do with the story itself.

Don't Just Say it, Show it

8/26/2011

Source: Washington Post

Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has taken to using a giant "debt clock" during his campaign appearances to draw attention to the nation's growing financial woes.

As he talks with crowds, he gestures at the clock (built by Romney aides) and refers to the nation's debt problem with statements such as, “If I’m president of the United States, Mr. President, I’ll do a better job slowing down that clock and hopefully getting it to start reversing and getting Americans back to work.”

The Problem with Breaking News

8/9/2011

The debt debate in Washington and the financial meltdown on Wall Street have been giving just about everyone jitters. And yet, what most of us see as "bad news" becomes good news to the 24-hour news channels and talk radio. The news media are thrilled to have another crisis to talk about, politicians offer no shortage of pithy sound bites and columnists and analysts tell us who's to blame.

So, what's the problem? Nothing, unless you had a news conference scheduled the same day the Dow Jones Industrial average takes a nose dive. It's almost impossible to compete with a story of such magnitude, one that affects so many lives and pocketbooks. So, can you plan around such events?

Improve Your Chances of Getting Quoted

7/11/2011

You've got an upcoming interview with a local reporter or perhaps you're going to appear live on television. How do you improve your chances of saying something newsworthy? How do you boost the likelihood that what you say will get picked up by other news outlets?

The answer lies in saying the same old thing in a new or colorful way. If you can turn a phrase, add some humor or inject a unique metaphor, you will become infinitely more quotable. Take President Barack Obama in his news conference this morning.

Improving Your Chances of News Coverage

5/13/2011

If you hold a press conference and no one from the media attends, will it still make news? The short answer is: maybe. How can that be you might ask?

In this climate of smaller news rooms and fewer reporters, some media outlets have a hard time deciding which stories to cover. There are no-brainers, like a major announcement from the mayor, but other events are more subjective.

Your press conference simply might not be able to compete with the other stories vying for coverage on any given day. But that doesn't mean it can't make news. There are four things you can do to improve your chances of getting coverage:

Tips for a Successful Press Conference

3/25/2011

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke

Holding a press conference is not all that newsworthy for most high profile officials in government. But when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announces he will soon begin holding quarterly press conferences, it becomes news.

Traditionally, the Fed Chairman issues carefully scripted remarks in Congressional hearings or in a formal speech. Clarity is not always the goal. Reporters and the public are left reading between the lines and wondering just what was meant.

So, here's what Bernanke should remember as he heads into his first formal press conference. Keep in mind, these tips apply to anyone who's about to face reporters.