We are excited to announce the newest edition of The PR Playbookis available from www larry litwin dot com and elsewhere. We will try to include some of the latest in each week’s blog. This week’s topic is “crisis communication.”
These suggestions come from public relations guru, Anne Klein of Anne Klein Communication Group. Anne’s work is legendary.
“Important Don’ts in Dealing With the Media”during a crisis:
1. Do not speculate about anything.
2. Do not give out unconfirmed facts. Give only the facts you are sure of until further information can be obtained.
3. Do not speculate on the potential impact of the incident on employees, neighbors, the community-at-large, etc., unless you know, for sure.
4. Do not estimate on dollar figures for damage that occurred.
5. Do not release the names of anyone injured or killed until family members have been notified.
6. Do not give out any medical reports on condition(s) of the injured. This is the responsibility of the attending physician or hospital
spokesperson.
7. Do not assume liability for the incident or guess how the incident occurred.
8. Do not ever respond to a question with “No comment.” It is never an acceptable answer. Say you don’t know if you are unsure of the
answer or that you will put reporters in touch with someone who can answer their questions. If a question requires an answer that you feel
is proprietary to the organization or would violate confidentiality, just explain that fact.
9. Do not speak “off the record,” “not for attribution” or “on deep background.” This is an area of high risk, and it is best not to venture
there.
10. Do not get angry at a reporter or raise your voice.
Klein and others who have been successful in dealing with the media during crises agree on the importance of remaining calm. Take time to compose
yourself and craft your message as you formulate your answers. Remember, you are a professional doing your best to be helpful.
Practice the highest ethical standards. Succinctly, you want to be open, honest, thorough and valid in your responses and dissemination of
information. Above all, never lie to a reporter, but do not answer a question if you don’t have the answer and don’t offer unsolicited information unless it
is to your benefit. Klein recommends you notify the media before they contact you when the community is in danger; your organization’s operations
are affected; if having the media first learn about the situation from someone else would damage your organization’s image or credibility; a good number
of employees know or could possibly know about the situation; there are regulatory infractions that would embarrass your organization if the media
learned about them in some other way.
[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com] This arrived from my mortgage holder: When adding energy-efficient upgrades to your home, it’s important to ensure even the most fundamental of enhancements, such as lighting, offer the ease of use, reliability and value expected from the traditional, incandescent options.
Advancements in bulb technology
Though they have had a presence in homes for the last three decades, the compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulb has greatly improved since its infancy. Some enhancements include reduced price, availability in standard warm tones and “A-line” shaped bulbs that mimic the look and feel of traditional incandescent bulbs.
New technologies include GE’s Bright from the Start CFL. This hybrid halogen-CFL light bulb provides instant brightness, and is now available at stores in a 100-watt incandescent replacement. It is also available in other wattages for table or floor lamps, globe lights for vanity lighting and floodlights for recessed lighting used in rooms throughout the home.
While new lighting advancements bring a wealth of benefits to many homeowners, there are still some mixed messages about the value of CFL bulbs, as a whole.
Common myths related to CFL bulbs
As the lighting industry shifts to provide more energy-efficient lighting options, more homeowners are giving CFLs a try. However, a variety of myths about CFL lighting still exist today.
1. CFLs produce an unattractive blue light
Today’s CFLs can produce a soft white color similar to incandescent bulbs. Check the packaging for Kelvin numbers within a range of 2,700 to 3,000 for a warmer light appearance.
2. CFLs take a long time to get bright
While many CFLs take up to a minute to reach full brightness, there are now more advanced options. GE’s hybrid-halogen CFL uses a Brightness Booster, or a halogen capsule, for instant brightness, eliminating the wait for bright light.
3. CFLs are only available in corkscrew shapes
Many options are now available that mirror the traditional shape of incandescent bulbs for a variety of applications. One option is a 100-watt replacement bulb for table or floor lamps, as well as globe lights commonly used for bathroom vanity lighting and recessed lighting in kitchen, living and dining rooms.
The following was carried “The PR News — the Skinny on PR:
Butterflies in your stomach. Dry mouth. Fantasy of escaping through the back door. It’s inevitable: at some point in your career, you’ll need to speak in front of an audience. Whether at a small meeting, a conference, a general session, on a panel, or on your own. For most of us, it’s about getting out of our comfort zone. If it’s any consolation, the number-one fear of Americans is Public Speaking. Death is the number-2 fear. So you are not alone (until you die). Based on my own experiences and interviews with countless public speakers over the past year, I offer these nines tips to help you get through your next speaking gig with flying colors:
1. Research your audience: why are they there, what are their job responsibilities, how knowledgeable are they of the topic you’ll be speaking about? If possible, ask the event producer to survey the audience in advance w/a few questions that will help you tailor your presentation.
2. Avoid death by PowerPoint. Put another way, don’t talk them to sleep. Slides are important but they should be springboards to your speech and not littered with words and cheesy clip art. Large point size, consistent style and about half the slide blank are the rules. Show some video if you can – but not of cute puppies or kittens, unless you’re speaking to an animal rights group.
3. Master your content:. a corollary to tip #1, speak of what you know. You’ll be more relaxed and confident if you know your material. If you’re asked to speak about a topic that is complicated and not in your wheelhouse, decline the invite.
4. Interact with your audience. Build a quick community with the attendees and encourage questions.
5. Limit talking about yourself. You know the speaker bio provided to the audience in advance? They already know who you are. Make it about them.
6. Wear your storytelling hat. There’s nothing better than a story to illustrate your point. That is what the audience will remember. Bring one great story to your speech – not 3 mediocre ones – and you will connect with your audience.
7. Own your content. I was listening to a speaker recently whose entire presentation was about quoting other authors and experts and not sharing an original thought. Find something unique and original to say to your audience. There’s a reason you were asked to take the stage.
8. Remember social media. Be careful what you say and how you say it. One off-color quote can go viral on social media and affect your reputation and your organization’s.
9. Don’t picture your audience naked. This is an old bit of advice predicated on the notion that the naked attendee is more vulnerable than you and so you have the upper hand. This advice doesn’t hold true — better to picture your audience thinking positive thoughts about you, and cheering you on. The crowd wants you to succeed, they are rooting for you. That‘s the naked truth.
Wilmington Universoty sent this to its students, staff and other supporters. Please take heed:
In recent weeks, Delaware and much of the area has experienced an outbreak of influenza. Following the guidance of public health officials, we ask that everyone take the actions below in order to help prevent the spread of influenza and to minimize the impact of influenza on our community.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
* Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
* Avoid contact with others if you are sick: stay home from work, classes and public places.
* If you have been diagnosed with the flu or are suffering from flu-like symptoms please contact the University Information Center<http://www.wilmu.edu/contact.aspx?utm_source=bbconnect&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fluprevention&utm_content=contactUIC> at (302) 356-4636<tel:+13023564636>.
[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com] (See Nancy’s remarks on last week’s blog)
(Hand Nancy her dink)
Hello, Sports Fans! That greeting started at KMCD radio almost 50 years ago…and I’ve been using it ever since.
To all who made this day and weekend possible. To all previous honorees … and to my follow honorees… and our many friends who share this day with us: I dedicate my remarks to all of you – and to my late dear friend…Dr. John DiFazio, who, with his wife Carol, spent many years teaching in the Fairfield Public Schools …and to my former roommate Doug Pocock who had planned on introducing me but was not able to be here this weekend. Doug was photo editor of our yearbook Peira and The Portfolio. In fact, during his years here at Parsons, Doug…photographer extraordinaire…was Parsons official photographer.
Today is about overcoming adversity, getting a second chance, life-altering events and otherturning points. The enormity of this honor is beyond measure. It would be a huge understatement to say…I was speechless upon receiving Dave Neff’s phone call. And, as my family can attest, I am rarely at a loss for words.
Many times they accuse me of talking way too much. That will not be the case today as I, we, for Nancy and I…look back on what brought Parsons College and Larry Litwin…and Larry and Nancy Perris together.
My highest professional honor – and personal honor, too – is when one of my students is recognized with a major award. Several have told me…THIS will be the best and I wouldn’t fully realize it until this very moment. They are correct.
As Student Number 655280 – Nancy was 656997 – I look around this vast room and know I am not alone when I say…I have experienced many…life-altering events. But without question, THEeee … shall I say, FIRST…turning point in my young adult life was when I recognized being in pharmacy school… was not for me. So, in Fall1964 I visited my high school baseball coach, who, coincidentally…I had dinner with just two weeks ago after not seeing him for many years.
Back in 1964, coach advised that I look for another school – one more geared to my interests and one in which I might be able to play baseball. When I got home, I opened a small paperback book I had been reading by Herbert Tarr called, “The Conversion of Chaplain Cohen.”
In addition to being humorous, it contained advice –
first-hand – from the Chaplain who wound up at an air base in Mississippi. Chaplain Cohen’s story and Coach Minnick’s advice led me to “Lovejoy’s College Catalogue”…and the rest…as they say…is history.
I soon accompanied a friend to meet with a Parsons College recruiter. Remember them? My friend did not apply, but I did. I got accepted, received a partial baseball scholarship, thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies, and arrived …steamer trunk in tow…at the Fairfield Train Station on Thursday, February 4th, 1965.
It seemed like 25 degrees below zero – maybe even 40 below — but I am often reminded…I do exaggerate. Like many others, I left the trunk at the station and took that long, cold walk to the campus – my new home away from home.
Early the next morning – 5 a.m. to be exact – I reported to Coach Joe Lutz for baseball practice in Fry Thomas Field House, faced a pitch from Dick Mills and immediately knew, I’d better studyhard…because…playing baseball would not be my future. Coach Lutz’s words have stayed with me all these years: Sacrifice, respect, discipline and desire. Add: commitment and responsibility. Coach Lutz’s defined luck as preparation…meeting opportunity. Coach Lutz and Parsons did their share.
Another turning point, luckily, came soon after I injured my right knee playing ball. KMCD radio was broadcasting the game from Legion Field. I knew one of the announcers, Terry Shockley, was leaving the next day for a new job in Madison, Wisconsin …so I asked his partner, Dave Spilman if I could fill in. Dave asked if I had ever announced and I responded yes…a little white lie…not saying it was as a public address announcer…rather than play-by-play.
Thanks to that stretching of the truth – and a little luck – I have been in radio – in one form or another – ever since.
Pause
The most important turning point – life altering event – occurred on the first day of the Summer 1965 trimester in Student Center One. That’s when I sat down in Sydney Spade’s Drama Appreciation class. Next to me was the cutest little blonde I had ever seen. She is still cute, and still blonde…and I’d better say…still little.
We were married two- and- a half years later in September 1967…just a few months after graduation…and are the proud parents of second grade teacher Julie Beth Kramer, her husband Billy, and our son, Adam Seth, a professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and his wife Claire. Julie and Billy have a 10 ½ year-old and 7 ½ year old Aidan. Adam and Claire have a 6-month old.
My Rowan University students often asked about my teaching style, why my office was adorned in green and white…or…Iowa rose, why I wore green and white during academic ceremonies (hold up academic hood), why the covers of the two books I’ve written are green and white, and why my favorite mascot is…the Wildcat. Two words: Parsons College… Parsons College.
Among the most fortunate days of my life are my high school baseball coach’s advice, my co-incidental meeting with that Parsons recruiter, getting into Parsons, injuring my knee, totally embracing the “Parsons Plan”…graduating from Parsons and…meeting… and marrying Nancy.
If it were not for Millard G. Roberts’ vision…Doc Bob… the incredible professors, preceptors and tutors, I would never have achieved the successes I have. I owe so much to so many – not only from Parsons, but from the people in Fairfield.
You may find this hard to believe: a day does not go by without my thinking about Parsons. I don’t even want to consider where I would be without “Doc Bob,” and what I observed and learned from Parsons College. It was much more than academics.
My total education included the brilliance of my dedicated professors and other faculty – plus learning a work ethic that my parents already possessed, what it meant to be a committed teacher and coach…and… social skills, which led to many incredible life-long relationships. We were constantlyencouraged to succeed.
I promised myself back then, if ever I became a college instructor I would emulate Drs. Baird, Russos, Robertson, Rodner, Dr. Tree and so many others. (Hold up “Scholars Who Teach” from Parsons 1966-67)
As a 1999 Rowan graduate recently posted on Facebook, you, Professor Litwin promised to Pay itforward – and now my husband and I are, too.
In many respects, February 4th, 1965 seems like only yesterday, but I do ask…where have the years gone?– from that snowy, Thursday…flying from Philadelphia…looking out the TWA Jet window at my father, Eddie… crying like a baby while my mother hugged him…arriving in Chicago and taking the Aksarben/…a slow milk train – oh, it WAS a cattle car – getting into Fairfield and…thanking the good lord for putting off getting drafted for a couple of years. And I did get drafted right after graduation. What a commencement ceremony it was:…It wasinterrupted by a violent thunderstorm that knocked out the power, ironically, during the singing – of… “When you Walk Through a Storm.”
Yes, we ask, “Where have the years gone?” (pause) … The years have brought us here today – Fairfield, Iowa 52556 – just a stone’s throw from the campus whose administration, faculty and staff, …staff like Chefs Mike Young and Captain John Bailey, of “The Old South Room” and cafeteria server, Irma…they made sure we ate well…and Doc Bob and Mrs. Louise Roberts and so many others who taught us to overcome adversity, work hard, get up when you get knocked down, turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones and – like my mother – Jeannie – always said, “Larry boy, If you dream it, you can achieve it.”
One more quick, true story: Many years ago, when I was teaching a graduate course, one of my students – ateacher – shared her thoughts at HER school…about my teaching style and my approach. One of her fellow teachers, asked, “Did your professor attend Parsons College?” He sounds so much like the professors who worked with my father – Parsons CampusMinister, The Reverend Jack R. Steele. When the student shared that story with the class, I filled with emotion.
Pause
My life has come full circle. No matter what happens from this day forward, as my mother promised, I have achieved my dreams. Thank you Doc Bob,…thank you Nance, …thank you everyone here…and ESPECIALLY, thank YOU Parsons College – Go Wildcats!!!
(L-r) Julie Litwin Kramer, Nancy Litwin and Larry
[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com] (See Nancy’s remarks on last week’s blog)
(L-r) Larry, Dr. Robert Tree (Larry’s history professor) and Dave Neff, classmate andWall of Honor co-chair.
Nancy Litwin delivering Parsons College Wall of Honor introduction.
[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]
I remember it well – my first day of classes at Parsons College. It was on Monday, June 14th, 1965. I was 18 and freshly graduated from high school, although I had to miss the ceremony to get here for the summer trimester.
My early gym class preceded Drama Appreciation with Sydney Spade. With gym clothes tucked under my arm, I entered the lecture hall and found my seat. At that moment, one of my sneakers dropped on the foot of the person sitting next to me. Yes, it was Larry’s foot. We started a brief conversation, went for coffee after class and from that moment on Larry and I started dating…and still do.
Once I found my way around the campus, it was apparent, Parsons was such a nurturing place. Most important was the accessibility, empathy and sensitivity of the instructors.
Because of Larry’s radio career, we moved a lot, so my schooling did not end here…and…unfortunately, I didn’t find those qualities at the other three colleges I attended. I regret…to this day…not having Parsons on my diploma.
It is great many of you who made Parsons what it was are here, today. Thank you for getting us here, today.
Matthew Quick authored The Silver Linings Playbook and contributed to the screenplay for the Oscar-winning film. During a recent visit tot the Cherry Hill (N.J.) Public Library quick made these comments while discussing his latest book, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.
“The fall is exactly when I miss teaching. The thing I loved about September was it was a new beginning.
“I didn’t want to be a teacher. I kept trying to do something that didn’t feel like me.”
Quick offered two pieces of advice for success: “Be polite to others (the higher you climb the more it matters) and find the most authentic version of who you are and put that into the world consistently.”
I couldn’t say it better. One more comment worth noting: Quick, who grew up in Oaklyn, Camden County, N.J., and now lives in New England, said, he always considered the Philadelphia region as his home. “When i come back I always get that kind of bittersweet feeling.” Quick is a diehard Eagles fan and still a season ticket holder.
John Weber (267) 408-7500 ( JWeber@premiereradio.com )
The 1973-74 Philadelphia Flyers, the first-ever NHL expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, will be honored by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association on the 40th anniversary of their first championship, it was announced by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President Ron Corbin. The team will be celebrated at the PSWA’s 110th annual dinner, Monday January 27th, 2014, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ.
The hard-fighting “Broad Street Bullies,” the ’73-74 Flyers could do more than drop the gloves. The team finished atop the West Division, winning 50 games and led by team captain Bobby Clarke, goalie Bernie Parent, Rick MacLeish, Bill Barber and Dave “The Hammer” Schultz. Clarke led the team in scoring with 35 goals and 52 assists for 87 points while Parent set a record for goaltenders with 47 wins, a record that stood for 33 years, sharing the Vezina Trophy with Chicago’s Tony Esposito. MacLeish and Barber put together stellar seasons, with MacLeish compiling 32 goals and 77 points, while Barber added another 34 goals and 69 points. Schultz was on his way to becoming one of hockey’s greatest enforcers with 348 penalty minutes that season, but he contributed with the stick, too, netting 20 goals.
The Flyers swept the Atlanta Flames in the opening round of the playoffs and then defeated the New York Rangers in a hard-fought series that went the full seven games. Next were the finals where Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins awaited. A memorable series followed where the Flyers bested Boston in six games. Game six was one of the greatest games in Flyers history, a white-knuckle 1-0 triumph at the Spectrum that brought the Stanley Cup to Philadelphia, a feat the team would repeat the following season. Parent claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, and coach Fred Shero was voted the inaugural Jack Adams Award as coach of the year.
The 1973-74 Flyers will join a distinguished list of honorees to be revealed in the coming weeks, including the Outstanding Pro Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, the Living Legend award, the Good Guy Award and the Most Courageous award. Tickets are available now at $95 by visiting www.pswa.org.
The PSWA has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Other ventures between the two organizations will be announced over the next few months. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national Coaches vs. Cancer program that was created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The program exists to leverage the strength, community leadership, and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer
So you want to write, edit, or otherwise tell the story of the world? Start by fact-checking our list of the best colleges for communications majors. We’ll help you get one step closer to your byline.
Best Schools for Communications Majors – Full List
This chart is based upon PayScale Salary Survey data for full-time employees in the United States who possess a bachelor’s degree and no higher degrees and have majored in the subjects listed above. These results may not represent all graduates with these degrees. More than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. were included. As a result, median salary figures may be skewed toward large state universities, since these schools have the largest attendance. Salary is the sum of compensation from base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, commissions, and overtime, if applicable. Salary does not include equity (stock) compensation.
When adding energy-efficient upgrades to your home, it’s important to ensure even the most fundamental of enhancements, such as lighting, offer the ease of use, reliability and value expected from the traditional, incandescent options.
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