Synopses & Reviews
Praise for When the Headline Is You"Business media continue to be the most credible sources of information on companies. Jeff Ansell's book When the Headline Is You offers invaluable advice on managing relationships with these outlets."
—Richard Edelman, president and CEO, Edelman Public Relations
"Jeff Ansell's advice is extremely relevant in today's climate where a well-managed crisis can make the difference between survival and ruin."
—Nicolle Wallace, former communications director, the White House
"When the Headline Is You is the world's most sophisticated yet sensible guide to making the most of journalist interactions."
—Bob Pickard, CEO, Asia-Pacific Division, Burson-Marsteller
"Jeff Ansell's candor in how to deal with the environment around us is refreshing.When the Headline Is You is a must-read for everyone involved in the communi-cations business."
—Robert Dilenschneider, founder and principal, the Dilenschneider Group
"When the Headline Is You will be an important contribution to management, governance, and public discourse. It's both practical and principled, a rare combination. And it brings new insight to real problems."
—Michael Wheeler, professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School
Synopsis
A former journalist's tips and guidance on how to deal with traditional online media
Former award-winning journalist Jeff Ansell provides a how-to guide for executives and other professionals whose high-visibility requires frequent interviews with the media. Drawn from his workshops at Harvard Business School and MIT-Harvard's Public Disputes Program, the author provides tested techniques, tools, and insights for how to respond to all types of media in tough situations. The book also reveals the lessons learned and the pitfalls to avoid by referencing actual news stories from around the world, and provides exercises for readers who wish to sharpen their media-handling skills. Offers guidance for creating meaningful media messages Shows how to best answer questions on issues where concern is high and trust is low Written by Jeff Ansell an award-winning journalist and Fortune 500 consultant Filled with role-playing exercises followed by advice and tips on how to respond successfully
This book provides an essential and real-world resource for navigating the white waters of media relations.
Synopsis
Proven strategies for managing all types of media encounters!Award-winning journalist and Fortune 500 consultant Jeff Ansell provides a how-to guide for leaders, executives, and other professionals whose high-visibility requires frequent contact with the media. Drawing on nearly four decades of media experience, Ansell presents tested techniques for responding to challenging questions and delivering effective messages. In addition, he reveals lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid by referencing recent news events from around the world. Valuable features include:
- A behind-the-scenes look at how news is made
- Complete guidelines to creating compelling messages
- Specific messaging formulae for building trust when the news is bad
- Step-by-step strategies for managing hostile or relentless questions
- Insider tips on how to identify and handle misleading questions
An essential resource for navigating both traditional and online media, this book prepares readers for even the most challenging media events.
Synopsis
"Exposing oneself to media scrutiny requires more than simple candor and honesty. It requires knowledge, training, and a keen understanding of how reporters write the news."
from the Introduction
Award-winning journalist and crisis communications expert Jeff Ansell provides a complete, values-based framework for successfully navigating all types of media encounters. This framework offers executives, leaders, and communications professionals the practical tools and step-by-step messaging formulae needed to address problematic issues while limiting their exposure to the sensationalism of today's media environment. With nearly 40 years of experience, Ansell reveals the inside secrets to understanding the media, building credibility, and developing persuasive communication skills.
To facilitate implementation, this how-to guide includes a complete Media MessagingToolkit, a six-step interview and message delivery exercise, and numerous real-world illustrative examples.
Whether delivering good news, not-so-good news, or dealing with a full-blown media crisis, When the Headline Is You provides all the insights and strategies necessary to manage image and enhance reputation.
About the Author
Jeff Ansell is a media and crisis communications consultant who has created a unique process for Fortune 500 companies to manage high-profile issues, including the Erin Brockovich case. As founder and principal of the consulting firm Jeff Ansell & Associates, Jeff's journalism experience gives him the ability to instinctively react to his clients' most difficult situations. Thousands of executives and communications professionals worldwide have been coached in Jeff's process.
Jeffrey Leeson is a professional writer and editor. He has edited dozens of business books and coauthored Leading a Learning Revolution (Pfeiffer, 2008). He can be reached at [email protected]
Table of Contents
Foreword.
Introduction.
1 What Is News?
2 You Are the Story.
3 How to Admit Bad News.
4 Crafting Compelling Messages.
5 Delivering Your Message.
6 When the Going Gets Tough.
7 Twenty What-Ifs.
Appendix: Media Messaging Toolkit.
Notes.
Acknowledgments.
The Authors.
Index.