Along with what you say, how you say it, or tone of voice, helps establish a public perception. Tone can be critical during a PR crisis.
Branding/Reputation


Have ‘Acknowledge, Apologize and Address’ Run Their Course as a PR Crisis Response?
April 6th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinThere’s one thing you can say about social media–sometimes it helps remove doubt. It goes to a principle that communicators know well: Nothing disappears once it’s posted on social media.

Amazon, Publix Show Political Sparring in the Media is Far From Over
April 5th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzCan brands continue to stay out of the political spotlight, or have we reached a point of no return? Recent developments in the Southeast seem to point to the latter. Over the last week, two household names in the U.S., Amazon and Publix, have been forced to respond directly to comments made by elected officials.

Dr. Birx Reveals All on CNN, But Will It Repair Her Reputation?
March 29th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanSome view Dr. Deborah Birx as the previous administration’s medical enabler. Indeed, during a March 28 CNN interview she admitted the substantial numbers of deaths could have been reduced had the White House adopted better policies and communicated them correctly. Her admission provides little solace to mourning families. And it might not help salvage her image.

A Special Birthday for PR’s Grande Dame: Denny Griswold (1908-2001)
March 24th, 2021 by Shelley SpectorIt’s fitting that today, March 24, 2021, is both Equal Pay Day and the birthday of PRNEWS’s founder, the inestimable Denora “Denny” Griswold (1908-2001). Griswold’s birthday is special this year, though. Just one week ago, a large package arrived at the Museum of Public Relations. It’s sort of a birthday gift for PR historians worldwide.

How to Approach COVID-19 Anniversary Messaging
March 12th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanOn the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden took to his podium to deliver a message to the American people: empathy and action will set the country on a path to recovery. … Continued

Royal or Not-Empathy Beats Jealousy in Oprah’s Interview
March 9th, 2021 by Daniel ReneWe’re communicators, so it’s natural for us to dissect Oprah’s big interview in a slightly different way than most. For us, some of the questions center on the couple’s goals in agreeing to sit for the interview and did they make their case well?

No Masking the Difficulty of Decisions Facing Texas Businesses
March 4th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanTexas businesses large and small are facing a decision: Should they honor the Governor’s decision to life the mask mandate or continue requiring masks for employees and customers? It’s a decision with risks and rewards no matter what decision is reached.

Brands, Leaders and Communicators Urged to Hew Closely to Corporate Values During This Moment of Division and Disinformation
March 2nd, 2021 by Seth ArensteinWas there a recent time when communicators had a more confusing ecosystem in which to tell stories? US-based PR pros are working in a climate that includes political fragmentation, a year-old pandemic mired in those political divisions, an erosion of trust in public and private institutions and a meteoric rise in disinformation.

Why the Answer to the Question,’What’s In a Name?’ Matters More than Ever
March 2nd, 2021 by Erika BradburyIn the past year, as calls for social justice have increased, a growing number of organizations found themselves re-branding, changing their names or packaging in attempts to leave behind legacy narratives.