Miele Fails to Communicate

In the Paul Newman classic, Cool Hand Luke, the Boss man explains “what we got here is failure … to communicate.” Success does not only depend on having the right intentions, but getting the message across to the audience. Recently Miele, an appliance company founded in 1899, not only failed to reach its audiences on Instagram, it actually insulted them. …

The Freedom of Speech

Negative stories filled with hatred and name-calling have become the “new normal” for media coverage. No longer do audiences feel encouraged or motivated from what we read or hear. But the media’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech is an opportunity to influence and inspire, as well. Recently, New York Times Opinion Columnist, Thomas L. Friedman wrote about Tiger …

“Being (Your) Best” in the Media

Countless media encounters have schooled First Lady Melania Trump on the value of staying on message. It’s difficult in an intense media environment, but she’s learning to play the game. Photo of Melania Trump and a baby/Courtesy of AOL.com According to the New York Times, her tightly controlled “Be Best” tour through three states showed that Mrs. Trump has developed …

Not #MeToo

The embattled and embittered American male is fighting back in protest to Gillette’s newest commercial. “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be” tackles issues of toxic masculinity and sexual harassment in the age of the #MeToo movement. Photo Courtesy of CNN.com The controversial advertisement has elicited a flurry of mixed responses. From users on Twitter praising the company for encouraging …

Christmas Commercials that Connect 2018: McDonald’s & Hobby Lobby

In our second annual series of Christmas Commercials that Connect, McDonald’s once again successfully connects a product with the holidays! This time, as the team makes their rounds doling out gifts from rooftops, it’s the reindeer who yearn for a treat that’s healthier than the cookies left for Santa. Spying a McDonald’s, jolly old Saint Nick knows just what to …

Think On Your Feet … Before You Tweet

Social media has become a PR nightmare for some. Instead of carefully planning answers to bridge to in interviews and crafting speeches reflecting thought leadership, it is now possible to make a serious media mistake with the push of the button.                                       …