Paddy Power, an Irish betting company, launched this hilarious commercial to target a behavior that has become too normalized — sports fans on Twitter confidently criticizing professional athletes from the comfort of their sofas. Shot in a mock-documentary style, the ad follows a “Social Squad” that tracks down outspoken Twitter users who posted bold takes […]
Here’s another thoughtful piece from our friend and colleague, Tony Jaques, Director of Issue Outcomes Pty Ltd, in Australia… In the sad pantheon of non-apologies, “I regret” or “it is regrettable” rank alongside the perennial “I’m sorry if you were offended”. When Sydney radio talk show heavyweight Kyle Sandilands launched a personal on-air attack against his co-host Jackie […]
By Ted Skinner, writing for Risk Management… On January 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 was flying at 16,000 feet when a door plug blew off the Boeing 737 MAX 9 fuselage. The two seats adjacent to the opening were, by chance, unoccupied. That stroke of luck is the only reason this incident did not […]
By Frank Ramos for Above the Law Communication is advocacy. Young lawyers often think the job is to know the facts, know the law, and then say the right thing. That is only part of it. The harder task is deciding how to say it so a client trusts you, opposing counsel takes you seriously, and […]
Introduction by Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications Cat YouTube? Happy Dog TV? Relax My Cat? DOGTV? If you’re thinking, “What on earth does Cat YouTube have to do with crisis communications?”, that’s exactly why this New York Times piece belongs here. Because at its core, it’s a story about audience. We spend our professional lives trying […]
By Lisa Lang for Above the Law As in-house lawyers, we are often called in when there are problems to solve and challenges to overcome. The phone rings. The meeting invite goes out. Something has gone sideways, and leadership needs everyone (including the in-house lawyer) at the table. When you walk into that room, how […]
By Thom Weidlich for PRCG | Haggerty LLC Not every crisis is a major facility fire or data breach. Companies must watch for the smaller crises, too. Let’s say, for example, a salesman in your car dealership refuses to sell a vehicle to a customer unless she agrees to a date with him — and […]
The Mass Shooting Playbook Introduction by Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications… A mass shooting is not just a tactical emergency. It is a communications crucible. This article introduces the Mass Shooting Playbook, a research-driven, practical handbook for leaders and communicators responsible for communities under threat. Built on real-world cases, it offers checklists, clear roles, and guidance […]
By Tony Jaques, Director of Issue Outcomes Pty Ltd. Outrage moves faster than facts. And “just stay silent” is rarely neutral. This article offers a practical way to decide whether to speak on contentious issues and, more importantly, how to make that call without sounding performative or losing trust. It lays out a shared-values framework […]
By Julia Minson, writing for The New York Times A Harvard researcher describes a fraught conversation about immigration with her conservative, veteran father-in-law and shares the behavioral-science playbook that kept it constructive. The takeaway isn’t “win the argument,” but keep the relationship intact. She explains why curiosity beats persuasion, how to signal respect while disagreeing […]