When the Headline Is You - Hardcover

by Jeff Ansell (Author), Jeffrey Leeson (With)

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.

Front Jacket

"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.

Back Jacket

"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 Messaging Toolkit, 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.

Author Biography

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 jeffleeson@yahoo.com