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Noted communications specialist Mary Schnack has been giving speeches, trainings and presentations worldwide for more than 25 years. Mary is articulate, witty and knowledgeable about communications for both business and personal relevance. Her topics are interesting and thought provoking and offer communication tips that you can put to immediate use. By peppering her presentations with examples from her personal experiences in such places as Waco, Rwanda, Russia and Los Angeles, Mary offers real world perspective and not just textbook examples from other people’s work.
Mary speaks on a variety of subjects pertaining to communications that would be of interest to small business owners, corporate professionals and associations. Her warm easy style, command of her subject and keen awareness guarantee that her audiences come away entertained, enlightened and informed. Mary’s speech topics can be adjusted for keynote addresses, seminars or multi-day training, and can be adapted to specific industries or audiences. Her keynote presentations have garnered rave reviews nationwide.
"The Power of PR in Growing Your Business"
Why do you need PR? Public relations is a powerful, cost effective means to promote your business. It is important to know and utilize all the components of a well-rounded public relations campaign. What are message points? What's the difference between a pitch, an op-ed and a news release? What elements go into a Communications Plan? How do you build a relationship with the media? What is newsworthy? How do you successfully pitch a story? What should you say on your web site, in your brochure, newsletter and other print materials? The answers to these questions will give you the right tools for your communications toolbox.
"Media Training: Don’t Let Them See You Sweat"
A reporter from your local business journal calls and wants to interview you for a story. What will you say?!? Few things are more exciting, or stressful, than talking to the media. When our level of stress increases, our rational thinking decreases. We may get tongue-tied and not communicate our message clearly. Media training helps us effectively handle both friendly and difficult media situations. By clearly presenting your key points, you also sound more sincere and credible. By keeping a clear head (thanks to preparation and message points), you can speak succinctly and powerfully.
"Communication Under Fire"
The Secrets of Success for Crisis Communications
If a crisis were to happen at your place of business, would you be prepared to handle the media, your employees, your stockholders and your competition? Once a crisis hits, it's too late to develop a plan. Learn everything that you need to know to handle a crisis quickly and effectively. You will acquire the knowledge to develop a plan in advance, to select the best spokesperson for the company, and to create a system to disseminate information both internally and to the media, before and after a crisis strikes.
"Communicating During Life's Crises"
Crisis Communications Tools for Every Day Situations
What do you do when you have to reprimand an employee? How do you handle an upset customer who has made an unreasonable request? What if unfavorable information is leaked to the media about your business? How do you bring up a delicate issue with your significant other? The way we communicate in times like these determines whether or not a "situation" escalates into a "crisis" or is constructively managed by the right approach. The same techniques used by corporate executives during a media crisis can be applied to those day-to-day communications where we experience difficulty in making our message understood. Learn new communication tools on the spot for times of "crisis" which will give you more satisfaction, confidence, and less stress in your business and social relationships.
Former students of Mary’s crisis communications seminar in Iceland, who work for the government's Inspired by Iceland program, were short-listed for the European Excellence Awards in crisis communications!
"Trial by Media: Using Publicity to Make Your Case"
Public Relations and the media are valuable tools that can make or break a legal case. The media is omnipresent and often there is no choice but to cooperate and participate with "the beast." Master the tried and true methods of using PR, behind the scenes and in front of the camera, to sway public opinion in your favor. Learn the legal considerations of talking to the media about a case. Know when to be proactive and use the media to your advantage without compromising your client's case. If you properly position yourself, your client and the case, the image created can influence public in a positive way. Finally, it is no secret that the exposure you get from working on a high profile case can generate business for you and your firm.
"10 Fool Proof Ideas for Marketing Your Business"
Every successful company uses some sort of promotion to influence certain audiences. The key is to find the methods that are appropriate for your business, marketplace and professional style. Although it is a fun, light-hearted approach to marketing, attendees leave with significant ideas that will be easy to implement upon the return to their offices
"Crafting Messages for Success"
The way we craft our "messages" is imperative to the success of an interview, the success of a project, the success of a conflict resolution. What messages need to be communicated? By having points prepared in advance you can often control the communication and make it a win-win by keeping a conversation, presentation or interview on-track. You already know what type of information your audiences want. Now, what do you want them to know? By clearly presenting your key points, you sound sincere and credible. By keeping a clear head (thanks to preparation and message points), you can speak succinctly and powerfully.
"Be the Expert that You Are"
We are constantly vying for attention in a crowded marketplace. Publicity is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to generate awareness about an organization. Plus editorial coverage is three times more credible than an advertisement and therefore, more effective than other forms of communication. Serving as an expert resource is very appealing to the media, rather than having an organization try to "sell" a story to them. You can develop this kind of relationship by positioning yourself as a resource to the media.
"The Ten Dumb Things People Say To Someone With Cancer"
A seven-time cancer survivor, Mary takes an upbeat and humorous approach for how to help someone who has recently received the "Big C" diagnosis.
7 Things I Learned From Having Cancer 7 Times (+1)
And How They Apply to Business (and everyday life)
A powerful presentation on overcoming obstacles with a positive attitude and the will not only to survive, but to thrive! Learn how Mary used these principles to continue running two businesses, travel the world helping others, and keep an upbeat attitude about life.
 Stay True to Yourself |
Communicate |
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| Develop a Team |
Celebrate |
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| Advocate |
Feed Your Soul |
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| Be An Expert |
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Ask about booking an expanded workshop with your employees, or community.
Learn more about this powerful presentation.
