When the Headline Is You: An Insider's Guide to Handling the Media (J-B International Association of Business Communicators) [Hardcover]

Jeff Ansell (Author), Jeffrey Leeson (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2010 | Series: J-B International Association of Business Communicators (Book 10)

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"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.

From the Back Cover

Praise for When the Headline Is You

"Business media continue to be the most credible sources of information on companies. Jeff Ansell's book When the Headline Is You offers invaluable advice on managing relationships with these outlets."
—Richard Edelman, president and CEO, Edelman Public Relations

"Jeff Ansell's advice is extremely relevant in today's climate where a well-managed crisis can make the difference between survival and ruin."
—Nicolle Wallace, former communications director, the White House

"When the Headline Is You is the world's most sophisticated yet sensible guide to making the most of journalist interactions."
—Bob Pickard, CEO, Asia-Pacific Division, Burson-Marsteller

"Jeff Ansell's candor in how to deal with the environment around us is refreshing.When the Headline Is You is a must-read for everyone involved in the communi-cations business."
—Robert Dilenschneider, founder and principal, the Dilenschneider Group

"When the Headline Is You will be an important contribution to management, governance, and public discourse. It's both practical and principled, a rare combination. And it brings new insight to real problems."
—Michael Wheeler, professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470543949
• ISBN-13: 978-0470543948
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #779,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeff Ansell is a media and crisis communications consultant who advises clients in tough, high profile no-win situations. Drawing on his nearly 40 years in the field of communications, Jeff has created a unique process for newsmakers and public speakers to be compelling communicators.

Prior to his consulting career, Jeff was an investigative reporter, news anchor, business correspondent, talk show host and political reporter. In his investigations, Jeff posed undercover as a drug addict to expose doctors pushing drugs and dedicated twelve months to tracking Nazi war criminals. Jeff received the Radio and Television News Directors Association Award for the Most Significant Contribution to the Improvement of News Gathering in the country and was nominated for Canada's Governor-General's Award for public service in journalism.

Jeff is an instructor for the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program "Dealing with an Angry Public," sponsored by Harvard Law School. Annually, he lectures on media skills to Harvard Business School MBA students in the "Negotiating Dynamics" course.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique tool for business communicators, November 15, 2010

By 

Andre in Toronto - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Headline Is You: An Insider's Guide to Handling the Media (J-B International Association of Business Communicators) (Hardcover)

I just finished the book, and wanted to convey my enthusiasm for this outstanding tool for the professional communicator (or for those who aspire to become so). The book presents the material in a clear, structured manner that allows one to return to it on a regular basis, as needed. While it won't replace the value of face-to-face training by Jeff Ansell himself (no book could replace active participatory media training), it does provide a consistent and effective framework to filter and craft messages. I think the real originality of the approach (and in the book) lies in the concept of the Value Compass. It is clearly the first step in rethinking corporate communications in a wholly different way, closer to how humans need to communicate with one another. Ultimately, it could serve to partially humanize industries and companies that deal in controversial products or services. A must read!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Tool for Corporate Communicators (and Others Too), March 20, 2011

By 

Judith C. Hoffman "crisis lady" (Clayton, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When the Headline Is You: An Insider's Guide to Handling the Media (J-B International Association of Business Communicators) (Hardcover)

As a media trainer, I am always looking for materials that provide new insights and practical tools that I can recommend to my clients and those who read my e-zine. I was delighted to find Jeff Ansell's book last month. Judging by the number of things I highlighted and pages I dog-eared, his book is a real find. It is not a heavy, theoretical dissertation. Instead it is very readable with many "aha" moments. The principles he teaches in the book are similar to the ones I emphasize in my own book on the subject. But he has many real-life examples which bring the theory to life. For example, his advice on answering really tough questions where reporters try to nail you with, "Answer yes or no..." or "Is it possible that..." or "Can you guarantee..." is worth the price of the book alone. And he adds greatly to the general body of knowledge of media relations with his concept of the "Value Compass" that helps companies know how to frame their messages in ways that will resonate positively with the publics with whom they are trying to communicate. I have asked (and received) permission to quote him in the 2011 version of my book and my upcoming e-zine. If you or your organization are apt to be on the firing line from reporters, bloggers, or angry members of the public (and what organization can say this will never be the case!), it would definitely be in your best interests to read this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read!, July 2, 2011

By 

Pharmaceutical Company CEO - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Headline Is You: An Insider's Guide to Handling the Media (J-B International Association of Business Communicators) (Kindle Edition)

"When the Headline Is You" is a practical and easy to read book on business communication. It includes loads of insider tips and great insights on how to deal with the media. Jeff Ansell's years of experience as a reporter and as a consultant provides a solid foundation for this valuable guide. A must-read for all organizational leaders who deal with the media!