Smart Talk Series Podcast By Melissa Vela-Williamson APR cover art

Smart Talk Series

Smart Talk Series

By: Melissa Vela-Williamson APR
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The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist.

This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or personal success. So anyone ready to hear real talk about how to better communicate on topics that matter is welcome!

2021, MVW Communications Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Smart Talk Series Trailer

    Smart Talk Series Trailer
    Mar 15 2021

    Welcome to the Smart Talk Series, hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson -- an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur and national columnist.

    Each week, Melissa will dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using her 360-degree approach.
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    1 min
  • 1. How to Communicate in Turbulent Times

    1. How to Communicate in Turbulent Times
    Apr 5 2021

    After a year as turbulent as 2020, there is one word Melissa has in mind: Restoration. In the inaugural Smart Talk Series episode, Melissa reflects on the lessons learned in 2020 and how communicating during tough times challenges professionals.

    Topics covered:

    - Silver linings from 2020

    - How to communicate with your audience - Adaptable crisis management

    - Evaluating your processes to create meaningful change

    - Next steps for restoration throughout 2021

    Actions to take:

    - Establish a one-word theme for 2021

    - Don't forget to remember the "why" when you lay out the "how"

    - Embrace our new hybrid world

    - Plan with pencils

    - Diversify your approach

    Resources mentioned:

    - My Intent Project: https://myintent.org/

    - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html - -

    -Meals on Wheels San Antonio: https://www.mowsatx.org/
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    25 mins
  • 2. Managing Crisis Communications with Chris Talley

    2. Managing Crisis Communications with Chris Talley
    Apr 13 2021

    This week, Melissa is joined by seasoned PR professional and leader of Talley Communication Strategies, Chris Talley. His PR experience comes from working at USAA, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, and FleishmanHillard, one of the world’s most prestigious public relations agencies. Today he volunteers in the community and devotes time to speaking at colleges across the country.

    Topics covered:

    - The difference between a crisis, an issue, and a situation
    - How to be proactive in crisis planning
    - How to "read the room"
    - Learning from challenging situations
    - The difference between brand and reputation
    - How to manage stressful situations

    Actions to take:

    - Think like an investigative journalist
    - Act, don't decide
    - Praise in public, criticize in private
    - Declare your communication timing
    - Be intentional about the routines that you want to maintain as nonnegotiable
    - Exercise, take a moment to breathe, and take a pause

    Resources mentioned:

    - Talley Communication Strategies: https://www.talleypr.com/
    - Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christalley1
    - Accreditation in Public Relations: https://www.prsa.org/professional-development/accreditation-in-public-relations-(apr)
    - The Muppets Take Manhattan: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087755/
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    32 mins
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